Dental Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays can be used as a replacement for traditional dental fillings to treat teeth. Instead of fillings, inlays, and onlays are fabricated in a lab and then fitted to the tooth. Inlays are a type of laboratory-processed restoration placed in a tooth when the cavity is still within the confines of the tooth, while onlays are placed when some parts or the whole chewing surface of the tooth needs to be replaced.

Since inlays and onlays are laboratory-processed, they are imparted with wear-resistant and stain-resistant properties. Inlays and onlays can also be matched with the tooth’s natural color and produced with intricate details such as grooves and special tinting. They can be made of porcelain or zirconia which look aesthetically pleasing and of metal if the restoration location is hidden and the patient is willing.

Advantages

Not likely to discolor over time compared to tooth-colored resin fillings

An inlay is custom-made according to the preparation tooth by the dentist in comparison with a composite filling it shrinks in time, and leaks can occur

Preserve as many healthy teeth as possible and work as an excellent alternative to a crown when the damaged area is minimal

Dental inlays are better at sealing teeth to keep out bacteria, therefore they are preferred when the cavity is in between teeth

Disadvantages

More costly than amalgam or composite fillings

The procedure is carried out with two appointments instead of one visit

It is also prone to fracture

Type and kinds

While there are several types of inlays and onlays, gold is the best option but is usually placed in areas of the mouth that are not visible.

Porcelain, ceramic, and resin are the kinds that dentists usually use for the front teeth.

Procedure

Inlays and onlays require time for restoration. Usually, it takes two to three dental office visits to finish the whole treatment.

For the second appointment, the shade and fit of the permanent inlay and onlay in the cavity are checked.If the patient and the dentist consider it acceptable and no further adjustment needs to be done, the inlay or onlay is finally cemented into the tooth.During the first appointment, discussion, planning, removal of the decay, preparation of the tooth, and impression of the prepared cavity are done.A temporary inlay or onlay will be placed to last until the next appointment. Subsequently, the impression of the cavity will be sent to the laboratory to be processed.The last appointment is scheduled for one – two days after cementation of the restoration and it is done to assess the restoration according to the patient’s feedback as well as to reinforce good oral hygiene. These dental restorations should receive the same meticulous care as your natural teeth to ensure the longevity of the inlay and onlay inside the mouth and to maintain good oral and general health.123

Post Treatment

Practice proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing

Visit the dentist every 6 months to check if there are fractures or leaks

Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold sometimes may be expected, however, it will lessen as the tooth gets used to the restoration.