When a cavity forms on a tooth or decay occurs, the affected area and damage can vary. Sometimes, a standard filling doesn’t do the trick, and the restorative solution doesn’t require as invasive a procedure as a dental crown. Our Wexford office offers customized composite inlays and onlays for these situations. Learn more about this treatment and how it can benefit you with our guide below.
You’re probably familiar with the terms fillings and crowns, which are popular restorative dental procedures designed to protect and heal decaying or damaged teeth. However, there are less commonly known treatments in dentistry, such as inlays and onlays.
So, what is the difference between all these treatments? Fillings are used to fix small holes in the tooth caused by cavities, and crowns are used when the majority of a tooth is decayed or broken. Inlays and onlays are excellent solutions for when a tooth’s decay rests in a “middle-ground” between fillings and crowns. Inlays are used to treat cavities and fill the area between a tooth’s cusps, whereas onlays treat larger areas of the tooth, including the cusps.
Inlays and onlays are custom-made composite restorations, meaning Dr. Gabriel can alter the color, shape, and size of your filling to blend with your bite and smile seamlessly. Dentists highly recommend these restorations because of their versatility and simple application process.
The versatility of inlays and onlays makes them excellent restorative tools. Our dental team use them to treat various dental issues, such as:
The application process of inlays and onlays is straightforward and only requires two visits to our Wexford office. First, Dr. Gabriel will administer a local anesthetic to the affected area to ensure you’re comfortable and that your procedure is painless. If you suffer from heightened dental anxiety or stress, talk with our team about sedation dentistry options beforehand.
Once the numbing agent takes effect, our experienced dental team will remove any infection or decay in the tooth. Then, the doctor will take detailed digital impressions of the area to create the inlay or onlay. We will place a temporary restoration while our lab manufactures your customized one.
Once the restoration is ready, Dr. Gabriel will remove your temporary filling, clean the area again, and fasten your inlay or onlay securely to the tooth. Finally, once your restoration is attached, you’ll be ready to enjoy the benefits of a strong, healthy, beautiful smile.
Inlays and onlays are long lasting and only need to be replaced every 20 to 30 years. It’s important to take care of your teeth and practice a good oral hygiene regimen — that way you’ll need fewer replacements. This includes:
How long your inlay or onlay will last also depends on where it is in your smile. Areas like the back molars may wear out your restorations quicker than your front teeth.
The inlay and onlay procedure can be completed in as little as just two appointments. While each visit typically lasts about one hour, the amount of time for your treatment will vary based on the complexity of your inlay or onlay. After your initial appointment, it’ll take about one week for your restoration to be ready for fitting. In the meantime, our Wexford office will provide you with a temporary restoration until your second appointment.
Whether inlays and onlays are better than fillings depends on your case. If your cavity is very large, an onlay or inlay may be a better option. However, if the cavity is smaller, a filling may be better due to it being less intrusive. During your initial consultation, Dr. Gabriel will examine your tooth and determine which treatment option is best for you.
Most insurance companies cover a portion or all of the costs associated with inlays and onlays since these treatments help restore damaged teeth. Our office recommends contacting your provider beforehand to get an accurate understanding of your coverage. If you have any questions, feel free to call our Wexford office at (724) 935-2100.