INLAY AND ONLAY RESTORATIONS
Inlay and onlay restorations are dental treatments used to repair teeth that are damaged by decay or trauma. They are similar to fillings but are often used for larger cavities or more significant damage. Inlays repair the chewing surface of a tooth, while onlays repair both the chewing surface and one or more cusps. They are a long-lasting and customizable solution, made from materials such as porcelain, gold, and composite resin.
Table of Contents
What Are Different Types of Inlays and Onlay Restorations?
Inlays and onlays can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The most common materials used for inlays and onlays are porcelain, gold, and composite resin.
Porcelain inlays and onlays are popular because they can be made to match the color of the patient’s natural teeth, making them a more aesthetically pleasing option. They are also very durable and resistant to staining, making them a good choice for patients who want a long-lasting restoration. Please visit for more information dental crown Turkey content.
Gold inlays and onlays are also very durable and long-lasting. They are often used for molars or teeth that are not easily visible, as they are not as aesthetically pleasing as porcelain or composite resin restorations. However, they are an excellent choice for patients with a history of teeth grinding or clenching, as they are less likely to wear down than other materials.
Composite resin inlays and onlays are made from a tooth-colored material that can be matched to the patient’s natural tooth color. They are less expensive than porcelain or gold restorations and can be completed in one dental visit, as they are created in the dental office. However, they are not as durable as porcelain or gold restorations and may need to be replaced more frequently.
What Are Benefits of Inlay and Onlay Restorations?
Improved Durability
Inlays and onlays are designed to fit within the natural contours of the tooth, which means that less healthy tooth structure needs to be removed during the preparation process. This helps preserve more of the natural tooth and can improve the long-term health of the tooth.
Enhanced Aesthetic Appearance
Inlays and onlays can be made from materials such as porcelain or composite resin, which can be matched to the color of the patient’s natural teeth. This makes them a more aesthetically pleasing option than other types of restorations, such as silver fillings.
Protection Against Further Tooth Decay:
Inlays and onlays can help protect the tooth from further decay by sealing off the damaged area and preventing bacteria from entering. This can help prevent the need for more extensive dental work in the future.
What is the difference between Inlay and Onlay Restorations?
Inlay and onlay restorations are both types of indirect dental restorations that are used to repair teeth that are damaged by decay or trauma. The main difference between inlays and onlays is the amount of tooth structure that they cover.
Inlays are used to repair the chewing surface of a tooth, particularly if the damage is too extensive for a traditional filling. They are placed within the cusps of a tooth, which are the raised points on the surface, and are designed to fit snugly within the cavity. Inlays do not cover the cusps of the tooth.
Onlays, on the other hand, are used to repair both the chewing surface of a tooth and one or more of its cusps. They cover more of the tooth than inlays do and can be used when more extensive repair is needed. Onlays are designed to fit over the cusps of the tooth, providing additional support and protection.
In summary, the main difference between inlays and onlays is that inlays are used to repair the chewing surface of a tooth within the cusps, while onlays are used to repair the chewing surface and one or more cusps of a tooth. Your dentist can help determine which type of restoration is most appropriate for your specific needs.
Who is Good Candidate For Inlay and Onlay Restorations''
What is the dental inlay anyway or dental onlay? And your dentist recommends one of them? Standart filling and cavities are just a part of the equation that you may be more familiar with. In order to fill the gaps and have a better idea of what kind of procedure you may have needed if you have a cavity, here is some more information about inlays and onlays.
Moderate Tooth Decay or Damage
Inlays and onlays are typically used for teeth that have moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a traditional filling. If the tooth is severely damaged or decayed, a crown or other type of restoration may be necessary.
Sufficient Tooth Structure Remaining:
In order to support an inlay or onlay, there must be sufficient healthy tooth structure remaining. If too much of the tooth has been lost to decay or damage, a crown or other type of restoration may be necessary.
Good Oral Hygiene Habits:
In order to maintain the longevity of the restoration, patients must have good oral hygiene habits and be committed to regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.
No history of teeth grinding:
Patients with a history of teeth grinding or clenching may not be good candidates for porcelain or composite resin restorations, as these materials are not as durable as gold inlays or onlays.
Desire for a natural-looking restoration:
Patients who want a restoration that matches the color of their natural teeth may prefer porcelain or composite resin inlays or onlays, as these materials can be color-matched to the patient’s natural tooth color
Procedure - Step by Step
First Visit
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Dental examination: The dentist will examine the tooth to determine the extent of the damage and determine if an inlay or onlay restoration is appropriate.
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Tooth preparation: The damaged or decayed portion of the tooth is removed and the tooth is prepared for the inlay or onlay. An impression of the prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth is taken to create a mold. Some of case patients need root canal treatment. If you need more information about this treatment please follow root canal turkey content.
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Temporary restoration: A temporary restoration is placed on the tooth to protect it until the final restoration can be placed.
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Impression sent to the dental laboratory: The mold is sent to a dental laboratory where the final inlay or onlay is created.
Second Visit
Removal of temporary restoration: The temporary restoration is removed and the tooth is cleaned.
Fit and placement of inlay or onlay: The dentist will check the fit of the final restoration to ensure that it fits properly and looks natural. The inlay or onlay is then bonded to the tooth using a dental adhesive.
Polishing: The restoration is polished to create a smooth and natural-looking surface.
Final check and bite adjustment: The dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the patient’s bite is comfortable and natural.
AfterCare
Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods
In the first few days after the procedure, it is important to avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage the restoration.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene:
Brush and floss regularly to keep the area around the restoration clean and healthy. This will help to prevent further decay or damage to the tooth.
Attend follow-up appointments
Attend follow-up appointments with your dentist to ensure that the restoration is properly functioning and that there are no issues with the tooth or the restoration.
Consider using a mouthguard
If you grind your teeth at night, consider using a mouthguard to protect the restoration from damage.
Limit alcohol and tobacco use:
Tobacco and excessive alcohol use can weaken the restoration and make it more susceptible to damage
Be mindful of oral habits
Be mindful of habits such as biting your nails or using your teeth to open packaging, as these can damage the restoration.