Dental Services

Dental Inlays & Onlays

When a tooth is weakened or damaged, there are multiple approaches to getting it fixed. Two similar options we might recommend to you at Oak Tree Dental are inlays and onlays, which increase the strength of a tooth while providing long-term protection. 

You have probably heard of having a dental crown or dental filling placed to fill in cavities and tooth decay. However, you may not be as familiar with some of the alternatives, such as a dental inlay and a dental onlay.

Usually, fillings are used to fill in small cavities, while crowns are used when there is moderate tooth decay or the decay is deeper and there is a larger fracture or cracked tooth to be covered up. But, there may be situations when a filling is not enough and a crown is too much to protect the decay. This is where dental inlays and onlays come into play. When a tooth is weakened or damaged, there are multiple approaches to getting it fixed. Two similar options we might recommend to you at Oak Tree Dental are inlays and onlays, which increase the strength of a tooth while providing long-term protection. These are often used when damage or decay is limited to a specific part of the tooth, and act as a conservative and stable restoration.

Your family dentist will go over the options that best suit each patient, but typically an inlay will be used for damage or weakness on the inside of the cusp tips (the pointed part of a tooth’s biting surface) of an affected tooth. While an onlay is similar in function to an inlay, its location is different. An onlay will extend to the outside of the tooth and is placed over at least a single cusp of the tooth. Both of these restorative options are securely bonded to your tooth for long-lasting and durable results.

How do dental inlays and onlays work? 

Dental inlays and onlays are often used as an alternative to a dental crown and can be made out of porcelain, composite resin, and sometimes even gold. While gold used to be the industry standard, porcelain has become the more popular choice in recent years because the material can be customized to closely match your natural tooth color.

In order to properly craft a dental inlay or onlay, two separate appointments are needed at the Oak Tree Dental office. Because onlays and inlays are fabricated individually for each patient in a dental restoration lab, you will first have an appointment with your dentist to have an impression taken. This is often done following the removal of an old filling or the weak and damaged areas of the tooth. That impression is used to create a perfectly fitting restoration. Once the impression is finished, we will apply a sealant to the tooth to keep it protected until the follow-up appointment.

Once the custom-created inlay or onlay is finished, you will return for a second appointment. During the procedure, the material is then bonded to the tooths surface using a strong resin for a secure, durable, and long-lasting restoration that will repair and strengthen your teeth and improve your smile.

What are the benefits of an inlay or onlay? 

There are many benefits to having your dentist place an inlay or onlay for you. This kind of restoration tends to have a near-perfect fit with a tight seal to keep bacteria from entering the weak or damaged tooth, where it would cause decay. Additionally, both inlays and onlays provide strength and stability to a decaying or damaged tooth. With proper care, including regular brushing, flossing and visits to the dentist, the restorations will be resistant to staining or discoloration, keeping your smile healthy and natural-looking.

An inlay or onlay can last between 10 and 30 years, all while strengthening your tooth by approximately 75 percent. If you’d like more information about whether an inlay or onlay might help you, please contact Oak Tree Dental.

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Gerald Caldwell
03:33 09 Oct 24
William Bagdon
03:04 09 Oct 24
I had my new patient exam with Dr. Navarrete and Andrea today, and they were a great team! Oak Tree Dental was referred to me by some friends of mine who go there. The Doctor answered all of my questions I had about my treatment; they were very clear about the timeline and what to expect, which made the whole process so much easier for me. Thank you to Dr. Navarrete and his team for being so friendly and knowledgeable. I appreciate the time they took to make my visit so comfortable. Highly recommend! :)
Eden Lani Castro
02:18 09 Oct 24
Dorothy Janson
02:13 08 Oct 24
Love the folks at Oak Tree Dental!!They take the time to make sure I'm aware of my dental health. Connie is the best hygienist!! Dr Grados is so gentle and always asks if I'm still ok! The entire staff is super.
Sarah Graff
02:58 03 Oct 24
Visits are always enjoyable and always go smoothly and everyone is always friendly!
Bill Facendini
14:48 27 Sep 24
Carla was great! Staff is friendly.
Albert Yu
02:38 20 Sep 24
Nick Tucker
12:52 13 Sep 24
Dr. Grados and his team are great! Thanks Oak Tree Dental!
Sandy Bordessa
13:46 12 Sep 24
Everyone at Oak Tree Dental is always friendly and professional.
Leah doyle
03:22 30 Aug 24
I'm a pretty tough mama EXCEPT when it comes to the dentist (ok and ticks too but who's not afraid of those!) I embarrassingly went wayyyyy too long without dental care out of fear. Rather getting cavities than go back.I was referred to Oaktree for that very reason and can not be more grateful. They are so, so kind. Never making me feel bad having gone so long and very attentive to my fear. Communicating everything they are doing before they do it, checking in constantly, and taking breaks for deep breaths when needed. Oaktree's helping get my dental needs back on track while making me feel comfortable and confident about going back. Big nonjudgmental, kind, nurturing sweethearts.
Rita Tanner
02:42 28 Aug 24
I have been going to the same dentist office for 56 years and he retired. I had great referrals from a friend for Dr.Grados.and his staff. So hard going to someone new but they did everything to make me comfortable. All very nice and explained everything. Also Dr. Grados took his time with me and never seemed to be in a hurry. Would recommend him and his friendly office highly. Had a lengthy procedure today and Dr. Grados did a wonderful job. He is so kind.Today I went for two crowns. Dr. Grados makes them there . No temporary’s, no coming back for permanents. Amazing and meticulous.
E E
02:33 28 Aug 24
Appointment went wonderfully. Friendly and knowledgeable staff!
Brice Matson
02:37 23 Aug 24
Oak Tree Dental is awesome. Dr. Gratos and his whole team are great. They’re super friendly and professional. The office is nice and their operation is really organized. I’ve never waited for more than 5 minutes for an appointment. The care is great, they’re always very clear with their recommendations and are excellent about educating you on oral hygiene and treatment plans etc…highly recommend!
Elizabeth Paulukonis
02:32 23 Aug 24
Friendly, state of the art equipment and amazing staff. I actually look forward to my teeth cleaning and dental work.
sonia shafazand
18:21 22 Aug 24
2021 - June I just moved here a few months before I contacted them, and was pleased that my call was returned. they told me of all the details which would be done. I also needed two crowns, etc. and the whole things was done the same day! I was surprised that they didn't send me home with two temp ones!everyone is nice and attentive.Update: I went again for cleaning and that was the best cleaning I have had for a long time.Update: 2024 This is an amazing and professional office. very caring, clean, straight, friendly, on time, and they use latest technology.
Candace Demeduc
02:13 22 Aug 24
Eric Skagerberg
13:30 21 Aug 24
I'm a long time client. The folks at Oak Tree Dental are caring, professional, and attentive, and I appreciate their use of up-to-date technology.
nom de Plume
16:58 20 Aug 24
Consistent professional, prompt and friendly cleaning by Connie.
Sabrina H
02:32 16 Aug 24
Donald Lipmanson
02:50 09 Aug 24
Dr. Grados and his staff are extremely competent, friendly and reassuring, the office is immaculate and appealing, the pricing is quite competitive (especially their discounted plan for people without dental insurance). Exams are thorough, in-house fabrication and fitting of dental crowns by Drs. Grados and Navarette have been impeccable.
Paul Brady
07:23 06 Aug 24
They really make it easy and comfortableGreat team Very highly recommended
vintage pottery
15:09 25 Jul 24
Laurel Nathan
20:01 19 Jul 24
Alfred Fiori
02:47 17 Jul 24
Matthew Woodruff
02:25 17 Jul 24
Kevin Kosmatka
02:17 16 Jul 24
Martin Dragonfly
03:19 04 Jul 24
Hands-down, the best Dentists assistants I have experienced in the Bay Area. Super personable, great communicators, and excellent work.
Susanna Marrs
04:07 28 Jun 24
Super friendly; explained process and option for my treatment plan; great office!
Paul Berg
23:53 21 Jun 24
Very efficient office staff, professional modern dentist, and Connie is the best hygenist!
Tasha K
03:22 11 Jun 24
I really appreciate Dr. Graddos and his staff and recommend this practice for basic and complex dental needs.
Kathy Allen
10:53 07 Jun 24
Friendly and professional service.outstanding service!!!!!
Ari Laquidara
15:32 29 May 24
Excellent service. Fantastic staff and team. I feel really lucky to have them right in my back yard in Sebastopol!
ken Mccauley
14:08 24 May 24
Carl Tennenbaum
00:05 15 May 24
SMH Consulting
21:11 14 May 24
Sandra Rosso
17:19 09 May 24
Monique is always friendly and efficient.Andrea set me up in a dental chair with her always great personality. I am in a wheelchair, and she made every safe accommodation for my transfer to and from the dental chair.Dr. N was very pleasant, gentle, thorough and honest with his treatment and conclusion about my tooth.As always, I am pleased with this dental practice.
Charlotte Sue McKinney
15:50 30 Apr 24
Grateful to Dr. Grados and his staff at Oak Tree Dental for fitting me in for emergency dental care. Disaster averted! No pain!
Melissa Ferland
02:16 26 Apr 24
Stephen Gause
02:13 24 Apr 24
K Pflu
02:56 19 Apr 24
terry rusinow
03:56 17 Apr 24
This was my first visit to this dentist. Front office help were wonderful and the assistant was also friendly and terrific and Dr Grados was extremely thorough and took his time and answered any questions I had. I really liked the feel of this office, it's small and not rushed and very convenient to where I live. I look forward to having him as my dentist.
Gangadai L
15:47 05 Apr 24
Very courteous and friendly customer service. I received prompt attention to my concerns.Highly recommend.
Ida Kearney
02:25 02 Apr 24
Very focused on patient comfort and education, very kind, and made getting a new crown a breeze!
Debra Woods
19:17 26 Mar 24
Full service dental practice that does a great job with pain management. Dr Grados is an excellent dentist.
J. Redus
20:08 25 Mar 24
All-Around Excellent! I just started with Oak Tree Dental 6 months ago and I've already completed a daunting treatment plan including four replacement crowns and five fillings! The staff there is kind and responsive, and they seem dedicated to their work. Dr. Grados is a nice guy and a very experienced dentist. He does excellent work. OTD can get a lot of work done at each appointment, and they have always been ready to address concerns that come up. They are great if you don't have dental insurance because they have a plan just for that. I ended up paying less than I would have with my old dentist, with much better care in less time. Thank you Oak Tree Dental!
Lynette Farr Moss
05:40 21 Mar 24
I was a patient at the sebastopol dental office prior to Dr. Grados purchasing the practice. It’s hard forMe to make changes but after my first visit with Dr. Grados I was happy to move forward with him as my new dentist. Without reservation, I am very pleased with his work, how the office is managed, and his personal attention and sensitivity to health and financial needs. I can highly recommend Dr Grados and his office staff for their knowledge expertise and professional services.
Clare Sitzer
02:35 19 Mar 24
I love Oak Tree Dental. They are very helpful and such a kind team!
Eve Stewart
02:17 15 Mar 24
Oak Tree Dental is wonderful!
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Meet the Doctors

Dr. Anthony Grados and Dr. Karimeh Shehadeh are a husband and wife team dedicated to making Sebastopol smile. After Dr. Grados completed dental school at NYU and Dr. Shehadeh completed dental school at University of the Pacific, the two met during residency in Brooklyn and married a few years later. 

After moving back to California, the two fell in love with Sebastopol and purchased their dental practice. As new Sebastopol residents, they’re looking forward to enjoying the area’s relaxed pace of life, providing great dental care and forming long-lasting relationships with their patients as they become part of the community.

Dr. Anthony Grados and Dr. Karimeh Shehadeh

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