Dental Inlays & Onlays in Nampa, ID
Renew Your Teeth for a Beautiful Smile
Your teeth can slowly get worn out over time due to injury, cavities, and age. At Premier Dental Care, our Nampa, ID dentist, Dr. Joel R. Bingham offers dental inlays and onlays to renew your smile’s functionality. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the quality dental care that your teeth deserve.
What Are Inlays & Onlays?
Dental inlays and onlays are custom-made fillings used to repair tooth damage that’s too severe for regular tooth-colored fillings, but not enough for dental crowns. An inlay is applied on the inside of your tooth’s cusps, while an onlay extends over the cusps. At Premier Dental Care, Dr. Bingham uses metal-free composites to blend your filling with your natural smile.
The Benefits of Inlays & Onlays
Depending on the extent of your tooth damage, inlays and onlays can offer patients a variety of benefits that other treatments can’t beat. Some of these advantages include:
- Adds durability and longevity
- Preserves your natural tooth structure
- Maintains your tooth’s original shape
- Stain resistant and easy to clean
The Process of Receiving Inlays & Onlays
You’ll be able to receive your restorations in as few as two appointments at our Nampa, ID office. After your initial appointment, Dr. Bingham will begin your procedure by giving you a local anesthetic so that you won’t feel any discomfort. After removing any damaged or decayed tissue from your tooth, he’ll take a detailed impression of the structure and send it to a lab. A sealant will be temporarily placed on your treated tooth to protect it from bacteria.
When our office receives your restoration, you’ll return for your final fitting. Dr. Binham will remove the temporary sealant, clean your teeth, and make any necessary adjustments when he fits your inlay or onlay. Once it’s bonded by a strong resin, you’ll be free to leave our office with a restored, fully functional smile.
Candidacy for Inlays & Onlays
Your dentist may recommend inlays or onlays if more than half of your tooth’s biting surface has been damaged. Some common issues that may require this restoration include:
- Severely decayed teeth
- Broken or fractured tooth fillings
- Untreated cavities in tooth cusps
Dr. Bingham will determine your candidacy for these dental restorations during your initial consultation. He’ll also discuss other treatment options if they are necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do inlays and onlays last?
Inlays and onlays are long-lasting and only need to be replaced every 20 to 30 years. It’s important to take care of your teeth and practice a good oral hygiene regimen — that way you’ll need fewer replacements. This includes: How long your inlay or onlay will last also depends on where it is in your smile. Areas like the back molars can wear out your restorations.
Are inlays and onlays better than getting fillings?
Whether inlays and onlays are better than fillings depends on the damage to your tooth. Small cavities may benefit more from normal tooth fillings since they’re less invasive. At your initial consultation, your dentist will examine your tooth to determine which treatment option is best for you and your overall oral health.
How long does it take to receive an inlay or onlay?
The inlay and onlay procedures can be completed in two appointments. While each visit lasts about one hour, the amount of time for your treatment will vary based on the complexity of your inlay or onlay. After your initial appointment, it’ll take about one week for your restoration to be ready for fitting. Until then, your dentist will provide you with a temporary restoration until your second appointment.
Does my insurance cover inlays and onlays?
Most insurance companies will cover a portion or all of the costs associated with inlays and onlays since these treatments help restore damaged teeth. It’s recommended that you contact your provider beforehand to get an accurate understanding of your coverage. If you have any questions, feel free to contact your dentist to receive further assistance.
Fix Moderate Cavities With Dental Inlays & Onlays
Gain a restored, beautiful smile with inlays and onlays. Dr. Joel R. Bingham is dedicated to providing you with the best personalized dental care possible. Want the benefits that come with a healthy set of teeth? We serve patients in Moss, Fischer, Bowmont, and Huston, ID. Call our Nampa, ID office at (208) 466-6161 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your appointment today.