Inlays are a variation of a dental filling that can address cavities and other damage, where onlays are a treatment for more severe damage including the cusps of a tooth.
Inlays are a variation of a dental filling that can address cavities and other damage, where onlays are a treatment for more severe damage including the cusps of a tooth. Inlays and onlays are used most often in premolars or molars, where the tooth has experienced too much damage to support a basic filling, yet not enough damage that a dental crown is necessary. Studies have proven that both inlays and onlays can improve the strength of a tooth by up to 75%.
The attentive and conscientious team at Northside Dental share a common philosophy and that is to treat you as a person first, as a patient second. We embrace the value of your lifestyle, your overall health, comfort, time, anxiety levels, and your budget. We will work industriously in collaboration with you in the development and implementation of your personalized dental treatment plans. We also consider our team as an important part of your overall health program team. Call us today at 317-848-9838 to schedule your appointment or stop in at 15026 Greyhound Ct. Carmel, IN 46032.
If you experience tooth damage or decay, it is vital to address it as soon as possible. While there may be a variety of treatment options, the correct one will depend on the amount of damage. Sometimes, the damage is in between a simple filling and a dental crown. This is when the treatment option will be to consider an inlay or onlay.
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Difference Between an Inlay and an Onlay
Inlays and onlays are primarily used in your molars or premolars. The major difference between them is the amount and part of the tooth that they cover. An inlay will involve the pits and fissures of a tooth, mainly covering the chewing surface between the cusps. An onlay will include one or more cusps being covered. If all cusps and the entire surface of the tooth is covered then this restoration is called a crown.
- Inlays- A dental inlay is made of a solid, custom-formed material. Depending on the cavity size and depth, inlays are cast into shape with a metal amalgam, composite, gold or milled into shape with porcelain. An inlay is molded to fit into the grooves of your tooth. It does not extend over the cusps of the tooth.
- Onlays- Like inlays, dental onlays are also made of a solid, custom-made material. An onlay is larger than an inlay but smaller than a dental crown. It is most often used to fill a larger cavity that extends over the cusps of your tooth.
The Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
There are many benefits of choosing an inlay or onlay as your treatment option, all of which will be discussed with Northside Dental at your initial evaluation. One of the primary benefits is that it will be designed to fit your exact tooth. The process is to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible, and it can also be made in the same color as your tooth. Visually, you will be pleased with either an inlay or an onlay. With the easy maintenance, the added strength it brings to the tooth, and the protection it serves to keep a natural tooth, you can be sure that this choice is a viable option. The inlays and onlays have been proven to help restore strength to your original tooth. They do not require any more attention than your natural teeth, so you will not have any additional dental costs once the procedure is completed. A few benefits consist of:
- They are more resistant to fractures and damage than traditional cavity fillings.
- They are stain resistant.
- They can improve the natural aesthetic and appearance of a tooth.
- They are custom made to fit your tooth’s structure, color, and shape.
- Depending on your cavity and fracture risk, they can last up to 30 years.
The Procedure for an Inlay or Onlay
Inlays and onlays are an indirect filling that are meant to restore your tooth. It will depend on the extent of the exact damage. If the decay and damage is between the edges, or cusps, of the tooth, then Northside Dental will call the treatment an inlay. If the damage is broader and crosses the tooth and includes a cusp or two, an onlay will be the best treatment. Unlike direct dental fillings in which we place directly in our clinic, inlays and onlays will be created and fabricated in a dental lab, which is why they are also called indirect fillings.
Once the inlay or onlay has been fabricated, we will bond the piece to your tooth, much like the procedure of placing a dental crown. This is a much more conservative treatment and will allow you to retain more of your natural tooth. When we perform this procedure, it will take a few appointments. We will begin by administering a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and minimize discomfort. The first visit will involve removing the decay, taking a mold for the development of the inlay or onlay, and then placing a temporary filler where the inlay or onlay will be eventually bonded. We will place the final restoration permanently on your tooth the second visit.
The dental industry strongly suggests you continue to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. You should also compliment these preventative habits by having a dental exam and professional cleaning at Northside Dental every six months. By doing this your inlay or onlay can have a very long-life expectancy.
Your Comfort and Your Care
The preventative methods we take for your dental care is the biggest benefit when choosing Northside Dental. We will make your appointments work within your busy schedule. We will concentrate on making sure your appointments go smoothly and quickly. Our office goal is simple and that is to be your destination for all your preventative dental needs. We look forward to each appointment and the opportunity to assist you in constantly maintaining your oral health with good preventative care. We always focus on gaining your trust as you enter our clinic. Call us today at 317-848-9838 to schedule your appointment or stop in at 15026 Greyhound Ct. Carmel, IN 46032.