Inlays & Onlays in Surf City, NC

Inlays & Onlays · Surf City

Inlays & Onlays for Surf City Patients

Surf City has grown from a summer town into a year-round community, and the dental needs have grown with it. We see families from the mainland side and the island, and the mix of cases is broader than the beach towns further south: as many chipped and cracked teeth from active lifestyles as failing older restorations.

For anything involving implants, a full arch, or a bite that needs rebuilding, Surf City patients come into Wilmington. The drive is about forty minutes, and the high-rise bridge removed the old drawbridge wait that used to make it unpredictable.

We regularly see patients from the Surf City mainland, Soundside, Del Mar Beach, and the north end of Topsail Island, and from across the area around the Surf City bridge, Soundside Park.

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What Are Inlays & Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used when a tooth is too damaged for a simple filling but doesn't need a full crown.

An inlay fits within the grooves of a tooth, while an onlay also covers one or more of its points (cusps). Both are crafted to match your tooth and bonded securely for a precise, natural-looking repair that preserves more of your healthy tooth.

Why Patients Choose Inlays & Onlays

Preserve more of your natural tooth
Stronger and longer-lasting than large fillings
Natural, tooth-colored appearance
Restore strength to a damaged tooth
A conservative alternative to a full crown

Read the full guide to inlays & onlays →

Your Inlays & Onlays Journey

What to Expect as a Surf City Patient

We evaluate the tooth, remove any damage, and take a precise impression. Your custom restoration is crafted to fit exactly and bonded securely for a strong, natural finish.

1

STEP 1

Consultation

We examine the tooth and determine whether an inlay or onlay is the best way to restore it.

2

STEP 2

Tooth Preparation

The damaged area is gently removed and the tooth is prepared and impressioned for a precise fit.

3

STEP 3

Custom Fabrication

Your inlay or onlay is crafted to match your tooth in shape and color.

4

STEP 4

Placement

Your restoration is bonded securely and adjusted for a comfortable, natural-feeling bite.

We focus on saving as much of your natural tooth as possible while restoring full strength and a seamless look. Each inlay or onlay is precisely designed and fitted for lasting results.

Planning Your Visit from Surf City

We schedule Surf City patients in longer blocks where the clinical sequence allows, so a single trip covers more than one step of your plan.

Surf City is about a 40 minute drive to our Oleander Drive office, over the bridge and down US-17.

Inlays & Onlays in Surf City — FAQ

How long is the drive from Surf City?

About 40 minutes over the bridge and down US-17. The high-rise bridge means no drawbridge delays, so timing is dependable outside summer weekends.

My tooth cracked and my dentist says it needs a crown. Why see a prosthodontist?

For a straightforward crown, your general dentist is a fine choice. A prosthodontist is worth it when the crack is deep, the tooth is questionable, or the bite that caused the crack needs addressing so it does not simply happen again.

What is the difference between an inlay and an onlay?

An inlay fits within the grooves of a tooth, while an onlay also covers one or more of the tooth's raised points. Both repair larger damage conservatively.

How are they different from a filling?

Inlays and onlays are custom-made in a lab and bonded to the tooth, making them stronger and longer-lasting than a standard filling for larger areas of damage.

Do they look natural?

Yes. They are color-matched to your natural tooth so the restoration blends in seamlessly.

Am I a good candidate?

You may be a good candidate if you have a tooth that is too damaged for a filling but doesn't require a full crown.

More for Surf City Patients

Other Services We Offer

Dental Implants Cosmetic Dentistry Dental Crowns All-on-X Dental Implants Full Mouth Reconstruction Dental Bridges Dentures Porcelain Veneers Implant-Supported Dentures Smile Makeover TMJ / TMD Treatment Composite Restorations Teeth Whitening

Everything we offer Surf City patients →