cosmetic inlays & onlays

In Richmond, VA

Inlays and Onlays

There are three primary treatment choices when teeth have significant decay: composite fillings, crowns, and inlays/onlays. Composite fillings are recommended when tooth decay is in only in initial stages. These fillings are comprised of resin, which is put into a newly drilled and properly cleaned cavity, and then a layer is used to dry it. It is necessary for fillings to be small, because when fillings are too large, they can crack, which can unfortunately lead to a root canal. Crowns are used when most of the tooth has been damaged. The damaged parts of the tooth are removed and then shaped to allow for a porcelain crown to be placed on top of it, so the mouth’s appearance and the ability to chew food are maintained. At Capital Dental Design, crowns are always an option, but our goal is always to protect and maintain as much of the original tooth structure as is possible.

When the amount of tooth-damage is somewhere between minimal and maximum decay inlays and onlays are the ideal choice. As with crowns, they are created in a dental lab to fit the size of the holes that need addressing and are specifically shaped for your tooth. As with fillings, they allow for the bulk of the tooth structure to be maintained. In most of the cases where less than 50 percent of the tooth needs to be replaced, we will suggest inlays or inlays.

To learn more about inlays and onlays, please refer to the following, or schedule an appointment today. We proudly serve patients throughout Richmond and the surrounding area, including neighborhoods like Southampton, Stratford Hills, Westover Hills, Bon Air, Libbie and Grove, Church Hill, The Fan, Westham, Museum District, and Mooreland Farms.

At Capital Dental Design, we are committed to providing you with effective, considerate care and helping you get the bright, beautiful smile you have always wanted!

Aftercare Instructions

Fortunately, you will not have to follow special aftercare instructions following placement of your inlays and/or onlays, although it may be possible that the reason the procedure was necessary in the first place is that you have not been taking proper care of your oral health. Make a habit of brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily and follow a balanced diet that is not overloaded with foods that are sugary or acidic. Additional steps you can take include drinking more water, especially after every meal, and using a fluoride mouthwash and/or toothpaste.

Finally, the most important step you can take to preserve your oral health and avoid the need for procedures like inlays and onlays is to schedule a regular examination with us at least twice a year, or with greater regularity if you are at an increased risk of developing oral health issues. These visits ensure that Dr. Forbes can evaluate your oral health and identify issues before they develop into something worse. They also allow us to perform one of our three types of dental exams: a limited exam (for specific concerns), comprehensive exam (thorough examination of your overall oral health followed by treatment recommendations), or our signature exam (which includes the comprehensive exam as well as a full head and neck exam and ideas for a Digital Smile Design).

Call Today to Schedule a Consultation

At Capital Dental Design in Richmond, one of the main things our patients love about us is that we are a patient-centered practice. We treat our patients like family, which means we take the time to understand who you are, your medical and oral health history, and your oral health goals, because doing so allows us to do everything we can to help you and your family reach those goals.

If you have not joined us as a patient yet and/or if you would like to schedule an appointment to determine whether you are a good candidate for inlays or onlays, contact us today online or call us directly at (804) 320-8894.

We are here to brighten your smile and provide you with the personalized care you deserve!