What are Dental Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are restorations that are made to rear teeth that have a mild to moderate amount of decay. They can also be used to restore teeth that are cracked or fractured if the damage is not severe enough to require a dental crown. They are made of porcelain or gold by a dental laboratory; ceramic inlays / onlays are fabricated on site. Once completed, Dr. Kamel will adhere them to the tooth. An inlay is placed in a hole inside the tooth while an onlay is placed on top of the tooth to build up its shape. Their use helps to conserve much of the natural tooth structure. Inlays and onlays can be created from tooth-colored materials. As a result, they are often used to replace metal fillings for patients who desire a more natural looking smile.
Inlay/Onlay Treatment
Treatment involves isolating the tooth and removing any old fillings or damaged tooth structure under local anesthesia. Dr. Kamel will make an impression of the tooth, then the inlay or onlay is created on site from ceramic using the CEREC system, or they are created from porcelain or gold. The inlay/onlay is cemented securely into place. Adjustments may be made to ensure the tooth is comfortable to bite on.
Benefits of Dental Inlays and Onlays
In treating dental decay, inlays and onlays help to eliminate tooth sensitivity and eventual tooth loss. Inlays and onlays also offer the following benefits:
- Made from tooth-colored material, inlays and onlays are virtually invisible.
- Unlike metal fillings, inlays and onlays will not expand or contract in response to temperature changes caused by hot or cold foods diminishing the possibility of fracture.
- Inlays and onlays require less tooth reduction than metal fillings allowing Dr. Kamel to conserve more natural tooth structure.
- The durable material from which inlays and onlays are made helps them last up to 30 years, much longer than that of conventional amalgam fillings.
- Inlays and onlays can replace silver fillings to create a healthier, more natural-looking smile.
- By saving decayed teeth, inlays and onlays prevent the need for more extensive treatment later on.
- Inlays and onlays can be completed in 1 visit.
