Get Back Your Teeth Structure with Inlay and Onlay
Inlays and Onlays are direct restorations where ceramic is bonded to a particular location in the tooth. Also known as indirect fillings, these are more conservative alternatives to full coverage dental crowns. All inlay onlay overlay are ceramic restorations that prevent secondary caries formation and protect your teeth from further damage.
Traditionally inlays and Onlays were made up of gold. But today porcelain and composite resin popularity increased due to their color and strength as they matched the natural color of the tooth.
Inlay Restoration
If you have minor tooth decay or other dental damage that does not affect the cusps of the tooth, getting this type of restorative may be ideal. Restoration is called an inlay when the material is bonded into the center of the tooth.
An inlay is a restoration that has been made out of the mouth from porcelain, gold, or other metal and then cemented into the cavity of the tooth.
Onlay Restoration
A restoration is called Onlay when the damage extends out over one or more cusps (points) of the tooth. An Onlay covers the higher cusps around the edges of your tooth.
Consult with the Mass Bay Dental expert team today to learn about which type of restoration is right for you.
Inlays and Onlays Dental Procedure
It takes two appointments to complete the inlayOnlay dental procedure. Getting a dental Onlay is the same procedure as an inlay. On the first visit, the teeth are prepared for inlays or Onlays by removing the decayed or damaged part of the tooth.
Savvy dentists will numb the affected area with a local anesthetic. And will then use a drill to clean out the damaged area or cavities. After this, the dentist will discuss the type of material used which can be gold, porcelain, or resin.
A molded impression of the tooth is taken and sent to the laboratory for fabrication of restoration. The dental expert will apply a temporary sealant to the tooth meanwhile.
At the second appointment, the dentist near you will remove the temporary sealant and check the fitting of inlay or Onlay. If the fit is satisfactory, inlay or Onlay will be cemented to the tooth with a strong resin and finally polished for a smooth finish.
Benefits of Inlay and Onlay
Inlay and Onlay provide a variety of benefits. Some of them are:
- Aesthetic
Porcelain offers the best aesthetic outcome. As resin material used to make inlay or Onlay is the same as tooth color. Porcelain and resin are also less susceptible to discoloration and staining. The person standing next to you will not be able to notice the dental work.
- Stability and Strength
The durable material used to make inlay or Onlay provides a stable restorative solution for the treatment of decay and can strengthen a damaged tooth.
When an inlay is used, the tooth to restoration margin is finished and polished to a very fine line of contact to minimize decay. Unlike direct composite, filling pastes shrink during hardening, which leads to shrinkage stress and rarely to marginal gaps.
- Preserve the Tooth Natural Structure
Your dentist will remove only the damaged part of your tooth. Inlay and Onlay made and attached permanently with your original tooth. This provides a suitable fit and keeps much of the original tooth in place. As inlays/Onlays is a less extensive method of tooth removal, thereby making it more appealing to patients.
Aftercare Tips
The inlays and Onlays only take a few days to recover. The first 48 hours after the treatment are the key. Patients should avoid foods of high temperature as well as hard and sticky foods.
It is necessary to practice good oral hygiene to keep the restorations long-lasting and to reduce the chance of deadly oral diseases. Follow these tips:
- Inlays extending into the interdental areas of your mouth are difficult to clean and require regular cleanings. Using an interdental toothbrush can help.
- Dentists recommend avoiding highly acidic foods and drinks like dairy, coffee, dark fruits, and processed food.
- Your restorations should be checked after every six months. During this, your dentist will check your restored tooth for signs of any damage and leakage.
Dental professionals use Inlays and Onlaysmainly in place of traditional fillings to treat decay. Call and Book an appointment today for the dental inlays and Onlays in Salem, MA to get confidence back in your smile.