Inlay and Onlay
Inlays and onlays are types of dental restorations used to repair damaged or decayed teeth, especially when the damage is too extensive for a regular filling but not severe enough to require a crown.
Inlays
- Placement: Fit within the cusps of a tooth.
- Material: Made from porcelain, composite resin, or gold.
- Use: Treat cavities or damage in the tooth’s biting surface.
Onlays
- Placement: Extend over one or more cusps of the tooth.
- Material: Also made from porcelain, composite resin, or gold.
- Use: Repair more extensive damage that involves the cusps.
Procedure
- Preparation: The dentist removes decay and prepares the tooth.
- Impression: A mold is taken of the prepared tooth.
- Fabrication: The inlay or onlay is custom-made in a dental lab.
- Placement: It is bonded to the tooth, restoring its shape and function.
Benefits
- Preserves Tooth Structure: Less invasive than crowns.
- Durable and Strong: Provides strength and durability.
- Aesthetic: Matches the natural tooth color.
- Less Tooth Reduction: Conserves more of the original tooth.
Maintenance
- Regular brushing and flossing.
- Routine dental check-ups to ensure longevity.
Inlays and onlays offer a conservative and effective solution for restoring teeth while preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible.