Inlays and Onlays

When a cavity grows too large for a standard filling but doesn’t quite need a full crown, you’re in that middle zone where traditional solutions just don’t fit right. That’s exactly where inlays and onlays College Station treatments come into play. At Heath Family Dentistry, we specialize in these custom restorations that preserve more of your natural tooth structure while delivering the strength and protection your smile needs.

Think of these restorations as the Goldilocks solution—not too much, not too little, but just right for moderate tooth damage. Dr. Winston Heath brings years of experience to every procedure, ensuring you receive conservative and effective care.

What Makes Inlays and Onlays Different?

Most patients don’t realize this at first. Regular fillings work great for small cavities, but they have limits. When decay spreads across a larger area or affects the cusps (those pointy parts of your teeth), fillings can weaken the tooth structure over time. That’s where these specialized restorations shine.

Inlays fit within the cusps of your tooth, nestled right between those raised edges. They’re custom-made to match the exact shape of the cavity, creating a seamless fit that traditional fillings can’t quite achieve. 

Onlays, on the other hand, extend over one or more cusps, covering and protecting a larger portion of the tooth surface.

Both options give you something valuable—they strengthen your tooth instead of just filling a hole. The precision fit means less chance of future problems; honestly, that’s what matters most when thinking long-term about your dental health.

The Treatment Process at Heath Family Dentistry

Getting inlays and onlays in College Station at our practice involves a straightforward two-visit process. During your first appointment, Dr. Winston Heath carefully removes the damaged portion of your tooth and prepares it for restoration. We take detailed impressions that capture every contour and angle—precision matters here because we’re creating something custom just for you.

While a dental laboratory crafts your permanent restoration, we place a temporary covering to protect your tooth. This usually takes about two weeks, give or take. When you return for your second visit, Dr. Heath checks the fit meticulously (we’re talking about ensuring everything feels completely natural) before permanently bonding the restoration.

Our advanced technology helps us achieve the accuracy that makes these restorations last for years. Digital imaging and computer-aided design mean your inlay or onlay fits like it was always meant to be there.

Why Choose This Restoration Option?

You might wonder why someone would pick this route over other restorative dentistry options. The answer comes down to preservation and durability. Crowns require removing a significant amount of healthy tooth structure—sometimes up to 75% of the visible tooth. Inlays and onlays in College Station procedures preserve much more of your natural tooth, strengthening everything in the long run.

With proper care, these restorations typically last 15 to 30 years, outlasting traditional fillings considerably. The materials we use—usually porcelain or composite resin—resist staining better than your natural teeth do. Plus, they feel natural when you bite, talk, or smile.

Materials That Match Your Smile

We offer different material options depending on your specific needs and preferences. Porcelain creates incredibly natural-looking results that blend seamlessly with your existing teeth. The translucency mimics real enamel so well that even you might forget which tooth has the restoration.

Composite resin provides excellent strength and comes in various shades to match your tooth color perfectly. Some patients prefer gold for back teeth where aesthetics matter less—it’s incredibly durable and causes minimal wear on opposing teeth.

Dr. Winston Heath discusses all these options with you during your consultation, helping you make the choice that aligns with your goals and budget.

Who Benefits Most From This Treatment?

These restorations work beautifully for several situations:

• Moderate to large cavities that exceed what fillings can handle
• Fractured or cracked teeth that need reinforcement
• Worn teeth from grinding or age-related wear
• Failed fillings that need a more robust replacement
• Teeth with damage that doesn’t justify a full crown

Many patients appreciate that inlays and onlays College Station treatments offer a middle path—more comprehensive than fillings, less invasive than crowns. It’s about finding that sweet spot where we address the problem without being overly aggressive.

Caring for Your Restoration

Once Dr. Heath places your restoration, caring for it feels identical to caring for your natural teeth. Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and keep up with your routine checkups. These restorations’ beauty is in their integration into your normal oral hygiene routine without requiring special maintenance.

Our complete range of dental services includes preventive care that helps your restorations and natural teeth last as long as possible. Regular cleanings and examinations catch small issues before they become bigger concerns.

Inlays and Onlays in College Station

Ready to explore whether inlays or onlays could restore your smile? Heath Family Dentistry combines skilled craftsmanship with genuine care for every patient who walks through our doors. Dr. Winston Heath and our team create a comfortable environment where you can ask questions, understand your options, and make informed decisions about your dental health.

Whether you need cosmetic dentistry or restorative work, we’re here to help you achieve the healthy, confident smile you deserve. Contact us to schedule your appointment and discover how custom dental restorations can transform oral health.