Inlays and Onlays
Portland, OR
 Inlays and Onlays Dental Restoration Solutions
At Portland City Dental we offer a wide range of dental restoration solutions to help restore your damaged teeth to their original form and function, thus saving them from extraction. The restoration solutions offered can vary depending on your dental health condition, as well as your preferences. If your teeth are not badly damaged and you are looking for a conservative solution that will retain a large part of the natural tooth structure, dental inlays and onlays can be an ideal solution. Read on to find out more.
What Are Dental Inlays?
An inlay is a prosthetic dental restoration that is used to repair and save a tooth with mild to moderate damage. It is made from filling materials such as porcelain, ceramic, composite resin, or gold. The inlay is used to repair damage to the tooth between the cusps (the pointed ends of the molar and pre-molars), hence the name inlay. It is permanently cemented into the tooth surface.
What Are Dental Onlays?
Dental onlays are very similar to inlays. They are used to repair teeth with mild to moderate damage and can be made from the same materials as inlays. The only difference between the two is that onlays are used when the damage to the tooth has extended to cover the top surface of the tooth, including the cusps.
Reasons for Getting Inlays and Onlays Restoration
Inlays are usually used for treating tooth decay and cavities. However, they can also be used to remedy other dental problems such as:
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Fractured fillings.
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Tooth fillings that are too large, used to improve the strength and structure of the tooth.
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Broken or fractured teeth.
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For cosmetic reasons - in the case of tooth-materials such as porcelain and ceramic. |
What Do Inlays and Onlays Procedures Involve?
A typical inlay or onlay procedure is carried out in two dental visits. During the first visit, molds (teeth impression) will be taken, which will be used to create a custom inlay or onlay. The decayed part of the tooth and old fillings are then removed. The area is then thoroughly cleaned to get rid of the infection (in the case of tooth decay). The tooth is then prepared for inlay placement by reshaping the surface. Since the custom-creation of the inlays and onlays in a dental lab takes time - several weeks - a temporary filling is placed on the tooth to protect it from damage and infection.
On the second visit, the custom inlay or onlay is placed on the tooth surface. A few adjustments may be carried out to ensure that it fits perfectly. Your bite is also checked to ensure that it is perfect and comfortable. The inlay or onlay is then permanently cemented into place, fully restoring your tooths form and function.
Taking Care of Your Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are a great solution for repairing your damaged teeth. However, just like other dental restorations, they must be cared for properly to avoid complications, and ensure their longevity. You can take care of your inlays or onlays after their placement by:
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Observing proper oral hygiene to reduce the risk of a tooth infection.
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Sticking to a proper diet - avoiding hard foods that can damage the restorations.
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Scheduling regular dental visits. |
Inlays & onlays are alternative teeth restoration solutions to dental crowns, which are conservative regarding how much of the natural tooth is removed. If you want to learn more about these dental restoration solutions, call us, Portland City Dental, at (503) 256-7917 today. |
