Gresham Dental Inlays and Dental Onlays
There is a wide range of dental procedures available to dentists today, and most patients will be familiar with the majority of them, such as crowns, fillings, and dental implants. Two techniques which are perhaps not so well known, but provide excellent solutions in certain circumstances are Inlays and Onlays.
What Is A Dental Inlay?
An inlay is very similar to a filling, but it premade to fit into the grooves of a tooth, where any decay or damage does not extend over the cusps of the tooth. The procedure involves our dentists drilling down into the tooth, while the patient is under general anesthetic, removing any damage or decay, and then taking measurements of the remaining parts of the tooth. These are then sent to the laboratory to enable the inlay to be manufactured. The standard length of time for the manufacturing process is about two weeks, so in the meantime, the dentist will seal the tooth with a temporary filling. Once the inlay is received back at our office, we then insert the inlay into the space. Inlays are typically manufactured from porcelain or composite resin material, and one of the significant advantages over standard fillings is that they can be ordered in a color that matches that of the tooth being repaired. This method provides almost invisible dental restoration while repairing the chewing surface. Another significant benefit is that dental inlays are generally more durable than regular fillings made from composite or amalgam.
What Is A Dental Onlay?
An onlay uses a similar methodology to that of an Inlay but is used when the damage to the tooth is more severe and includes damage to the cusps or tips of the tooth. The overall process is broadly similar though; it involves the patient being placed under general anesthetic, then the damaged part of the tooth is drilled out. Impressions are then taken of the gap which is then sent off to the lab to be manufactured. The dentist will then seal the hole with a temporary filling until the onlay is produced.
Gresham dental inlays and dental onlays offer an excellent method for restoring your smile while preventing further decay or damage. At Main Street Dental, we will recommend an Inlay or an Onlay, if we feel it is the best course of action for your individual circumstances.
Did you know…
that inlays and onlays can serve as alternative treatments to dental crowns when you have a broken or damaged tooth? When fillings are not enough to adequately repair a tooth, an inlay or onlay can be custom-created to fit securely onto the tooth’s surface. Depending on the materials used, the restoration can be created to appear natural and will have the same function of an organic tooth. Inlays and onlays have extremely high success rates and because they are custom made for each patient, most last longer than traditional fillings.
Gresham Dental Inlays and Dental Onlays FAQ
Q: Why Would A Dentist Recommend An Inlay or Onlay Over A Standard Filling?
A: The most significant advantage which Inlays and Onlays offer over standard fillings is that they require minimal removal of natural tooth material. As a consequence, this helps to maintain the strength and integrity of the teeth, and are considered to be conservative treatments within the industry. In terms of their care, they should be treated like your natural teeth; thoroughly cleaned twice a day, flossed daily, with regular dental check-ups twice a year.
Q: If Inlays or Onlays Offer A Better Result Than Fillings or Crowns Why Are They Not Offered To More People?
A: Inlays and Onlays are only suitable for teeth that have sustained moderate damage or decay. If the damage is more severe, then a crown, cap or traditional filling might be a more suitable option. At Main Street Dental, we will always offer our patients the opportunity of an Inlay or Onlay, if we think it is an appropriate treatment option.
Q: Is There Anything I Need To Be Aware Of During The Treatment Process Or Afterwards?
A: Once the inlay treatment has been completed, most patients are able to eat any and all types of food, without any issues or concerns, The main precautions that need to be taken, during the treatment process focus around the temporary fillings that are installed while you are waiting for the inlays or onlays’ to be manufactured. These are only held in place using temporary dental cement and are easily damaged if you choose to eat sticky or hard foods. If they get pulled out with a sticky toffee, for instance, this could cause significant damage to the tooth. The best advice is to show refrain and steer clear of those types of food, for the two-week period that your inlays are being made. Another thing to be aware of is that individual patients may notice an increased sensitivity to heat or cold, for a couple of weeks after the treatment has been completed. This will generally subside over time and is nothing to worry about unless the pain is severe. In this situation, please get in touch with our team, so that we can resolve the issue.
Q: Am I a candidate for an inlay or onlay?
A: You could be a candidate for an inlay or onlay in if you have moderate tooth damage or decay and are in search of an alternative restoration option to a crown or cap. Schedule a dental consultation for a complete examination and to find out if an inlay or onlay is right for you.
Q: What should I expect when I get my inlay or onlay restoration?
A: Your inlay or onlay restoration will be completed over multiple dental treatments. First, your tooth will be prepared for treatment, and an impression will be taken to serve as a mold for your new restoration. You may be fitted with a temporary restoration while your permanent inlay or onlay is fabricated. Once completed, you will return to have the temporary restoration removed and the permanent one bonded to the surface of the teeth.
Q: Do I need to follow any post-treatment care guidelines?
A: Special care needs to be given to your teeth while temporary restorations are in place. It is important to avoid sticky or hard foods that could cause significant damage to temporaries. Once you receive your permanent inlay or onlay, you can resume normal eating, brushing and flossing habits.
Just because inlays and onlays are not as well known outside of the dental industry, does not mean that they are a poor choice. On the contrary, they provide an excellent alternative to either traditional fillings, crowns or caps. Less invasive, stronger, and more aesthetically pleasing, if your dentist offers the opportunity of an inlay or onlay, then give it some serious thought.
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