Dental Inlays and Onlays
Dental inlays and onlays are used to restore a tooth when more than half of the tooth’s biting surface is damaged. Dental inlays and onlays are an alternative to traditional fillings, that can reduce the strength of a natural tooth by up to 50 percent. Unlike traditional fillings, dental inlays and onlays can actually strengthen your tooth by up to 75 percent.
Dental Inlays and Onlays in Clarksville, TN
Offered in many different materials, dental inlays and onlays are bonded to damaged teeth, creating a stronger and healthier surface. Inlays and onlays are bonded directly onto the teeth using special high-strength resins that can actually increase the strength of a tooth by 75 percent. As a result, they can last ten to 30 years and in some cases, where the damage to the tooth is not extensive enough to merit an entire crown, onlays are a great alternative.
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What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin. These pieces are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth. An inlay, which is similar to a filling, is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth. An onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay but extending out over one or more of the cusps of the tooth.
Traditionally, gold has been the material of choice for inlays and onlays. In recent years, however, porcelain has become increasingly popular due to its strength and color, which can potentially match the natural color of your teeth.
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How are dental inlays and onlays applied?
Thanks to our in-house CEREC®technology, inlays and onlays can be fabricated and applied in just one visit. First, the filling is replaced, or the damaged or decaying area of the tooth is removed, and the tooth is prepared for the inlay or onlay. The dentist will use the CEREC® scanner to take digital impressions of the tooth and the CEREC® milling machine to physically create the inlay or onlay.
The dentist will place the inlay or onlay and make sure that it fits correctly. If the fit is satisfactory, the inlay or onlay will be bonded to the tooth with a strong resin and polished to a smooth finish.
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When should I consider a dental inlay or onlay?
A dental inlay is used to fill grooves in the tooth to restore or repair a tooth after it sustains harm from injury or decay that goes on to affect the cusp of the tooth. Dental inlays are more durable than regular dental fillings made from composite or amalgam, and gold inlays are the most durable.
A dental onlay is used to repair a tooth that has more extensive damage affecting the cusp, tips, or biting surface of the tooth. Onlays require a temporary solution while the final onlay is sent to a laboratory to be formed correctly.
More Questions?
If you have more questions about dental inlays and onlays, please contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.
