Dental inlays and onlays in Madison differ from traditional fillings in how much tooth structure they can restore and the material they’re made of. Traditional fillings work well for small cavities. Your dentist simply cleans out the decayed part of the tooth, applies a composite resin material to the area where the decay used to be, and then hardens it with a special light. This is a quick and effective solution for minor tooth decay.
When Fillings Aren’t Enough
Your dentist will use inlays and overlays when the decay or damage is more than what a filling can handle. At Talbert Family Dentistry, Dr. Talbert designs overlays and inlays in Madison using digital scans of your tooth, then makes them from durable ceramic. An inlay restoration sits within the grooves of your tooth. An onlay restoration covers one or more cusps, the raised part of your tooth surface.
Because ceramic is stronger than composite filling material, dental onlays and inlays typically last longer than fillings. They also preserve more of your healthy tooth compared to a crown, making them a good middle-ground option.
Find Out Which Restoration Fits Your Needs
Call Talbert Family Dentistry at (256) 542-1969 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Talbert.