What is a dental inlay and dental onlay?

Inlays and onlays.

There are certain treatments that you may be familiar with if you go to the dentist fairly regularly such as fillings, crowns or rootThe anatomic portion of the tooth that is covered by cementum and is located in the alveolus (socket) where it is attached by the periodontal apparatus; radicular portion of tooth. canals. However, people often as us the question “what is a dental inlay or onlay?” and “what is the difference between the two”?

What is an inlay?

An inlay is a type of fillingA lay term used for the restoring of lost tooth structure by using materials such as metal, alloy, or porcelain. which is moulded inside the grooves of the tooth and doesn’t breach the edge of the tooth itself.

The treatment involves the patient undergoing local anaesthetic as the dentist drills the tooth and then removes decayThe lay term for carious lesions in a tooth; decomposition of tooth structure.. An impression or digital scan is then taken and sent to a laboratory where an inlay is made in the same colour as the tooth and then insert into the mouth.

There is little aesthetic difference between the new inlay and the rest of the teeth, and the inlay is extremely strong and can be long lasting when cared for properly.

What is an onlay?

If there has been more serious damage to the tooth either through decay or breakage, then you may choose to get an onlay instead.

This procedure involves the patient’s mouth being numbed as the cavityDecay in tooth caused by caries; also referred to as carious lesion. of the tooth is drilled out, thus removing decay and followed by a temporary onlay being added. An onlay differs from an inlay in that the restoration covers the cusp of the tooth as supposed to an inlay, which is usually placed within the tooth.

During the treatment, a mould or scan of the tooth is made which is then sent to a lab for creation before being fitted into the patient 7-14 days later.

Should I get an inlay or onlay?

Quite often a filling should be suitable in mending the tooth however if you have broken or heavily decayed teeth, or the damage is large enough to cover an extensive area of the tooth, your dentist might recommend an inlay or onlay. Your dentist will discuss this with you specific to your treatment needs.

Book an appointment

Creekside-Nurse-Desktop-min-(1).jpg

Related Articles