Inlays and Onlays Appropriate Restorations for Decayed Teeth

Inlays and Onlays Appropriate Restorations for Decayed Teeth

Jul 01, 2021

Has the dentist near you suggested you must have your teeth restored? The choices available to restore your teeth are various and can make it challenging for you to decide upon a suitable option.

You may think of dental restorations as fillings that wouldn’t be unjustified. However, you will likely be confused when informed you can also have porcelain Inlays and Onlays to restore your teeth after getting them examined by the dentist nearby. The first question in your mind would be what in God’s name are inlays and Onlays. Let us provide some information on inlays and Onlays to help you determine which restoration you can choose for your teeth.

The extent of the tooth decay affecting you determines whether inlays, Onlays, or crowns will satisfy your requirements. Therefore when you visit the dentist, you must prepare yourself for either of the three options because the dentist is the optimal professional to determine which type of restoration you can have.

Inlays, Onlays, or Crowns Which Option Is Best for Your Requirements?

If you have tooth decay and visit your dentist to have it evaluated, the dentist initially examines the tooth and even takes x-rays to determine the extent of the damage. If you have minor damage, the dentist recommends filling the tooth with silver amalgam or composite resin fillings.

The decayed part of the tooth requires drilling and disinfecting to remove the bacteria within before preparing the tooth to fill with the most suitable material for you. Unfortunately, if the cavity is too large and is challenging to fortify with a filling, the dentist recommends a dental inlay because the decay is more profound or a more significant part of the tooth requires fortifying.

There is no reason for you to express concern if recommended an inlay instead of regular dental fillings. Inlays undoubtedly cost more than fillings but also last longer with proper dental hygiene. Furthermore, as porcelain is used to fabricate inlays, they help restore your aesthetic appearance to remain in your mouth for quite some time.

When May You Need an Onlay?

If your tooth has incurred damages via the cavity extending to the cusps, you may think the damage is best restored with a dental crown encasing the entire tooth. However, dentistry innovations now provide alternative solutions with an onlay covering the cavity and the cusps of your tooth. The materials used for making inlays or Onlays are similar, but the fabrication ensures they cover different areas of the tooth to protect it from tooth decay correctly. Onlays are called partial crowns because they function similarly to crowns by covering nearly a portion of the tooth instead of encasing it entirely.

The Procedure to Get Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and Onlays are both molded and fitted to the chewing surface of the tooth affected by decay or injury. The process of getting them is similar because Dr. Allan Fallah must have them created to fit perfectly in the area affected.

You must undergo preparation of your tooth similar to having a filling. The dentist drills your tooth and cleans up the area after giving you local anaesthesia to manage the discomfort during the procedure. If you are getting an onlay, extensive removal of the tooth structure is not required, unlike the process with dental crowns when reduction of the cusps becomes necessary. You receive a temporary onlay on your tooth after preparation to protect it from further damage.

Inlays, Onlays, and crowns are all fabricated in a dental laboratory confirming your help to make for a couple of weeks before you can have the restoration over your tooth. These restorations are unlike fillings and require patience on your part when you decide to get them as restorations for your damaged tooth. However, eventually, when you receive them, you will undoubtedly express happiness as they appear like your natural teeth because they are created from porcelain.

Is a Challenging Caring for Inlays and Onlays or Crowns?

When you have dental restorations in your mouth, you must care for them properly by maintaining excellent oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, and following an instruction the dentist provides. You must aim to have the restorations in your mouth for as long as possible without trying to damage them by chewing on hard and sticky foods or indulging in any other habits that might send you to the emergency dentist in Carrollwood seeking treatments for the repairs in your mouth. Maintain the restorations in appropriate condition to enjoy the benefits they provide for a decade or more.

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