Tooth decay has different stages. There comes a stage where the infection can be prevented from spreading. Once the infection is stopped and the teeth are cleaned, there is a need for a dental filling. In some situations a dental filling is not enough. Restorative dentistry has emerged with another option for such situations. The treatment is called Inlays and Onlays. You may call them a substitute for dental crowns or indirect fillings. Crowns give the tooth full coverage. Inlays and Onlays cover a smaller surface of the tooth than the crown.
What Is an Inlay and an Onlay
Also known as indirect fillings, an Inlay is a ceramic or composite resin filling material that is made in the laboratory and later bonded on the tooth. It is called an Inlay because it fits in small points of the molar or premolar.
Onlay is also an indirect filling, made up of porcelain or composite material that bonds with many cusps of the tooth. The coverage on the molars is wider with an Onlay.
Is the Procedure Different for Inlays and Onlays
Both of these fillings follow the same procedure in Boca Raton, FL. The process is similar to the dental crown procedure. The difference lies in the drilling area. In crowning, the entire tooth is drilled. In this procedure, a specific area of the tooth is drilled that has to be filled indirectly. The following steps are included in this treatment.
First, the tooth and surrounding gums are numbed using a local anesthesia. After numbing, the surgical site is cleaned. The purpose of cleaning is to prevent any further infection or spreading of the infection.
In the third step, a digital impression of the tooth is taken. The Onlay or Inlay will be prepared in a precise shape.
The laboratory will make a model of your teeth so that the right cusps are covered. A temporary indirect filling is placed. A gold, ceramic, or resin inlay or onlay is placed afterwards.
What are the Benefits of this Treatment
This procedure has several benefits. The material used for the making is 30 percent stronger than any other material. This material makes Inlay and Onlay highly durable.
Indirect fillings (inlays or onlays) make your teeth 75 percent stronger. Strengthening of the teeth leads to a longer lifespan. It means indirect fillings make your teeth last longer than regular fillings do.
You can also restore the look of your teeth. These are not just an alternative for dental crowns and fillings. They can also treat cracked, chipped, or broken teeth.
They are strongly bonded to the teeth. There is no path for bacteria to invade and cause infections. Indirect restorations or fillings do not need multiple visits to the dentist for installations.
Just two visits are required. You can restore dental health with these restorations, and they provide you a natural look. Your smile becomes more attractive.
Are You the Right Candidate for the Treatment?
You may find this treatment interesting. This could be an option if you have chipped, cracked, broken, or decaying teeth. However, this is not the only option. Your dentist can decide if this is the right option for your condition. The treatment is an alternative when the decay has not spread deep into the layers of the teeth.
In case of severe gum infection, root canal treatment and/or traditional filling are advised. Moreover, the cost may be another factor for choosing this treatment over the others. Not all insurances cover the cost of dental fillings and crowning. If you have any symptoms of gum infection, visit a dentist as soon as possible. Maybe your teeth can be saved with an Inlay or Onlay.
Are you searching for a dentist for this treatment? Smiles of Boca is the right choice for you. Our dentists will make sure you get the right treatment and leave the facility fully satisfied. Be it any kind of dental issue, we are here to help you. Contact us today for a consultation.
