Teeth can be damaged in many ways, and cavities are considered very common. At Dr. Joe’s in Smithtown, NY, we treat most cavities throughout the year using fillings. Unfortunately, fillings aren’t always enough. That’s why we provide inlays and onlays in Smithtown, NY.
Many people confuse fillings, inlays, onlays, and crowns with each other. Before we start any procedure here at Dr. Joe’s, we have to explain to patients what we think would be the best solution. We also tell patients what to expect afterward and give them instructions for the first few hours or days after the procedure.
Inlays vs. Fillings
Inlays are usually confused with fillings since they act to serve the same purpose: filling dental cavities. Both are available in metal, porcelain, and ceramic. Fillings in Smithtown, NY are more commonly used as most cavities aren’t too large.
In some cases, a cavity can be too big for us to treat it with a filling. That’s when inlays are needed. An inlay is like a filling but larger. It fills the cavity and can replace a missing part of the tooth. Inlays, like fillings, are present inside the tooth. They used to be only made of golf, but for cosmetic purposes, they’re now available in composite, porcelain, and ceramic.
Onlays vs. Crowns
Onlays take things a step further than inlays. Instead of simply being present inside the tooth, onlays also cover the chewing surface of a tooth. This includes covering one or more cusps. We also have onlays made of porcelain and ceramic for better cosmetic outcomes.
Dental crowns in Smithtown, NY cover most of the visible part of the tooth. They’re used for significantly weak teeth that will break without support. It’s almost impossible to determine what would work best for a patient based on their symptoms.
We’ll have to examine you first to determine how deep a cavity is. We might also require a dental x-ray. The affected area will be injected with local anesthesia before any work is done. This should keep you pain-free. The only thing you’ll feel while we apply the inlay or onlay is slight pressure.
If you live in Huntington, Commack, Mid Island, North Shore, South Shore, East Quogue, Port Jefferson Station, Dix Hills, Deer Park, Northport, the Hamptons, Bay Shore, North Massapequa or the surrounding areas and need a dentist near me in Smithtown, NY, call us and book an appointment.
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