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Inlays and Onlays

Restoring Back Teeth - Crowns, Onlays and Inlays Explained

Posterior crown onlay/inlayThe cusp is the pointed or rounded projection on the chewing surface of the tooth. Molars typically have four cusps as shown by the four purple asterisks in the top image. Bicuspids, also called pre-molars, typically have two cusps as shown by the two blue asterisks in the top image. When we refer to crowns, onlays, and inlays, we are referring to whether we need to restore the cusp of the tooth, and if so, whether it is all of the cusps or some of the cusps. When a tooth has been severely weakened or fractured, we will usually place a crown, which covers all of the cusps. In the photo on the right, the closest tooth requires a crown to made in the lab and the result is shown in the bottom picture.

When a tooth has one or more cusps that are weakened or fractured but other cusps that are still strong, we can elect to do an onlay. An onlay can cover one or more cusps while retaining some of the tooth above the gumline. In the example on the right, the lower left cusp for the middle tooth was determined to be too weak. It was capped, but the remaining three cusps were healthy so they were left untouched. The porcelain restoration was made in the lab and the final result is in the bottom image.

When the cusps of the tooth are all healthy and structurally sound, we can elect to restore the surrounding structure but leave the cusps intact. This is called an inlay as shown by the tooth on the far right. The amalgam restoration needed to be replaced and it was restored with a porcelain inlay that was made in the lab. The final result is shown in the bottom image.

Please see the Crowns Gallery and the Fillings Gallery to view the types of results we can achieve with crowns, inlays, and onlays.

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Ace Dental Care, PC

Monday:

9:00 am-7:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-7:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-7:00 pm

Thursday:

Closed

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

9:00 am-3:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

    "I would give her ten if I could. Dr. Williams has been my dentist for over twenty years. In that time, she has never broken an appointment with me. I am pretty type A when it comes to my teeth, and I like her because she always has great tips about how to take care of them. She is uber professional but has a good sense of humor. Her sense of humor is actually a pretty big deal when you have to sit with someone for an extended period of time. I've been in her chair for over an hour a couple of times. Once to get braces done and another time for a teeth whitening. Uncomfortable to say the least, but she went out of her way to ease the pain. I have not considered another Dentist ever since."

    Seun A.

    "Excellent Dentist"

    Mark S.

    "Dr. Williams is an excellent dentist! It's pretty evident that she cares about her patients and she always goes the extra mile. Every visit to her practice is pleasant...she's truly such a patient and kind doctor. Highly recommend!"

    Oluwaseyi A.

    "Dr. Williams is the best dentist ever! Not only does she take her time but she cleans your teeth personally. I love her individualized patient services."

    — David T.

    "Great Dentist!"

    — Thierry J.