Inlays and onlays are two methods of restoring normal tooth structure after decay or other damage. Inlays and onlays are known as indirect fillings because unlike a standard filling that is done in our clinic, both are made in a laboratory and cemented or bonded to the surface of the tooth during a second visit. And unlike standard fillings, inlays and onlays do not weaken the tooth structure, but actually strengthens it. After the procedure the tooth can bear up to 50 - 75% more chewing force.
An inlay is done when the tooth structure replaced is within the cusp tips of the tooth. If the damage is more extensive and the new structure covers the entire chewing surface including one or more tooth cusps, the procedure is called an onlay. These restorations are usually made from composite resin material, porcelain, or gold. Once placed, they are virtually undetectable in the mouth, and they conserve much of your natural tooth structure.
Inlays and onlays are ways of repairing relatively extensive tooth decay or damage without having to replace the whole outer portion of the tooth as with a crown. Less tooth material is removed so inlays and onlays tend to be more conservative and esthetic than crowns. Unlike fillings, these procedures strengthen a tooth's structure. They also tend to last longer than a filling, because the inlay or onlay material is custom made and bonded to the tooth.
Inlays and onlays are performed using very similar procedures. Both require visits to clinic. We first begin the procedure by numbing the area using a local anesthetic. The decay or damage is removed using a drill, preparing the tooth for its new surface. After all the damage is removed, an impression is made of the prepared tooth so the inlay or onlay material can be cast in a form that will fit the tooth exactly. A temporary restoration is placed on the tooth to protect it until the laboratory makes the new structure and it can be bonded to the tooth.
Using the impression, we prepare the new tooth surface using gold, porcelain or composite resin. The temporary restoration is removed and the surface is cleaned to prepare for the new structure. After trying in the new restoration to ensure that there is a correct fit that doesn't interfere with your bite. If the fit is good, using special cement or bonding, the inlay or onlay is permanently attached to the tooth. Some minor adjustment may need to be made to the restoration if there are interferences. We then polish the cemented or bonded structure and tooth. |
