What You Need To Know About Dental Inlays and Onlays

What Are Dental Inlays and What Can Inlays Do?

Tooth decay progresses through different stages, and cavities vary in severity. Dentists typically employ fillings for mild cases and dental crowns for severe damage. However, a treatment gap exists for cavities that are neither mild nor severe.

Inlays and onlays bridge this gap. Some people do not notice cavities until they cause significant pain or affect appearance and confidence. For such cases, preventing further damage and restoring wellbeing becomes essential.

Treatment Options for Cavities

1. Traditional Fillings: Among the most common restorative options, fillings involve removing decayed tooth portions and replacing them with tooth-colored composite resin. They last a long time but work only for small cavities.
2. Dental Inlays: Used when cavities exceed filling capacity, inlays are custom-made from ceramic porcelain, shaped to match the cavity precisely. After cleaning the cavity, dentists bond the inlay using special dental cement. Modern ceramic inlays are preferable to older metal versions because they are more aesthetically pleasing, durable, and resistant to wear.
3. Onlays: Similar to inlays but covering the outer tooth surface, onlays address cavities too large for fillings or inlays yet too small for crowns. Like inlays, they are fabricated from ceramic porcelain in a laboratory using tooth impressions.

What Can Inlays Do?

Inlays are solid and durable. They can last for a very long time without shifting from the tooth or breaking down. Their porcelain composition creates a natural, attractive appearance unlike metal alternatives.

Why Do I Need Inlays?

Patients with cavities exceeding traditional filling capacity but not requiring crowns should consult their dentist about inlays. Dentists evaluate qualifying factors to determine if this represents the appropriate treatment approach.

After tooth repair, maintaining proper oral hygiene becomes critical. Regular brushing, flossing, and attending scheduled dental appointments prevent future damage.