Dental inlays or onlays restore the structure of a tooth. Sometimes onlays are called crowns, whose purpose is to cover the surface of a damaged tooth and protect it from further damage like cracking or breaking. Inlays are a type of filling, with the most common being porcelain fillings because they are the least noticeable. The porcelain filling fits into the cavity of the tooth once it has been cleaned of decay, and then it is sealed or bonded to restore function to the tooth and detract from the appearance of the cavity.
Inlays are typically ideal when teeth are chipped or damaged. This can happen due to a cavity, but teeth also weaken with age and sometimes crack or break if food it chewed incorrectly. Inlays strengthen the tooth, making them less likely to rebreak or rechip. Some are made of gold, but porcelain has become popular because it most closely matches natural teeth. Gold is stronger though, so if your teeth are particularly weak, your dentist may suggest gold instead of porcelain. The location of the dental work is also a factor in the type of material the dentist will suggest.
Onlays are used for more serious damage to the tooth. A fracture or decay my have rotted the tooth away, creating a weakened tooth. The onlay strengthens the crown of the tooth, providing a protective cap over the damage and in turn, giving the tooth a better chance at survival. The structures strengthens the tooth and protects the repairs the dentist performed to remove the decay or sharp edges of the broken tooth. It is almost always better to keep your natural tooth if it can be done in a healthy, aesthetically pleasing manner.
How It Is Done
According to Dr. Farshad Bakhytari of <a href=”http://oakhillvadentistry.com “>Premier Dental Care in Northern Virginia, “Inlays are restorations made out of porcelain or metal in a laboratory and cemented into a tooth, restoring missing tooth structure. They are casted in a lab and cemented into a tooth. They serve the same function as a filling, but have a better long-term prognosis.” The most common type is amalgam, which is an alloy that combines two metals, most often mercury and silver. This substances hardens and fills in the hole in the tooth. Again, inlays often use gold or porcelain. An impression is made of the hole in the tooth, and then the inlay is made from the impression. Both inlays and onlays are much like cavity fillings, but stronger. There is little discomfort during the process. If the tooth is extremely damaged and the corrective device will be deep, a dentist may give you a topical numbing agent. The process takes two visits which typically take a little more than one hour.
Restoration works well for anyone who has damaged, fractured, or broken a tooth. Restoring the strength of the tooth enables you to chew on the tooth normally, and also protects from infection and bacteria. Coupled with responsible dental maintenance, it will go a long way in preventing the loss of the damaged tooth. The cost of restoration is based on the damage of the tooth, as well as the size of the inlay or onlay. Dental insurance often assists with a portion of the cost, but they will sometimes refuse to pay for any upgrades for aesthetic reasons.
Modern Inlays and Onlays are More Attractive
It used to be cavities were drilled and filled with metal, leaving a person with a mouth full of unsightly silver pieces. They may have been deep in the mouth, filling the molars, but it was easy to see how well someone had cared for his teeth. These days, restoration is done in the most appealing way possible. The procedure is mostly painless, but may still be slightly uncomfortable. However, once the work has been complete, your tooth is nearly good as new. It will be strong and most people will be unable to tell you have had any dental work done. If you are suffering from tooth decay and you need a tooth filled and repaired, speak to your dentist about inlay restoration.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
