Inlays & Onlays in Chester Springs, PA
Traditionally, the options for treating tooth decay have been dental fillings for small cavities or dental crowns for teeth that have suffered deeper decay. However, with the development of innovative treatment methods in dentistry, dental inlays and onlays in Chester Springs, PA are now available options in the treatment of cavities and advanced tooth decay.
Tooth Decay and Traditional Treatments
Tooth decay does not resolve on its own. It progresses in the mouth and worsens across time. Therefore, teeth that have suffered from decay require treatment and protection. Occasionally, a traditional filling is inadequate to properly treat a cavity in a tooth, yet a full dental crown is not required. In these cases, inlays and onlays in Chester Springs, PA are innovative alternatives that provide more substantial protection than dental fillings but are less invasive procedures than crowns.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays are used to treat the surface of a tooth, damaged by decay or injury. Our dentists near you will create an inlay from composite material or porcelain and design the color to match the tooth as closely as possible. Once the inlay is prepared, it is fitted into the hollow of the afflicted tooth to prevent further decay or damage. Since the structure of inlay material is stronger and more durable than traditional fillings, the tooth is strengthened and protected.
Onlays resemble inlays in their purpose of strengthening and protecting teeth that suffer from decay. They are created much like inlays with the same material. However, onlays function to treat the cusps of teeth as well as their surfaces. Our dentists in Chester Springs, PA will utilize onlays for decayed areas that are too large for traditional fillings or to protect weak teeth from cracking or breaking. Onlays benefit patients because they allow the structure of the tooth to be preserved. Instead of covering the entire tooth like a traditional crown, onlays cover just the damaged or decayed portion for the tooth’s protection.
If you have teeth that have suffered damage or decay, our dental care team can help. For more information about inlays and onlays near you, contact Dentist of Chester Springs.