Inlays & Onlays
Madison, WI
 Inlays and Onlays are two types of dental fillings. The name comes from the fact that the filling is made outside of ones mouth as a solid piece that is made to fit the cavity. It is then cemented in place inside the tooth.
This is used as an alternative to a direct filling. These are specially designed for molars and premolars. The filling is done in those teeth that have suffered damage but not so much that they require a crown.
Inlays and Onlays differ in the amount of tooth they cover. Inlays will cover the pits and fissures of teeth, which consist of cusps of the chewing surface. Onlays, on the other hand, consists of one or more cusps. If you are thinking of getting either Inlays or Onlays, we at Madison Family Dental Associates are here to help you.
Benefits of Inlays
Inlays are known for their durability as well as exceptional longevity. They are used on teeth that require extensive restoration of the weak teeth. Inlays help to restore the natural appearance of your teeth. We recommend our patients to get ceramic Inlays as they match the natural teeth color. Furthermore, ceramic Inlays physical properties make them a good choice for a composite filling.
Benefits of Onlays
We recommend Onlays for clients who have a fractured cusp or a tooth whose composite filling is not adequate. Therefore, Onlays preserve the structure of one's tooth.
Onlays are made from gold or porcelain. While gold fillings have a good track record, porcelain fillings are recommended for their longevity.
Procedure of Getting Inlays and Onlays
The preparation of both Inlays and Onlays is done over a series of appointments. Preparation requires one appointment, whereas the cementation of Onlays requires another appointment. We prepare the tooth by taking its impressions. Then we sent the impressions to the laboratory for the fabrication of the indirect filling.
As a temporary filling, material like ProTemp is used. The temporary filling helps to protect the client's tooth from any bacterial contamination, sensitivity, and shape. Cementation of the inlay or Onlay is done by an adhesive cement. Upon placing the inlay or onlay, the adhesive loses its viscosity so that there is a reduced chance of breakage, and the placement is done easily. Cementation depends upon the type of agent. Each agent has varying properties that define the durability of the cementation in the client's mouth.
Patients Not Recommended for Inlays and Onlays
Clients who have plaque or active caries are not recommended Inlays or Onlays. Before such patients can get them, it is important to ensure that the dental issues have been treated. Otherwise, they may return. The filling does not reduce the risk of caries. In fact, it may allow further caries to develop around the indirect filling area. Early-on prevention helps to reduce the chance of occurrence of any dental issue like plaque as future restorative procedures are cut out.
Clients who have an abnormal oral structure are not recommended either Inlays or Onlays. This is common in patients who have a habit of grinding teeth in their sleep. If still needed, we recommend porcelain fillings as they have long durability. To learn more about how you can get Inlays or Onlays, call Madison Family Dental Associates at 608-274-5970 today. |
