Dental Inlays & Onlays Sunnyvale, CA
When more than half of the tooth’s biting surface is damaged, a dentist will often use an inlay or onlay.
What are dental inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin. These pieces are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth. An inlay, which is similar to a dental filling is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth. An onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay but extending out over one or more of the cusps of the tooth.
Traditionally, gold has been the material of choice for inlays and onlays. In recent years, however, porcelain has become increasingly popular due to its strength and color, which can potentially match the natural color of your teeth.
Restore Your Tooth’s Strength with Inlays and Onlays!
Dr. Lucero specializes in durable and aesthetically pleasing inlays and onlays to repair damaged teeth. Contact us today for a consultation!
How are inlays and onlays applied?
Inlays and onlays require two appointments to complete the procedure. During the first visit, the filling being replaced or the damaged or decaying area of the tooth is removed, and the tooth is prepared for the inlay or onlay. To ensure proper fit and bite, an impression of the tooth is made by the dentist, and sent to a lab for fabrication. The dentist will then apply a temporary sealant on the tooth and schedule the next appointment.
At the second appointment, the temporary sealant is removed. Dr. Lucero will then make sure that the inlay or onlay fits correctly. If the fit is satisfactory, the inlay or onlay will be bonded to the tooth with a strong resin and polished to a smooth finish.
Considerations for Inlays and Onlays
Traditional fillings can reduce the strength of a natural tooth by up to 50 percent. As an alternative, inlays and onlays, which are bonded directly onto the tooth using special high-strength resins, can actually increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75 percent. As a result, they can last from 10 to 30 years. In some cases, where the damage to the tooth is not extensive enough to merit an entire dental crown, onlays can provide a very good alternative.
Alexia R. Lucero, DDS
Patient Review By robert w
One aspect for maintaining a healthy lifestyle is having a competent dental professional;. For over 20 years I've been grateful for the advice and skills I've received from Dr Lucero. Perhaps none more important than the recent advice and strong suggestions I received from her. Dr Lucero noticed a lesion on the inside of my lower lip. I could not see or feel it. She found it during a routine dental check up. Dr Lucero suggested I immediately consult with a physician. My doctor ordered a biopsy. It came back positive for grade level 2 squamous cell carcinoma Surgery followed by removing a small wedge of my lower lip. When the surgeon asked how I discovered the lesion, I told him it was Dr Lucero. He acknowledged that was an excellent call on her part. Without her early detection the small lesson could have morphed into a far more serious condition. . Thank you Dr Lucero for your many years of. professional care. Robert Woolsey
- robert w
Patient Review By Carrie S
Dr. Lucero has taken extra care to be sure I understand and am comfortable with every procedure. I leave her office, wanting to smile!
- Carrie S
Patient Review By Jen R
Dr Lucero is great! My family has been coming here for years and she’s a wonderful doctor. We feel very comfortable with Dr Lucero, she is a great listener and very intelligent and informed. I appreciate her willingness to explain procedures so I feel relaxed.
- Jen R
Patient Review By Michelle S
My dentist for a very long time.
- Michelle S
Patient Review By Mikki C
Always great service when I come for my treatment. Dr. Lucero and her staff are accommodating and kind every time I have an appointment. I highly recommend Dr. Lucero!
- Mikki C
Patient Review By Dolline G
I travel from Auburn, California to be in her dental chair. I’ve surch for closer dental care and have been disappointed with what I’ve found. So I’ll travel hours and miles to come back her to see Alexia Lucero.
- Dolline G
Patient Review By Jeff B
I had Dental bonding that changed my smile! I am so happy with how it turned out!!
- Jeff B
Patient Review By Jeff B
Very satisfied.
- Jeff B
Patient Review By Adriana W
They are an amazing group that makes our family feel so welcome every time we come. In addition to being great about regular appts (cleanings) they have been great during my clear braces process. And wow, what a difference! Thank you Dr. Lucero and staff!!!
- Adriana W
Patient Review By Barbara S
Once you come to dr Lucero you will wonder how you did not find her sooner
- Barbara S
Patient Review By Barbara S
Have been with dr. Lucero for decades. The best dentist I have ever had. She is excellent and makes it a pleasure to come to her office.
- Barbara S
Patient Review By Barry H
If going to the Dentist is not your thing they could possibly change your mind. I actually enjoy coming in.
- Barry H
Patient Review By Christopher J
The results of getting the implant have been amazing. I previously had a bridge and it finally broke after about 25 years. Dr. Lucero walked me through the options of replacing the bridge or getting an implant. I am so glad that I did the implant. It acts just like a natural tooth and I can feel no difference eating on the implant and my other teeth. Dr. Lucero had me whiten my teeth before ordering the implant crown. The overall effect was that all my teeth matched in color. Dr. Lucero did not do the surgery. She worked closely with an oral surgeon collegue, even showing up to discuss the procedure with the surgeon and me. The overall experience was well coordinated and I felt like I was working with a team. I would recommend this office and this procedure. It's like having a natural tooth.
- Christopher J
Patient Review By Rosa P
Love that dentist so much
- Rosa P
Patient Review By Denielle F
I was made to feel comfortable and my worries put at ease.
- Denielle F
Patient Review By Diane w
I came to Dr. Lucero's office with a broken tooth. I was taken in promptly and fitted with a temporary crown allowing me to enjoy Christmas dinner! Jenelle in the front office is pleasant, kind and very knowledgeable about the services being provided. Yesenia, dental assistant is calm and efficient. Ashley, hygienist has painlessly performed root planing and scaling stopping the progression of my gingivitis. She is a magician when it comes to periodontal maintenance. I am happy with my dental fillings, crowns, teeth cleaning and Zoom whiting procedure. I am very grateful to Dr. Lucero and her staff. I doubt I'll ever find a dentist who compares.
- Diane w