Conservative Fillings, Inlays, & Onlays

Because they’re the most common chronic dental health issue, it’s highly likely that you will develop a cavity at some point in your life. And, if you care about the health and well-being of your teeth, then you’ll probably seek out the help of a restorative dentist to fix the problem. Dr. Steven Huffstutler places tooth-colored composite resin fillings, as well as porcelain inlays and onlays for larger repairs, so that your smile can be as healthy and attractive as possible.

Why Fill a Cavity?

When you eat and drink, particles of sugar and starch get trapped between your teeth, in the pits and crevices on the biting surfaces of your back teeth, and along your gum line. Oral bacteria, specifically S. mutans, consume those sugars and produce an acidic by-product that eats away at your tooth enamel. Eventually, the acid corrodes the surface of the enamel, causing a collapse of the outer layer and the formation of tooth decay and a cavity. Tooth enamel will not heal on its own, so if you choose not to have a cavity filled, it can deepen further, causing pain and infections and necessitating root canal therapy or tooth extraction.

Fillings, Inlays, and Onlays

Tooth fillings are among the most commonly performed restorative procedures in the U.S. and are most appropriate for small to moderately sized cavities. During this simple procedure, Dr. Huffstutler numbs the area, removes any infected tooth material, disinfects the area, and then fills the cavity with composite resin.

When a tooth has a more sizeable cavity or other structural damage, but not so much damage that it needs to be fitted with a dental crown, Dr. Huffstutler may recommend an inlay or an onlay. The primary difference between inlays and onlays is the location of the restoration. In the case of inlays, the porcelain restoration is placed into sections between the cusps of the tooth. Onlays, on the other hand, are more substantial and cover one or more of the cusps of the tooth. Because inlays and onlays are usually made from porcelain, they are fabricated in a specialized dental lab and will last longer (on average and with proper care) than a composite resin filling.

Could Your Smile Benefit from a Filling, Inlay, or Onlay?

If your tooth is damaged, or has a cavity, then find out if a filling, inlay, or onlay can provide the most conservative treatment option. To reserve a consultation with Dr. Huffstutler, click the banner below, or call our office in Ft. Worth, TX, today at 817-918-3038. Our office welcomes patients from all over DFW, including Dallas, North Richland Hills, Denton, the Mid-cities, Southlake, and all surrounding communities.