Restore Your Teeth with Custom Inlays & Onlays in Farmington, CT!
When you have a damaged tooth that’s too compromised for a simple dental filling but doesn’t require a full dental crown, inlays and onlays offer the perfect middle-ground solution. At Pinnacle Dental in Farmington, CT, Dr. Frank Kuzmin specializes in creating custom inlays and onlays that not only restore your tooth’s function but actually strengthen it beyond its original condition.
Unlike traditional fillings that can weaken your tooth structure, our precisely crafted inlays and onlays are bonded directly to your tooth using advanced high-strength resins. Contact our Farmington dental practice today at (860) 470-3660 to schedule your dental appointment. Our dentist near you welcomes patients in Farmington, Plainville, New Britain, Hartford, Newington, and surrounding areas.
What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?
When more than half of a tooth’s biting surface is damaged, we often use an inlay or onlay to restore the tooth’s anatomy. Inlays and onlays are made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin and are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth. An inlay, which is similar to a dental filling, is placed inside the cusp tips of the tooth.
Traditionally, gold has been the material of choice for inlays and onlays. However, in recent years, porcelain has become increasingly popular due to its strength and color, which has the potential to match the natural color of your teeth.
Why Choose Pinnacle Dental for Inlays & Onlays?
At Pinnacle Dental in Farmington, Dr. Frank Kuzmin combines advanced digital scanning technology with precision craftsmanship to create inlays and onlays that fit perfectly and look completely natural. Our state-of-the-art digital impressions eliminate the need for messy traditional molds, ensuring accuracy and comfort throughout your treatment.
We work with skilled dental laboratories to fabricate restorations using the highest quality materials, whether you choose porcelain for its natural appearance, gold for maximum durability, or composite resin for an economical option. Dr. Kuzmin’s meticulous attention to detail ensures your restoration not only looks great but functions properly and lasts for decades. Our commitment to conservative dentistry means we preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible while providing the strongest, most durable restoration for your specific needs.
How Are Inlays and Onlays Applied at Our Farmington Dental Office?
Two appointments are required for the completion of inlays and onlays.
First Appointment
During the first visit, the damaged or decaying area of the tooth (or the filling that is being replaced) is removed, and the tooth is prepared for the inlay or onlay. To ensure proper fit and bite, we digitally scan the tooth, and the image goes directly to the dental lab for fabrication. Dr Kuzmin then places a temporary restoration and schedules the next appointment
Second Appointment
At the second appointment, the temporary is removed. Next, Dr. Kuzmin makes sure that the inlay or onlay fits correctly. If the fit is satisfactory, the inlay or onlay is bonded to the tooth with a strong resin and polished to a smooth finish.
Considerations for Inlays and Onlays
Traditional fillings can reduce the strength of a natural tooth by up to 50 percent. Alternatively, inlays and onlays, which are bonded directly onto the tooth using special high-strength resins, actually increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75 percent. As a result, they typically last from 10 to 30 years. In some cases, where the damage to the tooth is not extensive enough to merit an entire dental crown, onlays provide a very good alternative.
For more information regarding our inlays and onlays, call our office today! (860) 470-3660.
Frequently Asked Questions
Inlays and onlays in Farmington typically cost between $650-$1,200 per tooth, depending on the material used (porcelain, gold, or composite resin), the size of the restoration, and the complexity of your case. While they cost more than traditional fillings, they’re significantly less expensive than crowns and can last much longer than standard fillings, making them a cost-effective long-term investment.
The procedure is typically comfortable, with local anesthesia used during preparation. Most patients experience minimal discomfort, similar to getting a filling. Some mild sensitivity may occur for a few days after placement, but this usually resolves quickly. Dr. Kuzmin ensures your comfort throughout the entire process.
Inlays and onlays are often preferred when possible because they preserve more of your natural tooth structure compared to crowns. They’re less invasive, require less tooth removal, and are more conservative restorations. However, severely damaged teeth may still require crowns. Dr. Kuzmin will evaluate your specific case to recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Good candidates include patients with damaged teeth that are too compromised for fillings but don’t require full crowns, those with large old fillings that need replacement, patients with cracked or fractured teeth, and individuals seeking a long-lasting, conservative restoration. You’ll need sufficient healthy tooth structure to support the restoration.
Restore Your Smile’s Strength and Beauty
Don’t let damaged teeth compromise your oral health or confidence. Inlays and onlays at Pinnacle Dental offer a superior alternative to large fillings, providing strength, durability, and natural beauty that can last for decades. Dr. Kuzmin’s expertise in conservative restorative dentistry ensures you’ll receive the most appropriate treatment that preserves your natural tooth structure while delivering exceptional results.
Call our Farmington dental practice near you today at (860) 470-3660 to schedule your consultation for inlays and onlays. We proudly serve patients throughout Farmington, Plainville, New Britain, Hartford, Newington, and surrounding Connecticut communities. Take the next step toward stronger, healthier teeth that will serve you for years to come – contact us today to learn how custom inlays and onlays can restore your smile’s function and appearance.