Inlays & OnlaysInlays and onlays are dental treatments that can be used to repair teeth that have suffered mild-to-moderate decay or damage. Many people want to know if these treatments will help them preserve the health of their teeth. The truth is that inlays and onlays will greatly help improve and maintain your oral health since they prevent the spread of bacteria. Our dentist at Kaw Valley Family Dental advises patients to get inlays or onlay if their tooth cavity cannot be corrected using dental fillings. Who should consider Inlays and Onlays?Inlays and onlays are suitable for both children and adults. Adults with cavities or decay in their back teeth are prime candidates for inlays and onlays. Children who have a history of tooth decay may also benefit from these restorations. In some cases, inlays and onlays can be used to replace old silver fillings. In addition to treating decayed teeth, inlays and onlays are also recommended for patients who have worn teeth due to grinding or acid erosion. Will inlays and onlays protect my teeth from future damage?Inlays and onlays are tooth-colored fillings that are bonded to the surface of your teeth. They help to strengthen your teeth and protect them from further damage. Inlays are placed inside the cusps of your back teeth, while onlays can extend over one or more cusps. These restorations may be recommended before a cavity has grown too large for a filling but after the cavity is too large for a simple dental filling. An onlay will be used to cover the hole present in your tooth. How long does it take to get Inlays or Onlays?The length of time it will take you to get inlays or onlays depends on the materials used. Porcelain and gold inlays are the most durable fillings, but they are also the most time consuming. The process of creating porcelain or gold inlays can require two visits to your dentist. What Should I Expect During an Inlay or Onlay Procedure?Both inlay and onlay procedures start with an examination by your dentist who will determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. If so, the dentist will then review the procedure with you, answer any questions you might have, take x-rays of the affected tooth, and prepare your mouth for both the cleaning of the affected tooth as well as for the restoration. A local anesthetic will be used to numb your mouth during this process. Once everything is ready, your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing all decay or damage to the area that needs to be restored. Next an impression of your tooth will be made so that your restoration can be fabricated by a dental laboratory. A temporary filling may be applied while you wait for the permanent restoration. Inlays and onlays solve common dental problemsIf you are thinking of the best way to solve your tooth issue, consider using an inlay or onlay. Our dentist here at Kaw Valley Family Dental will help determine if they are the best treatment. Call us at 913-441-3373 today! |