Inlays & Onlays Dental inlays and onlays are a common alternative to a dental filling. This procedure is the best option for the restoration of cavities and tooth decay. This is because they have a number of benefits that dental fillings do not. These types of fillings have a longer lifespan than dental fillings, but the exact lifespan is still determined by the type of material your dentist and you decide on. At your consultation, you will discuss all the details and narrow down your options with your dentist. Schedule your consultation by contacting us at Cherry Hill Dental Smiles. Why are they important?Tooth decay and cavities need to be treated as soon as possible in order to prevent more serious infection. Inlays and onlays are important in dentistry because they are one way to help restore your teeth and give you the functionality of your teeth back again. One major benefit over other restorative options are that inlays and onlays preserve the natural teeth. Inlays are used after a dental injury or after tooth decay is treated but not into the tooth’s cusp. Onlays are used for more serious damage when the tooth’s cusp is affected. Furthermore, inlays and onlays are much more durable than dental fillings. They bind directly to your teeth which gives them more function and a better look. This helps to prevent further damage or infection because it seals the tooth. ProcedureInlays and onlays are available in gold, porcelain, or ceramic materials. Porcelain or ceramic materials are often the go-to because they are the same color as teeth. However, gold is much more durable than porcelain or ceramic. There are benefits to having gold versus porcelain or ceramic and that will be discussed with your dentist in the office. Inlays and onlays both have similar processes. Both will most likely take two separate appointments. At your first appointment, your dentist will prepare your tooth and get a mold for processing. At the second appointment, the inlay or onlay is placed permanently. In general, you can expect this entire process to take a few weeks for total completion. To start, your dentist will provide an anesthetic so that they can prepare the tooth for the inlay or onlay. This involves drilling any remaining decay or damage and filing the tooth to create support for placement. After, your dentist will get an impression of the teeth and send it to our lab. Then, the lab makes the inlay or onlay custom-fitted for your mouth. You will receive a temporary inlay or onlay because your permanent mold will take several weeks to process. This will be temporarily cemented into place and holds to the natural tooth while you wait on the permanent piece. Your dental office will contact you when the permanent inlay or onlay is back from the lab. Then, at the next appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary inlay or onlay. After, the dentist will place the permanent one in your mouth with dental cement. They will assure you that your bite is even and that there are no issues with the permanent inlay or onlay. You will discuss steps to care for your inlay or onlay with your dentist. Following their instructions is of utmost importance. Please contact Cherry Hill Dental Smiles by calling 856-667-3737 today. We can take care of all your dental inlay and onlay needs. |
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002-1252 Tues: 8am - 3pm Wed: Closed Thurs: 9am - 6pm Fri: 9am - 5pm Sat: By Appointment Only Sun: Closed |
