Inlays & Onlays Inlays and onlays are an in-between option for restoration when the tooth is too damaged for a filling to suffice, but not in need of an entire crown. Onlays are also sometimes referred to as three-quarter crowns. These have a similar process and only differ in the amount of the tooth they cover. There are common materials that can be used for each and we will give you more information about the entire process at Leavenworth Family Dental.Materials UsedThere are three main types of materials that we use for dental inlays and onlays. Gold has been used for years in dental restorations and it is highly durable. That said, it is usually more costly and does not match your natural tooth color. Composite resin is a much cheaper option that also matches the color of your natural tooth. However, it is much less durable than gold. Porcelain has become increasingly popular in recent years since it is a nice middle ground between the two. It is fairly durable and also blends well with the natural tooth color. Inlas Versus OnlaysInlays fit into the grooves of your teeth and do not go over the cusp. These are very similar to traditional dental fillings. On the other hand, onlays are used for more extensive damage or decay. These cover the cusp and restore the chewing surface of your teeth. These are used when the tooth needs more restoration, but not enough that would require a full crown. Process and RecoveryTraditional inlays and onlays require two appointments. During stage one, we will clean and prepare the tooth. This involves the removal of tooth damage or decay using a local anesthetic and special dental instruments. Dental putty is used at this appointment to make a mold of your tooth. We work with a dental lab that uses this mold to construct a custom inlay or onlay. Our dentist will also place a temporary filling to protect your tooth in the meantime. During stage two, our dentist will remove the temporary filling and once again clean and prepare the tooth. Once the tooth is ready, we can place the inlay or onlay and bond it with the tooth using dental cement. We use a special light that hardens the cement instantly. Our dentist will finalize the process by polishing your tooth and providing after-care instructions. In some cases, we may be able to craft the dental inlay or onlay during the same appointment as your treatment. Also called a CEREC inlay or onlay, this is completed using digital modeling of the tooth. We craft the inlay or onlay in our office using a special machine. This does not take long and your restoration can then be placed on the same day. Following each appointment where a local anesthetic is used, you will likely feel numb for several hours. It is normal to feel numbness, tingling, and tenderness in the few hours or even days following the procedure. Our dentist may need to prescribe antibiotics or recommend pain medication, but we will explain this following the procedure. Call Leavenworth Family Dental at 913-682-1550 for additional information on inlays and onlays. |
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