Same-Day Inlays & Onlays With 3D Printing

Restore Teeth Without Temporary Prosthetics Or Multiple Visits

If you’ve got a large cavity or a worn-out filling, inlays & onlays from Dr. Young Kim may be exactly what you need to restore your smile and your bite. And at Lumena Dentistry, we offer same-day inlays and onlays using advanced dental 3D printing technology. You can restore your smile in just one quick visit with Dr. Kim and our team, and get back to your daily routine right away.

What Are Inlays And Onlays, And Why Would I Need Them?

Inlays and onlays are both types of dental restorations used to repair decayed teeth as an alternative to fillings or crowns. They are very similar. The big difference is that inlays only cover the “inside” of your tooth, and don’t touch the ridges (cusps) on the edges of your tooth. Onlays, on the other hand, partially rest “on” the edges of your tooth, while also filling up part of the inside.

Both inlays and onlays are great options for restoring decayed teeth and are usually a better choice than traditional dental fillings. However, the big drawback is that, in the past, inlays and onlays required at least two visits to the dentist’s office. At your first visit, your dentist would clean up your tooth, then take impressions for the inlay or onlay, which would be built at a dental lab and placed during a second follow-up visit.

But at Lumena Dentistry, we’ve invested in dental 3D printing technology that allows Dr. Kim to place inlays and onlays in just one visit. This means that you can restore your smile quickly and get back to your daily routine right away.

The Benefits Of 3D-Printed Inlays And Onlays

Restore your oral health

First and foremost, inlays and onlays restore your oral health. By restoring a decayed tooth with an inlay or an onlay, you can get rid of symptoms like pain, discomfort, and tooth sensitivity. You’ll also eliminate the risk of further complications like tooth infections and cracked or broken teeth.

Preserve more natural tooth structure

If your tooth is too decayed for a filling, many dentists will recommend a crown. But this is not always necessary, especially since getting a crown may involve removing a lot of healthy tooth structure. As a conservative dentist, Dr. Kim prefers to use inlays and onlays since they offer similar results and allow you to keep more of your natural tooth structure.

Enjoy same-day treatment

Without 3D printing, inlays and onlays take at least two visits to the dentist. But thanks to our investment in 3D printing technology, Dr. Kim can restore your smile in one visit. There’s no need to wear a temporary restoration or wait several weeks for your new inlay or onlay to be made and sent to our dental office.

Long-lasting results

Inlays and onlays typically last longer than fillings, with a lifespan of up to 20 years with proper care. Our 3D printer uses extremely strong hybrid ceramics to produce durable, long-lasting restorations that look and feel lifelike, too.

What To Expect From Same-Day Inlays And Onlays

First, you’ll need to meet with Dr. Kim for an oral exam and to discuss your treatment options. Depending on your case, you may be a good candidate for a filling, inlay, onlay, or crown. But if you’re approved for inlays or onlays, here’s what you can expect:

• Preparing your teeth – Dr. Kim will begin by numbing your mouth. Then, similarly to a filling, he will use a dental drill to gently remove any decayed or damaged portions from your tooth.
• Scanning and designing your restoration – Once your tooth is ready, Dr. Kim will use an intraoral scanner to take a digital scan of your teeth. He will upload this into a computer, then use special software to design your inlay or onlay.
• Printing your inlay or onlay – When he’s happy with the design, Dr. Kim will upload the inlay or onlay “blueprint” into our 3D printer. The 3D printer will automatically print an inlay or an onlay. It usually takes about 30-40 minutes to print and process each restoration.
  
• Final placement and finishing up – Once your inlay or onlay is ready, Dr. Kim will bring it back to the operating room. He’ll check the fit, color, and size to make sure everything is perfect and make any last-minute adjustments if needed. Then, he will bond your inlay or onlay in place with powerful dental cement. Lastly, he will polish your tooth to make sure it looks perfect, and you’ll be sent home to enjoy your new smile.

Restore Your Smile With 3D-Printed Inlays And Onlays

If you have an old filling that needs to be replaced or you think you have a cavity, 3D printed inlays and onlays in Centreville, VA, from Lumena Dentistry may be right for you. So don’t wait, and don’t put your oral health at risk. Give us a call or book online to schedule your first visit with Dr. Young Kim.

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