Dental Inlays and Onlays

When you experience tooth damage or decay, it is important to address it straight away. While there are different treatment options, the right one depends on the degree of the damage. Sometimes, the damage is too much for a simple filling, yet not extensive enough for a crown or cap. When this happens, a great treatment option is getting an inlay or onlay.

How It Works

Inlays and onlays are indirect fillings that are meant to restore the tooth. Depending on what the exact damage is, you can receive either an inlay or onlay. If the damage is between the edges, or cusps, of the tooth, then you will want an inlay. On the other hand, if the damage is across the tooth and covers the cusps, an onlay will be the best option. Unlike direct fillings, inlays and onlays are created ahead of time in a dentist’s lab, which is why they are considered indirect fillings.

Once the inlay or onlay has been created, the dentist will bond the piece to your tooth, much like getting a crown placed. However, this is a much more conservative treatment and allows you to retain more of your natural tooth. When the dentist does this procedure, it will take a couple of visits. He or she will use local anesthetic each time, where the first visit involves removing the decay, taking a mold of the eventual inlay or onlay, and then placing a filler where the inlay or onlay will be bonded. You will have your tooth permanently restored at the second visit. As long as you continue to brush and floss daily and see your dentist for regular cleanings, your inlay or onlay ought to last.

Benefits

There are many benefits of going with an inlay or onlay as your treatment option, all of which can be discussed with your dentist. One of the main benefits is that it is meant to fit your exact tooth. The mold is created in order to preserve as much of your natural tooth as it can, and it is made in the same color as your tooth. Aesthetically, inlays and onlays are pleasing to our clients. With its easy maintenance, strength, and protection, you can be sure that choosing an inlay or onlay to correct your tooth decay is the right choice. These fillings actually help restore strength to the original tooth. In addition, they do not require any more attention than your other teeth, so you do not need to worry about extensive dental costs once the procedure has finished.

We are Dental Professionals of Lincoln Park

Experiencing tooth decay is common; if you are unsure of your treatment options, contact Dental Professionals at (773) 327-4442. We offer free consultations for dental procedures, such as the restorative ones available for people with tooth decay and damage.