Inlays and onlays are smaller and thicker than traditional fillings but less extensive than crowns. They’re often recommended when there isn’t enough tooth enamel to support a filling or when the tooth is weakened by the placement of a traditional filling. While both are made of porcelain or composite resin material, onlays cover one or more cusps of the tooth, and inlays are smaller as well as fit inside the grooves of the teeth.
A dental inlay is a custom-made dental restoration that is similar in size to a tooth filling, but it’s used to treat damage that has affected a specific tooth area. An inlay can be crafted of gold or porcelain alloy materials. The finished result is usually indistinguishable from the surrounding teeth. Once in place, an inlay prevents further damage and restores the natural tooth structure. This procedure usually requires two visits to the dentist’s office to complete.
How Are Inlays Placed?
An inlay requires two visits to be made. On your first visit, your dentist will shape the tooth and take an impression of the tooth to send to the lab, where the inlay will be fabricated. You will return to our office to have the inlay placed. Once placed, the inlay is durable enough to last many years! However, if the inlay is damaged, it must be replaced. Luckily, they are easy to replace, requiring only a simple removal and replacement process.
An onlay restoration is a type of tooth restoration that covers one or more cusps. It is custom-made and fabricated in a dental laboratory from impressions taken of the patient’s teeth. An onlay is used when a tooth has a moderate amount of decay but not enough to require the use of a dental crown. Unlike inlays, onlays cover the entire chewing surface of the tooth. They may be made from gold, porcelain, or composite resin materials.
How are Onlays Placed?
The onlay procedure requires two visits to complete treatment. During the first appointment, your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any damaged or decayed portions and shaping the remaining tooth structure to ensure an onlay will fit properly. A temporary filling will be placed to protect the tooth until your permanent restoration is complete. At your second visit, the temporary filling will be removed, and the onlay will be bonded to your tooth using a special bonding adhesive.
Once in place, the onlay will act as a cap or cover to restore the form and function of the affected tooth. With proper care, your onlay can last for many years. However, regular check-ups are still necessary for proper maintenance of your restoration. Additionally, good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice per day and flossing once per day will help maintain your oral health and help extend the life of your onlay.
To learn more about our dental services or schedule a consultation, call Dentist in Woodstock, GA at (470) 601-7888 or visit Park Creek Dental Care at 8080 Hickory Flat Hwy, Woodstock, GA 30188.
