Inlays & Onlays
Muncie, IN
 Our team at Advanced Family Dentistry knows that not all dental problems can be fixed by the same solution. In cases where a tooth has suffered too much decay to be solved with a filling but has more than sufficient tooth structure to avoid the need for a crown, inlay or onlay restoration can be the ideal treatment. This solution straddles the middle of the road, allowing our dentists to preserve more of the natural tooth.
An inlay works similarly to filings by fitting inside the tips of the tooth's cusps. An onlay, on the other hand, covers a larger area, extending over one or more of the cusps. Made of porcelain or composite resin, inlays and onlays can provide a natural appearance, disguising any evidence of dental work. If however, you are more interested in durability and minimal shaving down of enamel, then gold may be a better choice.
How Inlays & Onlays Work
The procedure will require at least two visits to our dentist. During the first one, an exam will be carried out to confirm that you qualify for the treatment. If you do, we will begin by administering a local anesthetic. This is to help numb the area for removal of decay and cleaning. This often means some drilling, so even if it may not be painful the numbing sensation should help keep you relaxed. If there is an old filling, we will remove it.
After a good rinse, we will then use dental putty to take an impression of the tooth. This will be sent to the lab where the inlay or onlay will be constructed using your material of choice. A temporary cover will be placed on the tooth to protect it until when the inlay or onlay will be ready, and you can come in to fix it.
During your second visit, our dentist will remove the temporary cover and check the inlay or onlay for fit. If all is in order, our dentist will cement the inlay or onlay in place with a strong resin adhesive. Some polishing may be done to give the same shiny appearance as neighboring teeth.
Why opt for Inlays & Onlays?
As they are customized dental work, inlays and onlays provide a comfortable fit that should not present any odd sensation when properly done. Made of mostly porcelain and gold materials, they are very durable and can last as long as up to 30 years. Where porcelain is used, the results are often natural-looking, making it difficult to discern if dental work was done. These materials are also biocompatible, ensuring that they can be safely used without risk of an allergic reaction.
Because minimal removal of enamel is done, it helps to better preserve the natural tooth structure. This increases the life of the tooth and reduces the extent of any further dental treatments in the future. How inlays and onlays are bonded to the natural tooth can help strengthen it by up to 75%. This is a big help in making a patient more comfortable in returning to their normal diet.
Find out if you qualify for this restorative work by booking an appointment with one of our talented dentists. Call us at Advanced Family Dentistry at (765) 287-5338 today and take the first step towards restoring full functionality and appearance to your smile. |
