Dealing with damaged teeth can be frustrating, especially when you’re unsure which restoration option best fits your needs. Dental inlays and onlays offer excellent solutions for teeth too damaged for fillings but not damaged enough to require full crowns. We at Club K Dental provide high-quality dental inlays and onlays in Springfield, Missouri to restore your smile and dental function.
Dental inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. These precision-crafted solutions fill the space between simple fillings and full dental crowns. Inlays fit within the cusps or raised edges of your tooth, while onlays extend over one or more cusps of the tooth.
Unlike traditional fillings which are molded directly in your mouth, inlays and onlays are fabricated in a dental laboratory from impressions of your teeth. This creates a stronger, more durable restoration that can last 20-30 years with proper care. According to the American Dental Association, properly placed inlays and onlays can be more conservative options than crowns because they preserve more of your natural tooth structure.
Both restorations are typically made from tooth-colored materials like porcelain or composite resin, creating a natural appearance that blends seamlessly with your smile. Some patients may choose gold inlays or onlays for their exceptional durability, especially for back teeth where esthetics are less of a concern.
You might benefit from dental inlays or onlays in several situations. These restorations bridge the gap between simple fillings and complete crowns, providing an ideal middle-ground solution.
Inlays and onlays are often recommended when:
Research from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research shows that preserving natural tooth structure whenever possible leads to better long-term oral health outcomes. Inlays and onlays allow us to follow this conservative approach while still providing strong, durable restorations.
The decision between an inlay, onlay, or crown depends on the extent of damage to your tooth. During your consultation at Club K Dental, we’ll evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment option.
Getting dental inlays or onlays typically requires two visits to our Springfield office. We focus on making the process comfortable and efficient for you.
During your first visit, we prepare your tooth by removing decay and taking precise impressions. This involves:
Your second appointment occurs after the dental laboratory has crafted your custom inlay or onlay. This visit includes:
Advanced dental technologies have significantly improved the precision of these restorations. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology has revolutionized dental restorations by creating more precise fits and reducing the time between appointments.
Choosing inlays or onlays for tooth restoration offers numerous advantages over traditional fillings or full crowns.
Inlays and onlays provide:
The longevity of these restorations makes them cost-effective solutions in the long run. While the initial investment may be higher than a traditional filling, inlays and onlays typically last much longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements and additional dental work.
At Club K Dental, we understand the importance of maintaining your natural smile while addressing dental problems effectively. Our dentists stay current with the latest techniques and materials to ensure you receive the highest quality care possible.
We take pride in our personalized approach to dental care, taking time to discuss all your restoration options and helping you make informed decisions about your oral health. Whether you need a simple inlay to repair a moderately decayed tooth or an onlay to restore strength to a damaged molar, we’re here to help. Visit our contact form to schedule your consultation.
At Club K Dental, we offer a distinctive dental experience that you won’t find anywhere else. We are a Mercury-Free, Mercury-Safe, Biologic office committed to holistic dental care. Our practice focuses on finding and preventing the root cause of disease or damage rather than simply treating symptoms. We offer specialized services including Allergy Elimination through NAET, Ozone Therapy, and SAFE Amalgam removal. We work collaboratively with other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive, holistic care that addresses your overall wellness, not just your dental health.
Your first visit with us will be approximately 90 minutes, during which we conduct a thorough assessment of your dental and overall health. We’ll take a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) or 3D radiograph to examine your airway, bone structure and density, teeth, sinuses, and other anatomical landmarks in your upper and lower jaws. We also perform a Vitamin D test and a Saliva pH test to gauge your overall health status. You’ll receive a dental cleaning using ozonated water and meet with Dr. Knapton to discuss your health goals and treatment options. This comprehensive approach enables us to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Technique (NAET) is a non-invasive, drug-free method for treating allergies. This holistic approach helps identify and eliminate allergic reactions through a combination of techniques derived from traditional Chinese medicine, kinesiology, and chiropractic principles. Dr. Knapton is certified in NAET and has personal experience with its effectiveness. He sought NAET treatment for his own hands that were cracking and bleeding, with remarkable results after conventional treatments failed. He has also successfully treated his children for allergies using NAET, resolving his son’s sandpaper skin and his daughter’s persistent leg rash.
Our SAFE Amalgam Removal process adheres to strict protocols to safeguard you from mercury exposure during the removal of old mercury fillings. As members of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), we adhere to scientific safety measures throughout the procedure. This includes using specialized equipment to minimize mercury vapor, providing oxygen during the procedure, using a rubber dam to isolate the tooth, and employing high-volume suction to capture particles and vapor. We follow these protocols to reduce your exposure to potentially harmful substances while replacing your amalgam fillings with biocompatible alternatives. After removal, we may recommend detoxification support to help your body eliminate any mercury that may have accumulated in your system over time.
