What are Inlays and Onlays?

If you are in need of inlays or inlays, Dr. Joseph Boulos and Dr. Julie Boulos of All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA have these services available at their full-service dental office.

Inlays or onlays are sometimes referred to as partial crowns. They are a good choice when the use of a full crown is determined to be unnecessary. More of the natural tooth is retained with the use of these procedures. The end result is very natural looking and no one will be able to tell they aren't 100% natural.

What is an inlay?

Traditionally, inlays were used in place of a filling when the cavity is large. They were only made of gold, which made them expensive and time-consuming. Today, they are still used in the same way, but they are made of tooth-colored ceramic, porcelain, or a special dental composite material.

Before an inlay can be placed, the decay must be removed. The inlay is made in a lab to fit the exact size of the restoration needed. It does take time for them to be made, so a temporary covering must be placed on the tooth. And it takes more than one dentist appointment to accomplish.

What is an onlay?

An onlay is a partial crown that covers more of the top surface of a tooth than an inlay. The tooth must also be covered temporarily while the cover is made. The difference is the amount of the tooth surface covered. In an onlay, it isn't just inside the tooth, it also includes the chewing surface. It is larger than an inlay but smaller than a full crown.

Why are inlays and onlays the right choice?

In the case of an inlay, it can be used to replace an unsightly or defective filling. It can also be used instead of a filling to replace the tooth structure that was damaged by decay. The process of placing it uses bonding which can make the tooth even stronger than it was when it had a traditional filling. It looks better than a traditional metal filling.

Onlays are also made in the lab and constructed from the same materials as inlays, ceramic, porcelain, or dental composite. This makes them incredibly durable and, if well cared for, can last as long as 30 years. Both inlays and inlays are good options in Pacific Beach, CA.

For inlays or onlays in Pacific Beach, CA, Dr. Joseph Boulos and Dr. Julie Boulos of All Coast Dental can provide the services you want. Call the office at 858-270-4904 for an appointment or a consultation.

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OUR LOCATION

2180 Garnet Avenue, Suite 1-K Pacific Beach, CA 92109

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Business Hours

Monday:

7:40 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:00 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

10:00 am-4:00 pm

(Administrative Staff)

Friday:

7:40 am-4:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

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