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.
Not every damaged tooth needs a crown, but sometimes a regular filling isn't quite enough to repair it. That's where dental inlays and onlays come in. An inlay fits within the grooves of a tooth's chewing surface, while an onlay covers one or more of the raised edges, called cusps. Both are commonly used on molars and premolars that have been damaged by decay or injury. These restorations can help strengthen the remaining tooth structure and restore its function without having to cover the entire tooth with a crown.
At Northside Dental, we want you to feel comfortable with the decisions being made about your dental health. We know that everyone has different concerns, whether it's the cost of treatment, finding time for an appointment, or feeling nervous about having dental work done. Our staff will explain your options, answer your questions, and help you understand which treatments may be appropriate for your situation. To schedule an appointment, call Northside Dental at 317-342-9446 or visit our office at 15026 Greyhound Ct., Carmel, IN 46032.
If you have a tooth that's been damaged or has developed a cavity, it's worth having it examined before the problem gets worse. The amount of damage will help determine what type of restoration is needed. Smaller cavities can often be repaired with a traditional filling, while teeth with more extensive damage may require a crown. Inlays and onlays offer another option when the damage falls somewhere in between. They allow us to repair the affected area while keeping more of your natural tooth intact.
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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 are 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 provides 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 include:
- 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 indirect fillings that are meant to restore your tooth. It will depend on the extent of the damage. If the decay and damage are 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, 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 eventually be bonded. We will place the final restoration permanently on your tooth at 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 complement 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
At Northside Dental, we know that finding time for dental appointments can be difficult, especially when you have a busy schedule. We do our best to offer convenient appointment times and make each visit as comfortable and efficient as possible. Whether you're coming in for routine care or a specific dental concern, our team is here to help you get the treatment you need. We want to be a dental office that you and your family can rely on for years to come, and we look forward to welcoming you into our practice. Call Northside Dental at 317-342-9446 to schedule an appointment, or visit us at 15026 Greyhound Ct., Carmel, IN 46032.