Dental Inlays and Onlays - Flowood, MS

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What To Do When a Filling Isn’t Enough: Precision-Crafted Dental Inlays & Onlays Near Jackson

When tooth damage extends beyond what a simple filling can address but doesn’t require a full crown, dental inlays and onlays offer the perfect middle-ground solution. At Tharp, Klaus, & Kelly Dental Clinic in Flowood, MS, our experienced dental team provides these conservative restorations to preserve your natural tooth structure while delivering lasting protection and beautiful results. Patients throughout the Jackson, Pearl, and Brandon areas trust our advanced technology and comprehensive approach to restore their smiles with precision and care.

Ready to explore how dental inlays and onlays can restore your smile? Contact Tharp, Klaus, & Kelly Dental Clinic at 601-939-4100 to schedule your consultation. Our state-of-the-art dentist’s office in Flowood serves patients from Jackson, Pearl, Brandon, and surrounding communities with personalized treatment plans designed to meet your specific needs.

Advanced Dental Technology Near You at Tharp, Klaus, & Kelly Dental Clinic

Our commitment to excellence drives our investment in cutting-edge dental technology that enhances precision and patient comfort. Our Flowood dental office features equipment that sets us apart from other practices in the Flowood area.

We utilize 3D printing technology for creating precise surgical guides and temporary restorations. Our CEREC® system allows for same-day dental restoration fabrication, eliminating multiple appointments for many patients. The SICAT software provides detailed treatment planning capabilities, while our cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) system delivers three-dimensional imaging for accurate diagnosis.

Intraoral scanners capture digital impressions with exceptional accuracy, improving fit and reducing patient discomfort. Our ICAM photogrammetry system provides additional imaging capabilities for complex cases. The 3Shape TRIOS® and EXOCAD scanners work together to create precise digital models for restoration design and fabrication.

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CEREC machine
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What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?

Dental inlays and onlays are indirect restorations that repair tooth decay and damage with precision-crafted materials. Sometimes called partial crowns, these conservative treatments preserve more natural tooth structure than traditional crowns while providing superior strength and longevity compared to standard composite resin fillings. Inlays fit within the cusps (pointed areas) of your tooth, while onlays extend over one or more cusps to cover larger areas of damage.

Both restorations are fabricated in our advanced dental laboratory using high-quality materials like porcelain, composite resin, or gold. They bond directly to your tooth surface, strengthening the remaining structure and preventing further decay. This approach allows us to save more of your natural tooth while providing a restoration that can last 20-30 years with proper care.

Types of Dental Inlays and Onlays

Check with our Flowood dental practice to see which of these restorations are offered to match your specific needs and preferences:

These ceramic restorations provide excellent aesthetics and durability. Porcelain closely mimics natural tooth enamel in both appearance and strength, making it ideal for visible teeth. The material resists staining and maintains its color over time.

Made from tooth-colored plastic materials, composite inlays and onlays offer good aesthetics at a more affordable price point. They can be color-matched to your existing teeth and provide adequate strength for most situations.

Although less common today, gold restorations offer exceptional durability and biocompatibility. They’re particularly suitable for back teeth, where strength is more important than aesthetics. Gold restorations can last several decades with proper care.

  • Using our advanced CEREC® technology, we can sometimes design, fabricate, and place your inlay or onlay in a single appointment. This eliminates the need for temporary restorations and reduces treatment time significantly.

Benefits of Choosing a Partial Crown for Your Tooth

Selecting dental inlays and onlays at Tharp, Klaus, & Kelly Dental Clinic provides numerous advantages for your oral health:

  • > Superior Fit and Seal: These custom-fabricated restorations fit precisely into prepared areas, creating an excellent seal that prevents bacterial infiltration. The tight fit reduces the risk of secondary decay and extends the restoration’s lifespan.
  • > Exceptional Durability: Quality materials and precise fabrication allow inlays and onlays to withstand normal chewing forces for decades. They’re significantly stronger than traditional fillings and less likely to crack or wear down over time.
  • > Enhanced Aesthetics: Tooth-colored materials blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, creating invisible repairs that maintain your smile’s appearance. The restorations won’t discolor or stain like some filling materials.
  • > Easier Maintenance: The smooth surfaces of inlays and onlays are easier to clean than the margins of crowns. This simplified maintenance helps prevent plaque buildup and reduces the risk of gum disease around the restoration.
  • > Strengthened Tooth Structure: By bonding directly to your tooth, these restorations actually strengthen the remaining structure. This reinforcement helps prevent future fractures and extends your tooth’s functional life.
  • > Biocompatible Materials: All materials used in our restorations are thoroughly tested for safety and compatibility. They won’t cause allergic reactions or adverse tissue responses in your mouth.
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The Inlay and Onlay Process

Our comprehensive treatment process combines advanced technology with skilled craftsmanship to deliver exceptional results:

We begin with a thorough evaluation using digital imaging and our cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) system. This assessment helps us determine whether an inlay or onlay is the best treatment option for your specific situation.

Using our digital workflow and 3Shape TRIOS® scanners, we create a detailed treatment plan. Our smile design services allow you to visualize the expected results before treatment begins.

We carefully remove any decay or damaged tooth structure while preserving as much healthy material as possible. More extensive tooth decay may require root canal treatment. The preparation is precisely shaped to accommodate your custom restoration.

Our intraoral scanners capture highly accurate digital impressions of your prepared tooth. This eliminates the need for messy impression materials and provides superior accuracy for restoration fabrication.

If using traditional laboratory fabrication, we place a temporary restoration to protect your tooth while your permanent inlay or onlay is being created.

Our skilled technicians use advanced equipment, including 3D printers and CEREC® technology, to craft your restoration with precision. Quality control measures maintain the highest standards throughout the process.

We carefully remove any temporary restoration and place your permanent inlay or onlay using advanced bonding techniques. Precise adjustments confirm proper fit and comfortable bite alignment.

We provide detailed care instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your restoration’s performance and your overall oral health.

For more information about the partial crown process at Tharp, Klaus, & Kelly, give our Jackson, MS, area dental team a call at 601-939-4100.

Who Benefits from Dental Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays serve as ideal solutions for various dental conditions and patient situations:

  • > Patients with Moderate Tooth Damage: Those with decay or fractures too extensive for fillings but not severe enough to require crowns find these restorations perfect for their needs.
  • > Individuals Seeking Conservative Treatment: Patients who want to preserve maximum natural tooth structure appreciate the minimally invasive nature of inlay and onlay procedures.
  • > Those with Failed Large Fillings: When existing fillings break down or leak, inlays and onlays provide superior long-term replacement options that won’t require frequent repairs.
  • > Patients Wanting Durable Solutions: Individuals seeking restorations that will last decades with proper care benefit from the exceptional longevity these treatments provide.
  • > Aesthetic-Conscious Patients: Those concerned about maintaining their smile’s natural appearance appreciate the invisible repair capabilities of tooth-colored materials.
  • > Patients with High Chewing Forces: Individuals who grind their teeth or have powerful bite forces need the superior strength that inlays and onlays provide over traditional fillings.
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Patient Story

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary difference lies in the coverage area and tooth structure involvement. Inlays fit within the cusps of your tooth, similar to a filling but with superior materials and fit. Dental onlays extend over one or more cusps, providing more extensive coverage for larger areas of damage. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate option based on your tooth’s condition and the extent of damage present.

Most dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for inlays and onlays as they’re considered necessary restorative treatment rather than cosmetic procedures. Coverage levels vary by plan, but many cover 50-80% of the cost after deductibles. Our knowledgeable staff works with insurance providers to maximize your benefits and explain your coverage options clearly.

Caring for your restoration is straightforward and similar to caring for natural teeth. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, and use an antimicrobial mouthwash. Avoid chewing hard objects like ice or pens, and consider a nightguard if you grind your teeth. Regular dental checkups allow us to monitor your restoration’s condition and address any issues early.

Minor damage to inlays and onlays can sometimes be repaired, depending on the extent and location of the damage. Small chips in composite materials may be repairable chairside, while porcelain damage might require replacement. Our team evaluates each situation individually to determine the best approach. Prevention through proper care and regular checkups helps avoid damaging situations.

CEREC dental crowns

Affordable Tooth Repair Without a Dental Crown, Cosmetic Dentistry Near You

At Tharp, Klaus, & Kelly Dental Clinic, we believe that quality dental care should be accessible, comfortable, and comprehensive. Our state-of-the-art facility combines the latest technology with time-tested techniques to deliver results that exceed expectations. Whether you’re dealing with tooth damage, failed fillings, or simply want to improve your smile’s appearance, our experienced team provides personalized solutions that fit your needs and budget.

Don’t let tooth damage compromise your smile or oral health any longer. Contact Tharp, Klaus, & Kelly Dental Clinic at 601-939-4100 to schedule your partial dental crown appointment with our experienced cosmetic dentists near you. Our Flowood dental office welcomes patients from Jackson, Pearl, Brandon, and throughout the surrounding communities. Experience the difference that comprehensive care and advanced technology can make in your dental health journey.

Do you want to enhance your smile?

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