Inlays & Onlays in Broadway, VA

Dental Restoration in the Shenandoah Valley

For patients in Broadway, VA, and throughout the Shenandoah Valley, dental inlays and onlays offer lasting solutions that go beyond temporary fixes. These precision restorations eliminate years of worry about that troublesome tooth, allowing you to rediscover the simple pleasure of eating without fear. Dr. Jared Kneib has helped countless patients transform from pain-conscious eaters to confident individuals who enjoy meals again. 

 

Your damaged tooth doesn’t have to define your daily experience any longer. Call our dentist in Broadway at (540) 896-8151 to schedule your consultation and discover why patients from Harrisonburg to Mount Jackson trust Broadway Dentistry for their most important dental restorations.

About Dr. Jared Kneib

Dr. Jared Kneib graduated at the top of his class from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 2011, earning the William G. Arthur Prosthodontic Award and the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Award. Since 2019, he has proudly served the Broadway, VA community, bringing his artistic background in “sculpting, painting, and drawing” to create precise, beautiful restorations. Dr. Kneib works alongside his wife, Brianne, a hygienist at the practice, and enjoys spending time with their three children and fly fishing in local mountain streams. 

What are Dental Inlays and Onlays?

Dental inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations designed for teeth with moderate damage that’s too extensive for a filling but doesn’t require a full crown. These lab-fabricated pieces are precisely bonded to the tooth to restore its shape, function, and strength.

An inlay fits within the cusps (pointed parts) of a tooth, covering the center chewing surface where decay or damage has occurred. Onlays extend beyond the cusps to cover one or more outer edges, sometimes called partial crowns, providing more comprehensive coverage when damage affects the tooth’s corners or sides.

At Broadway Dentistry, Dr. Jared Kneib crafts these restorations from high-quality materials, including:

• Porcelain for superior aesthetics and durability
• Composite resin for a conservative, tooth-colored option
• Gold for exceptional longevity in posterior teeth

The precision fit achieved through detailed impressions or digital scans creates an excellent seal that prevents future decay while preserving significantly more natural tooth structure than traditional crowns.

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays offer compelling advantages over traditional fillings and full crowns, making them an excellent middle-ground solution for many dental restoration needs.

• Conservative Treatment Approach: Unlike crowns, which require extensive tooth reduction, inlays and onlays preserve healthy tooth structure by only removing damaged or decayed portions. This conservative approach maintains the tooth’s natural strength and integrity.
• Superior Durability and Longevity: These restorations typically last 15-30 years compared to five to seven years for composite fillings. Their laboratory fabrication creates a precise fit that seals against bacteria and prevents secondary decay, a common issue with traditional fillings that may shrink over time.
• Enhanced Aesthetics and Function: Porcelain inlays and onlays match natural tooth color perfectly and resist staining better than composite materials. They strengthen the remaining tooth structure by distributing chewing forces evenly while eliminating temperature sensitivity commonly experienced with metal fillings.

Inlay and Onlay Candidacy

Determining candidacy for inlays and onlays involves evaluating several key factors to provide the most appropriate treatment for each patient’s specific needs.

Ideal Candidates Include:

• Patients with moderate tooth decay extending beyond what traditional fillings can address
• Those with large, old amalgam fillings requiring replacement
• Individuals seeking to preserve maximum natural tooth structure
• Patients with good oral hygiene habits and commitment to maintenance

Clinical Considerations Dr. Jared Kneib evaluates tooth location, extent of damage, bite patterns, and aesthetic goals when determining candidacy. Posterior teeth that endure heavy chewing forces are often ideal candidates, though front teeth can benefit when aesthetics are a priority.

Patients who grind or clench their teeth may still qualify for these restorations, particularly when crafted from durable materials, though a custom nightguard may be recommended for protection during sleep.

Inlay and Onlay Process

The inlay and onlay process at Broadway Dentistry follows a systematic two-appointment approach designed for precision and patient comfort.

First Appointment: Preparation and Impression 

Dr. Jared Kneib begins by administering local anesthesia for complete comfort during the procedure. The damaged or decayed portions of the tooth are carefully removed while preserving as much healthy structure as possible. Detailed impressions are then taken using advanced digital scanning or traditional impression materials to capture every detail needed for precise fabrication.

A temporary restoration is placed to protect the prepared tooth and maintain function while the permanent restoration is crafted in the laboratory over one to two weeks.

Second Appointment: Placement and Bonding 

The temporary restoration is removed, and the custom inlay or onlay is tried in to verify proper fit, bite alignment, and aesthetics. The tooth surface is conditioned for optimal bonding, and the restoration is precisely positioned and secured with advanced dental adhesives.

Final adjustments to bite and surface contours are made before polishing the restoration to blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth. Patients receive comprehensive aftercare instructions and schedule routine maintenance visits.

Inlay and Onlay Aftercare

Proper aftercare following inlay and onlay placement is essential for optimal healing and long-term success of these restorations.

Immediate Post-Treatment Care: Mild sensitivity may occur initially but typically resolves within days to weeks as the tooth adjusts to the restoration. During the first 24-48 hours, avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could potentially damage the restoration while bonding materials reach full strength.

Long-Term Maintenance: Caring for inlays and onlays closely resembles caring for natural teeth:

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily, paying special attention to restoration margins
• Attend routine dental visits every six months for professional monitoring
• Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria around restoration edges

Protecting Your Investment: Patients who grind or clench their teeth should wear a custom nightguard to protect restorations from excessive forces. Avoid damaging habits such as chewing ice, using teeth as tools, or biting hard objects. With proper care, your inlays and onlays can provide decades of reliable service.