Restorative dentistry has advanced significantly over the years and there are now several effective ways to correct decayed teeth. In today’s post, we are going to concentrate on two similar types of restorations: dental inlays and onlays.
Where possible, an inlay or an onlay can be a less-invasive replacement for a complete crown and either one is usually more affordable than a porcelain crown procedure.
Inlays/onlays are “indirect fillings,” meaning that they are fabricated in a lab and placed whole on the tooth. A traditional “direct filling” is applied to the tooth while the material is malleable and then shaped by the dentist.
An inlay is used to repair the surface of a damaged tooth, ordinarily to fill a small cavity or a natural pit that is at risk for decay.
Typically porcelain or composite resin are used for inlays; these materials are substantial and look very natural because the color can be matched accurately to the surrounding teeth. An inlay is accurately fitted to your tooth and looks, feels, and functions like the original tooth.
An onlay covers a larger part of the tooth. Because they cover such a large area of the tooth, they are often referred to as partial crowns. Onlays are typically applied to the biting surface of the tooth. Just like inlays, they are accurately fitted to the damaged part of the tooth. Composite resin and porcelain are also the main materials used to create an onlay. As mentioned before, inlays and onlays serve an essential role in restorative and cosmetic dentistry.
At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, we provide first rate dental care including inlays and onlays. If you have one or more teeth that has a cavity, crack, or excessive wear, call 801-938-8855 to make an appointment today.
Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:
801-938-8855
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107
