When you visit the dentist and hear the dreaded words “tooth decay,” panic well and truly sets in. There are several stages of tooth decay and a wide variety of treatments and options that stops it and prevents it from getting worse. Nowadays, more people are turning to dental inlays and onlays, but what exactly are inlays and onlays and which one is right for you?
What Is an Inlay?
An inlay is a
What Is an Onlay?
When an onlay is recommended its usually because the tooth has more extensive damage from trauma or tooth decay. In most cases, the cusp of the tooth or the biting surface will be damaged. An onlay is another form of pre-molded filling but one that covers the tooth rather than one that slots inside. Getting an onlay will first require an appointment to remove the decayed area where you will again have a local anesthetic injection. After the dental professional has cleaned out the cavity, an impression will be taken, and a temporary dental onlay will be placed. The impression will be sent to a lab where the customized onlay will be made. A follow-up appointment will be needed to remove the temporary and fit the permanent onlay.
Reasons for a Regular Composite Filling
Composite fillings are really common in fact a majority of the population have had one at some point. It’s a quick procedure that is completed in one visit. After the decay has been removed, the dentist fills the hole with a
When Inlay and Onlay Is Used
If damage or tooth decay is too severe for a regular composite filling the next option will likely be an inlay. Because an inlay is molded to the necessary shape in a dental laboratory, it will fit within the groves of the biting surface similar to that of a regular composite filling. An inlay can efficiently cover more area than a composite filling. The next stage would be an onlay. Both dental inlays and onlays are strong restorations and work in the same way. The difference being an onlay is used when the is more damage than an inlay can cope with but not enough that a dental crown is needed.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
One of the most
When a Crown Might Be Needed
Crowns are typically used when a tooth has severe decay or has been badly damaged. There are several types of materials that are used for crowns, but the most important thing is understanding why you need it. When several cusps of the tooth have broken off or have extensive decay, then a dental crown is probably the best option. The procedure still works in a similar way as having an inlay or onlay, however, removing the damage is the tricky part. Because the likely
Once you have an inlay or onlay, they are maintained in the same way as the rest of the teeth. Brushing at least twice a day as well as regular flossing. They don’t need any special treatment and before long you will forget they are even there. For more information about whether