Dental Onlays and Inlays Procedure and What to Expect

Do you have a chipped tooth, and you are wondering which type of treatment to use? An Onlay and Inlay dental restoration can be the best option for you. In this article, you’ll learn more about Inlays and Onlays and their procedure.

What are Dental Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and Onlays are also referred to as partial crowns or indirect fillings. They are made of composite, gold, and porcelain material. They help in repairing damaged teeth moderately. Your dentist will use Inlays and Onlays on a tooth that is too damaged to be repaired by a filling but not too decayed for a crown.

Dental Inlays and Onlays give strength to a tooth and make chewing more stable. It also saves the healthy part of a damaged tooth. Our dentist in Rossland Landing Dental Care will place a dental Inlay at the center area of the tooth.

The dentist will place a dental Onlay outside and inside areas of your tooth. Inlays and Onlays are often less expensive and less aggressive. They are a better treatment option than crowns.

Choosing a dental Inlay and Onlay as your treatment will be safe. However, there are complications and potential risks of this type of treatment. It would help if you discussed all options of treating a damaged tooth with your dentist to choose the right one.

Types of Dental Inlays and Onlays

There are different types of Inlays and Onlays as listed below:

• Metal: Your dentist will use metal Inlays and Onlays in the molars or all back teeth due to their strength and durability. Metals Inlays and outlays are typically gold where it is used less today. This is less pleasing than other types of dental Inlays and Onlays.
• Composite Onlay and Inlay: They include acrylics and powdered glass-like material. Cosmetically, composite Inlays and Onlays are more pleasing hence more preferred than metal. In addition, they have the color of natural teeth.
• Porcelain: This type of Inlays and Onlays match the color of natural teeth

Who Needs Dental Inlays and Onlays?

When you visit your dentist with a tooth problem, your dentist may recommend a dental Inlay or Onlay if your tooth has the following conditions:

Tooth decay: These are cavities that come as a result of bacteria in your mouth. The bacteria produce acid that erodes the enamel and damages the teeth. Moderately damaged teeth require a Dental Inlay or Onlay that brings back the normal function of the teeth.

Chipped or Cracked teeth: If your tooth is too broken to be repaired with a dental filling but not too damaged for a root canal, a Dental Inlay or Onlay will be the most appropriate procedure.

The procedure of a Dental Inlay and Onlay

When getting dental Inlay and Onlay in Ajax, ON, our dentist will take you through the following steps:

Cavity Filling Removal

Sometimes, broken cavity fillings are replaced by Inlays and Onlays. Your dentist will remove the filling before the replacement. Any tissue with cavity materials will also be eliminated. Your dentist will then shape the tooth for easier Inlay and Onlay placement.

Impression of the Tooth

During your first appointment, your dentist will take a mold of the damaged tooth. This mold helps the dentist to determine which kind of Inlay to use on your tooth.

Temporary Filling Placement

While waiting for the Inlay and Onlay filling to be prepared, your dentist will place a temporary filling on the cavity. The filling prevents further decay and protects your teeth from sensitivity.

Inlay and Onlay Placement

During your second appointment, your dentist will place your permanent Inlay and Onlay. Your dentist will numb the area to help ease the pain and offer comfort. Then, the temporary filling will be removed, and the tooth Onlay will be cemented in place.

Dental Inlay and Onlay Aftercare

Here are some tips when caring for your Inlay and Onlays:

• Brush your teeth twice daily
• Avoid using flossing appliances around the Inlays or Onlays to avoid damaging them.
• It would be best if you used an antiseptic mouth rinse to avoid gums problems
• Avoid chewing hard or sticky items like candy
• Don’t take too cold or hot foods and beverages to prevent an increase of sensitivity in your tooth.
• Visit your dentist regularly to check the progress of the tooth and maintain high oral hygiene.