What is Inlay And Onlays?

In certain circumstances direct  fillings may not be possible due to remaining structure. Inlays/Onlays are laboratory constructed and the material can be either gold or porcelain.Unlike crowns that cover the whole tooth, inlays/onlays only cover the cuspal region on molars and pre- molars.
 

Dental inlays and onlays are restorations used to repair rear teeth with mild to moderate decay or cracked and fractured teeth that are not sufficiently damaged enough to need a crown.Ideal candidates for inlay or onlay work typically have too much damage or decay in the tooth structure to be successfully treated using a filling, but have enough sufficient healthy tooth remaining to avoid the need for a crown. This allows the dentist to conserve more of the patient’s original tooth structure.
 

There are other benefits to inlays and onlays in comparison to metal fillings:
Inlays and onlays are durable — they’re made from tough, hardwearing materials which last up to 20 years. They help to strengthen teeth by up to 75 percent. Inlays and onlays prolong tooth life.Dental inlays and onlays are used when old fillings need to be removed or replaced. A dental inlay is similar to a filling and fits inside the cusp tips (top edges) of the tooth. A dental onlay is more extensive and extends over the cusps of the tooth. During treatment the dentist removes the old fillings under local anesthesia and takes an impression of the tooth, which is sent to the dental laboratory. The new inlay or onlay is made from this mould in porcelain, gold or composite resin material. The inlay or onlay is then cemented into place at the next appointment. The inlay or onlay blends successfully with the treated tooth and the rest of the teeth to achieve a natural, uniform appearance.
 

How are inlays and onlays done?

It takes two appointments for the inlays and onlays treatment to be completed and to be finally be fitted to the tooth.

Inlays and onlays are performed using very similar procedures. At the first appointment, your dentist begins the procedure by numbing the area to be treated with local anesthetic. Any decay or damage is removed by drilling, which cleans and prepares the tooth for the dental inlay or onlay.
 

Using a small tray filled with dental putty that fits over the teeth, the dentist takes a mould (impression) of the damaged tooth. This impression is sent off to the dental laboratory, where a dental inlay or onlay is created that will fit your tooth exactly. Inlays and onlays are usually made from porcelain, which often most closely matches the normal color of the tooth, but they can also be made from composite resin or gold. Your dentist will place a temporary filling over the prepared tooth to protect it from any further damage while we are waiting for your work to come back from the lab.
 

At your next appointment, your dentist will remove the temporary filling and then take time to ensure the inlay or onlay fits correctly. Only when the inlay or onlay fits perfectly will the dentist bond the inlay or onlay to the tooth with a strong resin adhesive. The inlay and onlay treatment is completed with a polish to ensure a smooth and aesthetically pleasing finish.