Inlays/Onlay

Inlay/Onlay are restorations that are placed to replace missing tooth structure. Inlays and onlays are more conservative that full coverage dental crowns. They only replace the missing tooth structure that has been cause from decay, fractured tooth, or other damages to the tooth. Dental inlays and onlays are recommended when a patient has large decay on the tooth structure and cannot be treated successfully with a dental filling, but haven enough healthy tooth structure to avoid a dental crown. This treatment allows the dentist to conserve more of the patient’s tooth structure.

The benefits in having an inlay/ onlay rather than a dental filling are that they are made with very durable solid materials such as porcelain or gold, these materials can last up to thirty years in the mouth if taken care of properly. Inlays/ onlays help strengthen teeth, they also prolong tooth life and prevent any future dental treatment if inlay/onlay is finish correctly. The lifespan of a regular dental filling can be from eight to ten years, and the material is not as strong as the inlay/onlay material. Dental fillings such as composite or amalgam shrink a few percent in volume during hardening, inlays/ onlays exclude this problem.

The difference between an inlay/onlay will be on the surface of the missing tooth structure. The inlay is similar to a dental filling it fits inside the top edges of the tooth. The onlay is inlay-onlay-in-turkeyrecommended when a top edge of the tooth is missing. Onlay is similar to replacing the wall of the tooth. The treatment is similar to a dental crown preparation but instead of preparing the whole tooth they prepare the area where the inlay/ onlay will be placed. An impression is taken and sent to the dental laboratory for fabrication, the inlay/ onlay will be cemented on a following visit. The inlay/onlay blends will have a natural appearance.

To maintain your new dental inlay/onlay you will have to care for it like if it was your natural tooth. Brushing and flossing daily to maintain good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits. If you would like to schedule an appointment with our Santa Ana Dentist Dr. Danial Kalantari please contact your friendly staff of Smiles on Bristol Dentistry. Contact Us