Inlays and Onlays

For many years, patients had limited options to treat severe damage and tooth decay when it came to restoring the health, function, and appearance of their affected tooth. Patients had to pick between a dental filling and a crown, both of which had their shortcomings, especially when treating severe decay or damage.

Dental inlays and onlays offer a perfect solution for patients interested in restoring moderate to severe damage and decay. Besides providing additional strength to your affected tooth, the dental inlays and onlays can also prevent further decay and damage.

What are Inlays and Onlays?

A dental inlay is a customized filling secured on a tooth’s hollow part and does not spread beyond the tooth’s cusps. It is one of the restorative techniques used to fix the teeth that have incurred damage from trauma or decay. The inlays are suggested if the tooth’s cusps are not damaged and are far more durable when compared to dental fillings.

 Onlays can be opted only when the tooth has suffered extensive damage where the tip of the tooth and cusp are affected. Inlays and onlays are most frequently used as a substitute for traditional fillings and are known to offer a more durable, well-fitting, and long-lasting solution to teeth decay or damage.

What are some benefits of Inlays and Onlays?

• Inlays and onlays are durable and sturdy and can last a patient’s lifetime with proper care.
• They extend a tooth’s life and prevent the need for further dental treatment.
• Inlays and onlays help conserve more of the tooth’s natural structure than the dental crowns.
• They provide a more natural-looking and aesthetic appearance.
• As they are fabricated by employing the latest technology, the inlays and onlays allow for a perfect fit.
• The material used in the manufacture of an inlay or onlay does not contain any allergic material and can be safely used.

What is the procedure required for Inlays and Onlays?

The inlays or onlays will take a minimum of two dental visits. During the initial visit, the dentist will clean and prepare the injured tooth before taking the tooth’s digital impression and send it to a dental lab for its manufacture. Porcelain, gold, and resin are the materials that are often used to make inlays and onlays. Once the restorations are ready, they are installed and checked for proper fit and bite. After everything is found to be satisfactory, the restoration is bonded onto your tooth and the margins polished.

Call Winning Smiles family dentistry at (301)868-2004 or schedule an online appointment to know more about Inlays & Onlays.