Dental inlays and onlays are a dental procedure that is used to restore a decayed or damaged tooth to its original condition and can actually strengthen it.
Dental ceramic inlays and onlays.
Dental inlays and onlays are indirect fillings used to recreate the tooth anatomy and function after the decay is removed from the tooth.
Dr anthony mobasser is an expert in dental porcelain inlays and onlays he has completed thousands of inlay and onlay restorations successfully which are still in his patients mouth for over 20 years.
An inlay will incorporate the pits and fissures of a tooth mainly encompassing the chewing surface between the cusps.
The key comparison between them is the amount and part of the tooth that they cover.
Inlays and onlays can be made from gold porcelain or resin materials.
A molded impression of the tooth is then taken and sent to a dental laboratory where the restoration is fabricated.
They are a more conservative approach than a dental crown because they don t involve the removal of healthy tooth structure.
In addition their customized nature allows dentists to securely bond them to the tooth surface adding structural integrity and preventing bacteria from entering and forming cavities.
The cost of an inlay or onlay depends on the type of material used and where you live.
Since dental inlays and onlays can be made from durable tooth colored porcelain they offer much more enduring and natural looking results than metal fillings.
How are dental inlays and onlays applied.
Typically an inlay or onlay procedure is completed in two dental visits.
Since inlays and onlays treat cavities and trauma related dental conditions insurance will cover part of the procedure.
Inlays and onlays are used in molars or premolars when the tooth has experienced too much damage to support a basic filling but not so much damage that a crown is necessary.
In addition their customized nature allows dentists to securely bond them to the tooth surface adding structural integrity and preventing bacteria from entering and forming cavities.
Since dental inlays and onlays can be made from durable tooth colored porcelain they offer much more enduring and natural looking results than metal fillings.
Gold inlays and onlays require two appointments to complete while ceramic inlays and onlays can usually be completed in one visit in our office.