Inlays and Onlays

Preserving teeth’s function and appearance go hand-in-hand, and at Ardas Family Dental, partial crowns are one of many treatments we offer to patients with cracked or decayed teeth. Also known as inlays or onlays depending on their size, partial crowns are placed on the grinding surfaces of molars and premolars as a discrete solution to difficulties with chewing.

Although the surfaces of molars are often called flat, they are actually comprised of raised cusps separated by indentations. These indentations can become traps for food or acid, making them vulnerable to decay. An inlay is a small partial crown which covers a damaged indentation, while an onlay covers an indentation and replaces at least one damaged cusp. Before placing a partial crown, Dr. Kattaura will drill away the decayed material while the patient is numb. An impression will then be made of the patient’s mouth to use as the basis for the partial crown.

The patient may have an artificial crown during the few weeks it takes for a custom-fitted inlay or onlay to be milled and sent to our clinic. During the return visit, the partial crown is cemented in. Like a full crown, the partial crown will be made of tooth-colored porcelain so observers won’t even know it’s there. As long as proper oral hygiene is maintained, the patient will be at much less risk for infection and sensitivity.

Dr. Roopi Kattaura operates Ardas Family Dental at 10233 S Parker Rd, Suite 205, Parker, Colorado. To schedule an appointment, call 720-459-8420 or visit ArdasFamilyDental.com and fill out a contact sheet.