Inlays and Onlays Chances are, you have probably heard of fillings or crowns being used to treat a tooth that has a cavity or decay. Fillings are typically used for very small cavities, while a crown is necessary when there is damage throughout the tooth. However, some tooth damage falls somewhere in the middle and requires an alternative treatment.This is exactly why our professionals at Osborne Dentistry offer inlays and onlays as a dental restoration option. This treatment serves as the middle ground between both extremes, allowing our team to be more flexible with treatment options and give you the perfect restoration for any situation. What Is an Inlay?An inlay is considered an indirect restoration and is stronger than a traditional filling. Inlays are used to repair decay in between the cusps of your teeth. In order to make an inlay, we will create a mold of the tooth that is in need of repair. This mold is sent to a lab where your inlay is created. When your inlay is finished, you will return for the procedure. Our professionals will administer a local anesthetic so that you are pain-free during the installation. We will then remove the decayed material using a dental drill. The inlay is installed using dental cement and your repair is complete. What Is an Onlay?Onlays are similar to inlays. They are manufactured in the same manner and follow a similar installation process. The only difference between the two is that an onlay extends onto the cusp of your damaged tooth but does not completely encapsulate it like a crown. What Are Inlays and Onlays Made Of?Both onlays and inlays can be manufactured from a variety of materials. If you want your restoration to match the color of your natural tooth, then it will need to be manufactured from porcelain or composite material. Porcelain provides the best color-match. Some patients are more concerned with durability rather than whether or not the inlay is matched to the color of their tooth. When this is the case, our team may recommend that you receive an inlay or onlay out of gold. Gold provides the best strength out of any material choice and is popular for those who want to add an accent to their repaired tooth. Do Inlays and Onlays Last?Inlays and onlays last longer than a traditional filling because they use stronger materials and are precision-made to fit exactly in the space that they are repairing. They can last anywhere from 10 to as long as 20 years. This will depend on how well you care for them and what material they are made from. To achieve the longest life, you will need to have an inlay made out of gold or porcelain. If you would like to learn more about inlays and onlays or are ready to have your smile restored, you should come to see our highly-skilled team at Osborne Dentistry. Scheduling an appointment is as easy as calling our office at 541-451-4300. |