To treat a cavity, Dr. Michael Wilhite will remove the infected area of the tooth and then fill the area using a filling. Onlays and inlays are types of fillings that are used when not enough tooth structure remains to support a filling but the tooth is not damaged enough to need a crown.

Inlays are similar to fillings, but the work lies entirely within the bumps (cusps) on the chewing surface of the tooth. Onlays, sometimes called partial crowns, are more extensive than inlays. They cover one or more cusps of the tooth. Inlays and onlays are either direct or indirect. Direct inlays and onlays are constructed in the dental office and are placed in one visit, while indirect inlays and onlays require two dental visits.

When placing a dental onlay or inlay, our dentist and team first remove the decay. An impression is made of the tooth and the surrounding teeth so an inlay or onlay can be constructed. A temporary filling is placed to protect the tooth. At your next visit, the temporary filling is removed, and our dentist will check the fit of the inlay or onlay. Once any necessary adjustments are made, it is permanently cemented into place.

We encourage you to call Davidson Cosmetic & Family Dentistry at 704-987-2277 to learn more about dental inlays and onlays in Davidson, North Carolina, and to schedule an appointment.