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The Ultimate Guide To Dental Inlays & Onlays: An Expert Guide
When your teeth are damaged due to injury or decay, there are measures to restore them a bit. Dental inlays and onlays are some of these dental procedures that can help to restore your teeth to make them look better than before. This process also saves your dentition from further damage and restores the ability to bite and chew.
What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?
A dental inlay is an indirect restoration that consists of sold substances such as gold, porcelain, or composite resin. This is fitted to a dental cavity and bonded into place. An inlay fills the space between your rounded cusps at the center of your tooth’s surface. Most inlays are rare more durable as compared to dental fillings. Inlays are also less expensive than dental crowns.
Dental onlays, on the other hand, can also be made from composite resin, porcelain, or gold. They are the same as dental inlays, except that they cover one or more cusps or the entire chewing surfaces of your damaged teeth. Because of this extensive coverage, Onlays are also referred to as partial crowns. Since the process of bonding and the materials is the same as that of dental inlays, the longevity of the dental inlays is the same as dental inlays.
What are the Benefits of Dental Inlays and Onlays?
Dental inlays and onlays have many benefits, and they include:
- They provide a restoration alternative when other procedures cannot provide a total repair of your teeth.
- They are also a more natural-looking option for restoring your damaged teeth. Unlike the colored dental crowns and metal fillings, the onlays and inlays are created to look like your natural teeth. The dentist will match the color of the onlays and inlays to make the right color of your teeth
- Since the inlays and Onlays are made of porcelain, they do not fluctuate in size due to temperature changes. Thus, it reduces the potential for more damage to teeth.
- Inlays and Onlays are more durable and can last up to 30 years with proper care.
- They are also a healthier option for teeth than some other options. Unlike a dental crown, in this treatment, less of your tooth needs to be removed to place them. Your dentist near you can only remove the damaged portion of your tooth and create a piece that fits that area. Salvaging as much of your teeth as possible is important in keeping the tooth healthier.
- They help maintain a beautiful and healthier smile, thus contributing to overall health. In addition, a beautiful smile also plays a major role in improving a person’s confidence and self-esteem.
- Choosing Onlays and inlays in Highland Park provides a method of repairing damage and maintaining the beauty of your teeth.
Discussing these options with your dentist will help determine if onlays and inlays are suitable for repairing your damaged teeth. In addition, this allows you to feel more confident in the dental treatments.
How are Dental Inlays and Onlays Placed?
The following are the steps in which onlyas and inlays are placed at Campbell & Williams Family Dental.
- Cavity Filling Removal
Often, inlays and onlays can replace damaged or fractured cavity fillings. However, if you have an existing filling in your mouth, your dentist will remove it before replacement. A cavitated tooth tissue is also removed to leave a hollowed-out cavity. Your dentist then prepares and shapes your tooth.
- Impression of your tooth.
A mold of the damaged or caviatated tooth is taken during your first appointment. This helps you and your dentist o determine the material to use for the dental inlay or only. If you decide on ceramic, you will also have to choose the restoration’s shade during this time.
- Temporary filling placement
While your inlay or onlay is being prepared, your dentist will place a temporary filling to seal the cavity. This helps protect your teeth from thermal stimulation that is sensitive caused by hot or cold liquids. It also helps to prevent further decay.
- Inlay/Onlay placement
When the restoration is ready, you will set up one more appointment with your dentist in Highland Village, TX, to place the dental inlay and onlay. Your dentist will administer a local anesthesia to help numb the area and reduce pain and discomfort. The temporary filling is then removed from the cavity, and the inlay or Onlay is cemented into your tooth.