What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?

Dental inlays and onlays repair a damaged tooth’s biting surface. Rear teeth that have a mild to moderate amount of decay can be repaired by this type of restoration. If a patient has a tooth that has decay or damage on the surface then inlays and onlays can treat this. Also, if a tooth is fractured or cracked a dental inlay or onlay can be used to repair this as long as the impairment is not too severe. If the damage to the tooth is critical a dental crown will be used instead.

Most inlays and onlays are made from composite resin, gold, or porcelain. Since some of the material they are made from can be tooth-colored, they are frequently used to replace metal fillings. Many patients want a more natural looking smile so choose to get dental inlays or onlays to achieve this look. Also, metal filling can expand and contract in response to the temperature, which can cause teeth to weaken or even fracture. Onlays and inlays will not do this. Inlay and onlay placement normally takes two appointments to complete the procedure. Both procedures are basically the same except that inlays treat damage in the cusps of a tooth, whereas onlays treat decay that extend to one or more of the cusps.

Dental inlays and onlays are extremely durable and tend to last much longer than metal fillings. Also, due to the fact that they are created specifically for each individual patient they can more securely bond to the injured tooth which helps inhibit bacteria from entering and developing cavities. Since they are tooth-colored they are nearly invisible so you can smile without worrying about anyone else noticing your cosmetic dental surgery. Find a quality cosmetic dentist in Irvington today to gain the many benefits of an inlay or onlay procedure.