Inlays and Onlays

The Lehigh Valley Smiles clinic in Easton, Pennsylvania, contains the latest technology for all of our patients’ dental restoration needs. Among these is a CEREC machine which allows us to manufacture artificial crowns in-house. It also allows us to manufacture partial crowns, called inlays and onlays, which are useful for repairing less extensive damage.

The grinding surfaces of molars and premolars are comprised of indentations and raised bumps called cusps. An inlay is a small partial crown which fits in between the cusps. An onlay replaces cusps as well as the indentations between them. While some dentists use materials such as gold or glass and plastic resins for partial crowns, the ceramic pieces milled by the CEREC can allow a patient to have their restorations placed in just a single visit.

After removing the decay from the tooth surface, Dr. Dilsaver will make an impression of the patient’s mouth. The CEREC is programmed based on the impression, and the partial crowns will be ready in less than an hour. Patients who receive artificial crowns need to maintain their oral hygiene but should find that chewing will be much easier.

Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD, operates Lehigh Valley Smiles at 2601 Nazareth Road, Easton, Pennsylvania, 18045. To schedule an appointment, call 610-252-7414 or visit LehighValleySmiles.net and fill out a contact sheet.