When repairing teeth, inlays, and onlays are interchangeable regarding their goals. Induct fillings and crowns are used when restoring a tooth’s biting surface. One identifying feature is the presence or absence of gum cover. Inlays fill the space between the cusps of a tooth, whereas onlays cover one or more points.
Where Do Inlays and Onlays Differ and Why?
Cusps, or the protruding part of a tooth, may be restored with inlays and onlays, respectively. Inlays are preferred over fillings because they protect more of the cusp from further damage and cost less than crowns.
Dental onlays, which may extend over one or more of the tooth’s cusps like a partial crown, are used by our aesthetic dentists to repair teeth that have sustained extensive damage to the chewing surface.
Inlays and Onlays, Their Many Varieties
There are two main categories for inlays and onlays: direct and indirect. In a dental office, the dentist fabricates natural inlays and onlays. This is a straightforward process for the patient since the inlays and onlays may be placed during the same appointment. During this process, the decayed portion of the tooth is removed, and resin is applied. The dentist will polish the inlay or onlay before cementing it. Both ceramic inlays and onlays may be set using the same technique.
Indirect inlays and onlays take longer to make and often need two patient visits due to the nature of laboratory work. In both the direct and indirect procedures, the decayed portion of the tooth is initially removed before the inlay or onlay is placed. In this treatment, however, a temporary filling will be placed in the tooth that was treated before sending the impression to a lab. In the second session, the dentist will polish the inlay or onlay, remove the temporary filling, and cement the inlay or onlay to the tooth.
Methods for Determining Your Eligibility
Our experienced dentists at Emergency Dentists San Diego will determine whether an inlay or onlay is necessary based on the condition of the remaining tooth structure. Since it is the most robust and long-lasting filling material, gold is typically used for both inlays and onlays. Gold’s many advantages include the fact that it is very durable and does not tarnish. However, an indirect method is required since the gold filling for an inlay or onlay must be created in a laboratory.
An inlay or onlay is necessary when more than half of a tooth is lost, or decay has affected more than half of the tooth. There are several benefits to getting an inlay or onlay instead of a traditional metal filling. To begin with, they are more long-lasting; some estimates put their age at 30 years. Second, they help strengthen teeth by as much as 75% compared to only 50% with metal fillings. Last but not least, inlays and onlays both prevent the need for further dental work and add years to the life of the tooth.
Patients with inlays or onlays should take special care of their teeth, visiting the dentist often for cleanings and exams.
If you have a toothache, are concerned about your dental health, or want to discuss your options with a trained expert, call Emergency Dentists San Diego immediately to schedule an appointment.
What Are The Benefits of Using Inlays and Onlays?
Tooth decay, damage, or erosion that is too advanced for a simple filling but not severe enough to warrant a crown may be treated with an inlay or onlay.
- Large cavities between the cusps of a tooth are sometimes treated with inlays.
- Although onlays are sometimes used to repair damage, they are often employed for other purposes. They are often used to improve cusps worn down or eroded by acid.
- Both may aid in preventing further damage to a tooth and restoring its original shape.
How Does It Work, Specifically?
Dental inlays and onlays may be placed using the same simple procedure.
Root canal therapy
Your dentist will clean out any cavities at the initial appointment. The next step is to mold the tooth and send it to the lab for analysis. You will be given a temporary filling to use while your inlay or onlay is fabricated.
The process of making a dental inlay or onlay.
Dental inlays and onlays are created to order and fitted to your teeth in the lab. Both inlays and onlays may be made from porcelain or gold to complement your natural teeth perfectly.
Insertion of the inlay/onlay is complete.
Your dentist will carefully fit the inlay or onlay to the tooth and glue it. If everything goes as planned, you can get on with your life and show off your brand-new, perfect smile.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Inlays and Onlays
Advantages
- They are less likely to change color over time than fillings made of tooth-colored resin.
- Help preserve as much of the healthy tooth as possible and be a reliable alternative to a crown when the affected area is small.
- In contrast to a composite filling, which may shrink over time and cause leaks, the dentist fabricated an inlay specifically for the patient’s tooth.
- Dental inlays are preferred over fillings when the cavity is located between teeth because they provide a more effective seal and prevent the spread of bacteria.
Disadvantages
- More expensive than composite or amalgam fillings.
- The therapy consists of two visits rather than just one.
- It’s easily broken as well.
Healing and Keeping Tabs
Your dentist will provide detailed advice on caring for your new inlay or onlay once it is placed. They will likely instruct you to fast until the effects of the anesthetic have worn off. You should take special care during the following twenty-four hours to avoid consuming complex foods.
You’ll also get instructions on how to care for your teeth following dental surgery from your dentist. It is normal to feel some discomfort after getting an onlay. Depending on its quality and scope, this sensation might linger from a few days to weeks after a repair.
Inlays and Onlays: How Much They Cost
Inlays and onlays cost more than fillings but less than crowns in the dental industry. Onlays are often more costly than inlays because of their larger size.
Compared to alternatives made of porcelain, zirconia, or gold, the cost of composite resin inlays and onlays is far lower. The price of these fixes may also be determined by the dentist’s degree of experience, location convenience, and community standing.
A dental inlay or onlay is the best repair choice when a tooth is too seriously decayed or damaged for a filling. Your dentist can help you pick between dental inlays and onlays if you need to replace missing tooth structures.