Dental Inlays And Dental Onlays

Dental inlays and onlays for dental care are a simple procedure meant as filling options for cracked or decayed teeth. Depending on your situation, it’s best to know which you’ll need when the time arises.

What are dental inlays?

Dental inlays are a pre-molded filling that is used to fill the space between the cusps of the tooth after being treated for tooth decay.

Firstly, the patient is numbed, and the dentist removes any tooth decay from the tooth. The dentist then takes an impression of the tooth using the pre-molded feeling and sends it to a lab to be made from a ceramic material. Other materials may be used if ceramic it’s not your desired choice at a costlier price.

What are dental onlays?

Dental onlays are like inlays however, one significant difference is that onlays can cover one or more cusps, extending onto the biting surface of the tooth itself. An onlay may be given by your dentist if they decide that the structural integrity of the tooth cannot withstand the filling due to a pre-existing crack or chip. In this sense onlays are comparable to dental crowns with the added benefit of strengthening the tooth while giving cosmetic value.

The Real Purpose of Inlays and Onlays

Consider dental inlays and onlays a middle ground to tooth repair. Other procedures such as the root canal involve extensive measures to replace dead or decayed teeth. However, with an inlay/ onlay there is much less pressure placed on the tooth. The need for dental crowns afterwards is negligible since the shape of the tooth hasn’t been distorted beyond recognition. Therefore, dental inlays and onlays give both a layer of strength and beauty to your teeth.

Consult your dentist to discuss the correct tooth restoration procedure, as there are many with similar benefits, but unique differences.