Why You May Need Inlays and Onlays for Your Teeth
When you have mild to moderate cavities that affect only a small part of the teeth, the dentist will opt for teeth fillings. If the decay is extensive, then dental crowns are used instead. But what happens when the tooth is too damaged for a filling but not severe enough for a crown? The dental Inlays and Onlays are used.
What are Dental Inlays and Onlays?
An inlay is a piece of tooth-colored material placed on your teeth’ biting surface. It doesn’t extend over the tooth’s cusps. An Onlay is a restoration that fits over the cusps of a tooth, but it is larger than an inlay. It’s used to fill the gap caused by a large cavity extending over the teeth.
Inlays and Onlays are a great option for patients who have teeth with large cavities. They are more durable than fillings and less invasive than crowns so that they can save your tooth from further damage down the road.
They are also ideal for treating teeth that have been damaged by trauma or decay. For example, if you’ve broken or chipped your tooth and need something to protect it until it heals, an Inlay or Onlay can serve this purpose while still giving you a beautiful smile!
When are Teeth Inlays and Onlays Used?
Our dentist can recommend getting Inlays and Onlays in Oshawa, ON if you have any of the following dental issues:
- Large cavities
If you have larger teeth, cavities can be a problem for you. If your teeth are particularly sensitive, or if you have a lot of teeth that need dental work done, cavities can also cause problems. Inlays and Onlays can help alleviate these issues by repairing large cavities and preventing further decay from occurring in them.
- Recurrent tooth decay
If you have a cavity in a tooth, it can grow back as the tooth is exposed to acidic foods and drinks. These restorations can be used to protect the teeth and prevent further cavities.
- Cracked or fractured teeth
Cracked teeth are a common problem, and they can happen to anyone. The teeth can fracture after a fall or direct contact with a blunt object. Trauma such as biting down on hard food or object can also cause the teeth to crack or chip.
If you have a cracked tooth, be sure to see your dentist right away! You may not realize how serious it is until you notice symptoms like pain when chewing or biting something cold or hot, tenderness when chewing, and sensitivity to temperature changes in food (i.e., ice cream).
The dentist can use a composite Onlay if the crack extends to the cusps of the teeth.
- Deteriorating old fillings
If you have an old filling, it could be the source of tooth decay and gum disease. The soft tissues around the tooth may also begin to deteriorate due to poor dental hygiene. You may need to remove or repair your old filling if it’s unstable and at risk of falling out or it causes discomfort when eating food or drinking hot liquids.
How Are Dental Inlays and Onlays Applied?
Dental inlays and Onlays are two different types of dental restorations used to fill in gaps in teeth.
Dental inlays are typically used to fill the surface, while the Onlays extend the cusps of the teeth. In both cases, a dentist will first prepare the tooth by removing some of its enamel and then place the restoration over it. The tooth will then be smoothed down over the filling and polished.
How Long Do the Teeth Inlay and Onlays Last?
The lifespan of the teeth inlay and Onlays depends on their material. The inlays made of porcelain have a lifespan of 10 years, while those made of metals can last longer. However, how long the restorations last depend on how well you care for them.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Harmony Dental Care for more information about dental Inlays and Onlays and what you can expect during the procedure.