Dental Treatment: Inlays and Onlays

When a tooth is damaged or decayed, it must often be restored with a filling or a crown. However, inlays and onlays are better options. Inlays and onlays are dental restorations used to repair teeth with mild to moderate damage, such as cavities or cracks. They are also used to replace old, worn-out fillings.

What are Inlays and Onlays?

IThey are made of porcelain, composite resin, or gold and are custom-made to fit precisely into the damaged or decayed tooth. Inlays are used when the damage or decay is confined to the tooth’s cusps (the raised points), while onlays are used when the damage extends beyond the thresholds and onto the tooth’s surface. In other words, onlays are more significant than inlays and cover more of the tooth’s surface.

The Procedure

Getting an inlay or onlay usually requires two dental appointments. During the first appointment, the dentist will remove any decay or damage and prepare the tooth for restoration. The dentist will then take an impression of the tooth, which will be sent to a dental laboratory where the inlay or onlay will be custom-made. While the inlay or onlay is fabricated, the dentist will temporarily fill the tooth to protect it.

At the second appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary filling and place the inlay or onlay onto the tooth. The dentist will ensure that the restoration fits snugly and matches the color of the surrounding teeth. Once the repair is in place, it will be bonded to the tooth using a unique dental adhesive.

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

Both of are offer several benefits over traditional fillings and crowns. Here are a few:

1. Preservation of Tooth Structure: Inlays and onlays preserve more natural tooth structure than fillings or crowns. They require less removal of healthy tooth structure, meaning that more natural teeth can be held.
2. Durability: Both are more durable than traditional fillings and can last up to 30 years. This is because they are custom-made and bonded to the tooth, which makes them less likely to crack or break.
3. Aesthetics: Inlays and onlays are made of tooth-colored materials, such as porcelain or composite resin, which means they blend in with the surrounding teeth and are virtually invisible.
4. Easy Maintenance: Inlays and onlays are easy to clean and maintain and won’t stain or discolor over time.

Risks and Complications

As with any dental procedure, some risks and complications are associated with getting an inlay or onlay. These include:

1. Sensitivity: After getting procedure, some patients may experience sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. This usually goes away within a few days.
2. Discomfort: Some patients may experience pain or soreness after the procedure, but this usually goes away within a few days.
3. Fracture or Dislodgment: In rare cases, an inlay or onlay may fracture or become dislodged. This can usually be fixed with a replacement restoration.
4. Allergic Reaction: Some patients may be allergic to the materials used to make the inlay or onlay. This is rare but can be severe.

Cost of Inlays and Onlays

The cost of an inlay or onlay can vary depending on the type of material used and the location of the tooth. For more information you can contact us