What are Inlays and Onlays used for? Which is better, Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and Onlays are cemented into your tooth and used to fill cavities. Inlays are often used when dental filling material is too large. The extra reinforcement can compromise the structure of your tooth, so your dentist will carefully consider this option before proceeding.

Inlays and Onlays are restorative treatments that restore the strength and integrity of the teeth. These materials are very strong and durable and ideal for restoring cracked or chipped teeth. They also help protect weak areas of teeth. These treatments typically require two visits to a dentist near you. The first visit involves preparing the tooth. The second visit involves taking an impression of the prepared tooth and sending it to a dental laboratory. The lab then fabricates the restoration based on the impression.

What Are Inlays and Onlays Used For?

A dentist in St. Petersburg may recommend Inlays and Onlays for various reasons:

• Small fissures

Inlays and Onlays are restorative materials used to repair and support teeth that have suffered a small fissure or cavity. They are often made of gold or other durable materials. The final choice depends on the location and the aesthetics of the tooth.

• Tooth decay

Inlays and Onlays fit the surface of a tooth and create a strong, tight seal to prevent further decay and infection. They also help restore a tooth’s shape and strength. They are also a more durable option than fillings.

• Repairing damaged teeth

An inlay or Onlay is a dental restoration used to repair a damaged tooth. These dental restorations are not permanent and do require regular maintenance. The first step is to visit your dentist and thoroughly examine your damaged tooth. If your dentist deems you are a candidate for an inlay or Onlay, you will be scheduled for a second appointment.

Which is Better Between Inlays and Onlays?

Inlay and Onlay repair damaged teeth but differ in the severity of the problem. An Inlay is applied if the decay or damage doesn’t extend to the cusps. A dental inlay can be the perfect solution for minor dental damage, including fractured or decayed teeth. This type of restoration is often less expensive than a dental crown.

The procedure of placing an inlay is straightforward. The dentist in 33702 will clean the tooth area and may need to file it a little to make the inlay fit perfectly. He will then use dental picks to place the inlay into place. Once the inlay is positioned, the dentist will cement it and harden it. Then, the patient must visit the dentist for follow-up visits to check on the inlay’s stability and overall health.

Onlays cover the whole biting surface of the tooth and restore substantial damage to the tooth. An Onlay can extend to the cusps that cross the tooth. It is made of ceramics, gold, or composite resin and is considered a better alternative to crowns because it can save more natural tooth structure than a crown would. While Onlays are not as permanent as crowns, they can help to repair a tooth that is discolored or has been fractured.

When Does an Inlay or Onlay Need Replacement?

An inlay or Onlay can last anywhere from five to thirty years. An inlay’s lifespan of an inlay or Onlay depends on the type and amount of wear it receives. A proper oral care routine will extend the life of your inlay or Onlay. It’s also important to visit the dentist regularly so that your dentist can check your stability and health.

A poorly designed restoration is more likely to break sooner rather than later. Fortunately, your dentist will care extra to create the correct mold and ensure your restoration will fit snugly. In addition, a poorly designed restoration will result in irreversible damage. If you notice tooth sensitivity, pain, and swelling around the area with the Inlay or Onlay, visit an emergency dentist in St. Petersburg for assistance.

How to Care for Your Inlays and Onlays?

After getting your Inlay and Onlays in St. Petersburg, FL, it is crucial to care for them to ensure they last for long. Maintain proper dental hygiene to prevent cavities and decay; remember, these restorations can repair decay but cannot prevent it entirely. Additionally, visit a dentist near you to assess the condition of the Inlay and Onlay.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Dental Arts Ninth Street for more information about Inlays and Onlays and what you can expect during the procedure.