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Inlays & Onlays |
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Indirect fillings are similar to composites or tooth-colored
fillings, the main difference being that indirect fillings are
made in a dental lab and permanently cemented by your
dentist. Fillings, on the other hand, are soft to begin
with and are molded to shape in the mouth. There are two types |
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of indirect fillings - inlays and onlays. An inlay fits into the prepared space left after a cavity or old filling has been removed. An onlay sits on the tooth and builds up its shape. Inlays and onlays can be made in tooth-colored porcelain, gold or composite. Different materials are better for different parts of the mouth and teeth.
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Inlays are more like fillings than onlays. As mentioned, they’re made in a dental lab after your dentist has removed the decay. Inlays are generally more durable and far out-last fillings. They can be fabricated from tooth-colored composite resin, porcelain or gold. They are also more conservative than crowns. Generally, much less tooth structure is removed in the preparation of inlays than crowns. |
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Onlays are essentially identical to inlays with the exception that one or more cusps have been included in the preparation. In other words, decay or trauma has affected the cusps, necessitating their replacement. Onlays may be composed of the same materials as inlays - tooth - colored composite resin, porcelain or gold. They are sometimes also referred to as partial crowns. |
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Procedure
- Usually an anesthetic will be given to numb the area;
- Inlays and onlays
are applied in two visits. On the first
- visit, any
old filling material and/or decay will be removed;
- An impression will be taken to record the shape of the tooth being repaired and the teeth around it.
- The impression will then be sent to a dental lab for fabrication of your restoration (inlay/ onlay).
- A temporary filling will be applied to protect the tooth while you wait for your restoration to be made;
- At the second appointment after your restoration has come back from the lab, your dentist will cement it in place; small adjustments may need to be made so that the tooth is comfortable to bite on.
Considerations
Depending on their size and location, fillings can reduce the strength of a tooth by up to 50%. Inlays and onlays, on the other hand, can actually increase the strength of the tooth by up to 75%. Inlays and onlays are fabricated outside of the mouth and therefore are capable of being made much stronger than typical fillings. They typically last between 10 to 30 years.
Inlays and onlays are extremely strong and usually long outlast fillings.
They are especially suitable for the chewing surfaces of back teeth.
Your dentist can match the color to your teeth.
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Note: It is important to note that
before beginning any course of treatment you should see your
dentist. Please note that without the benefit of a full dental
examination, including a review of medical history, dental x-rays,
and diagnostic aids, no attempt can be made to provide specific
diagnosis or recommended courses of treatment. However, we will be
happy to update our site to include topics you feel deserve
mention. contact us
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