Inlays and Onlays

Introduction to Inlays and onlays

A dental inlay is a very like a filling, with the difference that it rests within the bumps on the tooth chewing surface.  A dental onlay can cover several cusps or bumps, and are larger than inlays.

Inlays or onlays are smaller than crowns, but bigger than fillings. These are made of composite resin, ceramics or gold, and can be bonded into place. They are long lasting, and  their lifespan depends on usual variable The teeth that need treatment, Materials used ,chewing pressure where located and of course the patient’s oral hygiene habits

Dental inlays or onlays are used in the restoration of  already decayed teeth.

Procedure

Our dentist will first numb the tooth, as well as the surrounding area using a local anesthetic. Patients may also receive other types of sedation, like nitrous oxide.
Our dentist uses two types of inlays - direct and indirect.

Direct inlays and onlays can be placed in a single visit, and are produced in the dentist's clinic.
Indirect inlays and onlays take up to two visits for placement, and these are made in a dental laboratory.

Our dentist will use one of these two types depending on the appearance of the inlays or onlays, as well as the amount of tooth that is left undamaged.

Direct inlays and onlays 

In this case the decay is removed, and tooth is shaped. Our dentist will then place composite resin that is molded to fit the tooth. He will then remove the inlay, and use a special oven to harden it. The hardened inlay will be cemented onto the tooth. After that, the inlay is polished and shaped by the dentist. Modern technology allows dentists to make ceramic inlays or onlays right in the clinic, with placement finished in a single visit

Indirect inlays and onlays

Again the decay will be removed, and then an impression will be made of the tooth to be treated, as well as the surrounding teeth.  Your dentist will place a temporary filling on the tooth, and will send the impression to the laboratory, where the inlay or onlay will be made.

When you visit the dentist's office for the second time, the temporary filling will be removed, and the teeth will be cleaned.  The inlay or onlay will be cemented to the tooth, and then polished. After this, the inlay or onlay may be reshaped to adjust to fit your teeth

Follow up
There is no special care required with your inlay or onlay.
Remember to brush and floss daily, and schedule a visit to a dentist regularly

Risks
There is a small risk that the inlay or onlay can loosen. This happens when the cement gets washed away, or saliva gets mixed up with it during application.
In case of inlays or onlays that are made of porcelain or composite resin, cracks can develop.
Once you receive an inlay or onlay, check the sensitivity of the teeth, and  if sensitivity persists contact us. Also, visit your dentist if the inlay or onlay loosens or falls out of the tooth which is rare but does happen.

What are Crowns ?

Crowns are used to repair badly decayed, broken or severely discolored teeth or teeth that are not properly aligned. A crown is an artificial covering for the tooth and can be made out of several different types of material. A crown can be porcelain, acrylic, gold or a combination of metal and porcelain or gold and porcelain. Where in the mouth the cap is being placed will determine the type of material used.

Crowns look and are shaped just like regular teeth and no one but you and your dentist will know which tooth is yours and which one is the crown or cap. The tooth under the crown is reduced in size, over which the crown will be permanently cemented. While the permanent crown is being fabricated your dentist can give you a temporary one to wear. 

Crowns have a much longer life span than bonding solutions onto the tooth,  they resist stains retain their color and resist chipping and cracking even better than a natural tooth. Crowns do take longer to prepare than bonding and are not reversible. Our dentists can recommend which type of restoration is best for your particular situation.