Dental Inlays and Onlays
This is a more conservative approach to tooth restoration than full crowns. They are utilized to fix rear teeth that have mild or moderate tooth decay, or for cracked teeth with damage that does not necessitate a dental crown. Porcelain, composite resin and sometimes gold are used to create inlays and onlays. The difference comes between the two is that inlays refer to those procedures where the bonded material is limited to the center of the tooth, while onlays refer to those procedures where the bonded material can extend further to one or more cusps of the tooth.
What are the benefits of inlays and onlays?
- Natural look: Inlays and onlays have a natural tooth color that makes them virtually invisible compared to metal fillings.
- Great fit: Inlays and onlays will not expand or contract based on temperature like metal fillings.
- Longevity: Inlays and onlays can last up to thirty years, longer than any other type of filling.
- Minimal tooth structure removed: Inlays and onlays require the minimal removal of a tooth’s surface, helping to preserve the maximum amount of healthy tooth structure while restoring decayed or damaged areas.
How it’s done:
Usually, two visits are required for the placements of inlays and onlays. In the first visit, Dr. Houman Dehdashti will take an impression of your tooth, which will be sent to a lab to create the permanent inlay or onlay. Before you leave, he will fit your tooth with a temporary inlay / onlay to keep the tooth protected between visits. During your second visit, the temporary protective material will be removed and your tooth will be fitted with the permanent inlay or onlay received from the lab.
For more information on dental inlays and onlays, or to see if they may be a beneficial form of treatment for you, please call (941) 624-0990 to make an appointment with our Port Charlotte FL dentist today.
