Inlays & Onlays There are times when a simple filling of a tooth does not work, especially when a cavity is very large. When that is the case, an inlay or onlay may be a choice. Inlays and onlays are a type of filling that are constructed outside of the mouth. At Wy'East Dental, we use these indirect restorations to resolve a number of dental problems. Inlays and onlays can be a choice when your tooth lacks sufficient structure to support a filling, but the tooth itself is not badly damaged to the point it has to be covered with a crown.Benefits of Inlays and OnlaysYou can increase the strength of your tooth by up to 75 percent if you have an inlay or onlay placed on the tooth. Inlays and onlays are more resistant to things like damage and fracture than conventional fillings. They also enhance the natural look of teeth. Inlays and onlays are resistant to stains. Our office will custom-make these restorations to fit the structure, shape, and color of your tooth. Additionally, inlays and onlays can survive for almost 30 years depending on the cavity fracture risk of the patient. Inlay/Onlay ProcedureThe initial step for onlay and inlay placement involves the removal of cavity filling if necessary. Many a time, onlays and inlays work to replace damaged or fractured fillings in a tooth. So when you come into our office, we will remove any cavity filling you may have. Also, if there is any cavitated tissue, we do away with it, leaving a cavity in the tooth. Next, our dentist shapes the tooth so that the onlay or inlay can be placed easily. We will get an impression of the damaged or cavitated tooth to help create the onlay or inlay restorations. The mold of the tooth also helps determine the material. After that, we place a temporary filling to seal the cavity while your onlay or inlay is being fabricated. The temporary filling helps prevent additional decay and offers protection of the tooth against sensitivity arising from hot or cold liquids, also referred to as thermal stimulation. The final step is where our dentist places the inlay or onlay. Local anesthesia may be used if needed to ensure comfort when the placement of onlay or inlay is happening. The dentist removes the filling you had earlier received as a temporary restoration and cements the inlay or onlay into the tooth. Aftercare Tips for Inlays and OnlaysTry to reduce your consumption of sugar once you get inlays or onlays. Additionally, avoid acidic products, including drinks and foods such as dark fruits, dairy, coffee, processed foods, and candy. And even if you maintain excellent dental hygiene, do not forget to reach out to our office for checkups. Onlays and inlays require regular inspections, at least every six months. Our dentist inspects the treated tooth for things like disease, leakage, or damage to the restorations. Come to our office if you have a cavity that needs a large filling. Our Wy'East Dental team will check if inlays and onlays can help. Call us at (503) 919-2802 to set up an appointment. |
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