When Are Inlays and Onlays Your Best Option?

If tooth decay or damage has led to a hole developing in your tooth’s enamel, your Bexley cosmetic dentist will probably tell you that you need a restoration. Everyone has heard of dental fillings but that is often used as a blanket term for many different types of restoration. There are also inlays and onlays for teeth, which serve slightly different purposes. Read on to learn what are teeth inlays and onlays and when an inlay might be your best option. 

What Is An Inlay?

An inlay is a pre-formed filling that is fitted into the grooves of your tooth. The filling is used primarily for cavities that are in the centre of your back teeth, instead of along the outer edges. The cavities can be reasonably large, but won’t have developed into more extensive tooth decay by that point. In that way, inlays are an excellent option for avoiding more expensive and invasive root canal therapy. 

The process of having an inlay fitted is relatively painless and straightforward. As with a standard dental filling, you will be anaesthetised, so you don’t feel any pain or discomfort. The damaged area of your tooth will then be removed and the remaining tooth thoroughly cleaned. An impression will then be taken of the crevice area so that a custom-made porcelain inlay can be created. Not only will it be the perfect size, but it will perfectly match the colour of your natural tooth to create an almost invisible restoration. 

What is the Difference Between Inlay and Onlay in Dentistry?

If you have minor tooth decay or a fracture, an inlay offers an excellent restoration. However, it’s not suitable for every situation. Onlays are another option and, while similar in both name and the procedure used, they have unique applications. 

Put simply, if damage to your tooth is more expansive and has spread to the cusp or biting surface of your tooth, your Sydney dentist might recommend an onlay. Onlays are larger and cover the higher points around the edges of your tooth. An inlay, on the other hand, as we’ve explained, is used for the centre of your tooth. 

The Benefits of Inlays and Onlays for Teeth

Inlays and onlays provide an excellent way to restore teeth that have been decayed or damaged. However, they also offer several oral health benefits. If you opt for an inlay or an onlay, you can:

• Fill larger cavities – if the damage or decay on your tooth is extensive, you can still save it with an inlay or onlay. This avoids the need for a root canal or extraction and preserves your tooth. 
• Strengthen your natural tooth – an inlay or onlay preserves as much of your natural tooth as possible, only removing the decayed area and ensuring your tooth is strengthened and reinforced. 
• Increase the lifespan of your natural tooth – inlays and onlays are extremely strong and durable. That means that they are able to strengthen and reinforce your natural tooth, helping it to resist further damage or deterioration. 
• Improve your oral hygiene – bacteria has a habit of getting caught up in any tiny gaps or fissures in your teeth. Inlays and onlays are attached with an extremely tight seal that prevents anything from further compromising the structure of your teeth. 

When to Choose An Inlay

Even if you have the best oral health routine and visit your dentist regularly, damage can still occur. If you have a broken or damaged tooth that is too extensive for a dental filling, an inlay may well be the right solution. However, if it affects the cusps of your tooth, you might be looking at an onlay. Either way, the dental restoration will strengthen your remaining tooth, preserve its structure and expand its lifespan. If you want to know whether the valuable restorative procedure could be right for you, consult your cosmetic dentist.