Biting down and feeling sharp pain, noticing cracks around an old filling, or being told a cavity is “too big for a filling but not bad enough for a crown” can be frustrating. These problems weaken the tooth and make everyday chewing uncomfortable. Dental inlays and onlays in Phoenix can repair damaged areas of the tooth while preserving healthy structure. They provide a precise, long-lasting solution for mild to moderate damage.
At Central Valley Dentistry in Phoenix, we offer these custom partial crowns to protect your teeth and restore your smile with natural-looking results.
How Dental Inlays and Onlays Work in Phoenix
Inlays and onlays crowns restore teeth that have been damaged by cavities or decay. Both treatments work by filling in or covering parts of a tooth that have been affected. They are useful when the tooth has more extensive damage, such as cracks, or when a large part of the tooth is missing.
Inlays fit inside your tooth. They are useful when the damage is mainly on the chewing surface but doesn’t affect the outer part of the tooth. Onlays, on the other hand, cover a larger portion of the tooth. It includes the outer surfaces.
You may be a good candidate for dental inlays and onlays in Phoenix, Arizona, if:
- You have a cavity that is too large for a regular filling but not large enough for a crown.
- You have a broken or cracked tooth that can still be saved with a less invasive restoration.
- You want a durable, natural-looking solution to restore your smile.
The Difference between Inlay and Onlay in Dentistry
Feature | Dental Inlay | Dental Onlay |
Area covered | Fits inside the grooves of the tooth | Covers one or more cusps of the tooth |
Amount of damage treated | Small to moderate | Moderate to larger |
Tooth structure removed | Minimal | More than an inlay, less than a crown |
Strength provided | Reinforces the inner tooth | Strengthens the chewing surface |
Common use | Large cavities or damaged fillings | Cracked or weakened cusps |
Crown alternative | No | Yes |
Material | Porcelain, ceramic, or composite resin | Porcelain, ceramic, or composite resin |
Appearance | Blends with natural tooth | Blends with natural tooth |
Meet Our Dentist for Inlays and Onlays in Phoenix
Dr. Babak Behbahani provides precise restorative care using custom inlays and onlays in Phoenix, designed to strengthen damaged teeth while preserving healthy structure. He earned his Biology Bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University, graduating cum laude, and completed his dental education in Portland, Oregon, where he received his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.
Dr. Behbahani carefully evaluates tooth damage, bite alignment, and long-term function before recommending partial crowns. His conservative approach focuses on durability, comfort, and natural-looking results.
Schedule your consultation with Central Valley Dentistry today and restore your smile with confidence:
- Trusted by Phoenix patients with a 4.9★ Google rating with 900+ reviews.
- Address: 6232 North 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014.
- Call: (602) 246-0385.
Cost and Insurance Policies and Coverage
The cost of inlays and onlays in Phoenix depends on factors such as the material used, the size of the restoration, and the condition of the tooth. While they cost more than standard fillings, they offer greater strength, durability, and long-term value. Most dental insurance companies cover inlays and onlays at approximately 50% when they are considered medically necessary, since they are classified as a major restorative procedure. Coverage varies by plan and deductible status.
What to Expect from Our Procedure
At Central Valley Dentistry, we follow a precise, patient-focused approach to restore damaged teeth:
- We perform a comprehensive exam and digital X-rays to evaluate the tooth and determine the best treatment option.
- On the treatment visit, we numb the area for comfort, remove decay or weakened tooth structure, and shape the tooth for a precise fit.
- We take impressions and hand those over to a dental lab, where your custom restoration is crafted to match your natural tooth.
- We may place a temporary restoration to protect the tooth while the final piece is being made.
- Once ready, we check the fit, adjust the bite, and permanently bond the restoration in place for strength and stability.
Most patients return to normal activities the same day. Mild sensitivity to pressure or temperature may occur and typically improves within 24–72 hours. You can eat normally once numbness wears off, though avoiding very hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours helps ensure proper bonding.
Benefits of Dental Inlays and Onlays in Phoenix, AZ
- Preserve more natural tooth structure than crowns.
- Provide a strong, long-lasting restoration.
- Fit precisely for improved comfort and bite stability.
- Blend naturally with surrounding teeth.
- Strengthen teeth weakened by decay or old fillings.
- Reduce the risk of future cracking or damage.
- Offer a conservative alternative to full crowns.
Inlays and Onlays Near Me
FAQs
Are inlays better than fillings in Phoenix?
Yes, they offer more strength and last longer than fillings, especially for larger cavities.
Is an onlay better than a crown?
They are often a good choice when a tooth is still mostly intact. A crown may be needed when the tooth is more severely damaged.
What is the inlay and onlay material?
They are commonly made from porcelain, ceramic, or composite resin to provide strength and a natural appearance.
How long does the dental inlay or onlay procedure take?
Most treatments require 1–2 visits, with each appointment lasting about 60–90 minutes.
Are dental inlays or onlays painful?
The process is generally comfortable. Local anesthesia is used, and most patients report little to no discomfort.
How long will my dental inlay or onlay last?
These restorations typically last 10–15 years or longer.
How to care for your dental inlay or onlay?
Brush twice daily, floss regularly, avoid chewing hard objects, and maintain routine dental checkups.
Does dental insurance cover the dental inlays and onlays?
Many insurance plans cover about 50% of the cost when the treatment is medically necessary. Coverage varies by plan.
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