A Conservative Approach to Restoring A Damaged Tooth

Onlays/Inlays

At Torrey Hills Dental, we often take advantage of something called inlays and onlays to help repair tooth damage, without having to remove the entire tooth.  Inlays and onlays are a type of dental procedure used to restore a damaged tooth, taking a more conservative approach to a crown or filling.  At Torrey Hills Dental, we use a porcelain composite, instead of plastic, not only because of its strength, but because it is more aesthetically pleasing.  As a result, the inlay/onlay will match the natural color of your tooth.

An inlay is very similar to a filling, except for the fact that it lies more in the cusp tips of the tooth.  These inlays are custom-made for each individual to fit the cavity and are cemented in place.  An onlay on the other hand is a bit more extensive, as it requires slightly more construction to cover the cusps of a tooth.  The great thing about an onlay is the fact that you can simply remove the problem areas of the tooth, leaving behind the healthy part, and then use an onlay to cover the cusps.  An onlay is more conservative than a crown and will allow for you to generally keep the healthier parts of your tooth, instead of shaving it down to a very small size.

Depending on the specific problem/concern, our dentists will evaluate your oral condition and choose whether or not an inlay or onlay will work for you.  No matter what type of treatment you need, our team of qualified experts will leave your smile looking its absolute best.

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Born and raised in San Diego, Dr. James Tasto attended University of San Diego High School where he lettered in both golf and wrestling. After earning a Bachelors in Science from Loyola Marymount University, Dr. Tasto graduated from University of Southern California Dental School with an emphasis on cosmetics and sports dentistry.  Dr. James Tasto was selected by his peers to be included in the List of Top Dentists in San Diego for 2007 – 2013.  He appeared in the May issue of San Diego Magazine.  Dr. Tasto is also a member of D.O.C.S. (Doctors Offering Charitable Services), a local organization that offers medical services such as plastic surgery, vision and dental to the less fortunate patients in San Diego.  Dr. Tasto currently resides in San Diego with his lovely wife Traci and their 3 children. He enjoys golf, beach volleyball and playing with his kids.