Inlays and Onlays

Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs provides patients who have suffered from injuries or periodontal disease with safe, affordable restorations. But sometimes, only part of a tooth needs to be replaced. When the chewing surface of a molar or premolar is damaged, it can be fixed with a partial crown known as an inlay or an onlay.

The difference between inlays and onlays is how much of the tooth they replace. Chewing surfaces are made up of raised cuspids and the indentations in between them. An inlay only fills in the indentation, while an onlay replaces one or more cuspids and fills the indentation.

After decayed material has been removed, one of the doctors will take an impression of the patient’s mouth and sent it to a lab where the partial crown will be manufactured. The most common material used is porcelain, which is also typically used for full crowns and veneers. When the partial crown arrives at our clinic, we will be able to install it painlessly. Patients will have to take good care of their new teeth, but should be able to chew normally again.

Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour operate Southern Cross Dental at 1855 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80905-2516. To schedule an appointment, call 719-471-1717 or visit SouthernCrossFamilyDentistry.com and fill out a contact sheet.