You might have heard a lot of veneers, dental crowns, bridges or dental implants. However, inlays and onlays might be unfamiliar to you, and only a few have an idea of its work.
What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are a type of restorative oral care treatment that can help fix the teeth that have signs of developing decay. Inlays are smaller and repair the tooth damage in the cusp of the tooth. Onlays, on the other hand, are larger and address the damage that covers a large surface area of the tooth. It can cover more than one cusp and are sometimes referred to as partial crowns.
How do they differ from fillings and crowns?
Inlays and onlays are stronger and longer lasting than fillings, Inlays and onlays are capable of covering areas that have larger amounts of decay. Inlays and onlays require less removal of enamel compared to getting a crown. They also tend to be cheaper than dental crowns.
How is the procedure performed?
The procedure for inlays and onlays may require two dental visits. Before starting the procedure, the dentist will numb the area by administering local anesthesia. The decay is removed to prepare the tooth for its new surface. After removing the decayed area, an impression is made of the prepared tooth so the inlay or onlay material can be cast in a form that will fit the tooth precisely.
A temporary restoration is then placed on the tooth to protect it until the final restoration is ready. This can take a few weeks to prepare for usage. The new tooth surface is made of either porcelain or composite resin. Upon the next return, the temporary restoration is removed, and the affected tooth is cleaned to prepare for the permanent restoration. The dentist will place the new restoration to make sure that it fits correctly and won’t interfere with the bite. If the fit is good, a special cement or bonding is applied to attach the inlay or onlay to the tooth. There will also be minor adjustments to be made on the restoration if there are interferences. The dentist will polish the cemented or bonded structure to the tooth.
Is the procedure painful?
Local anesthesia is given to the patient for a comfortable and pain-free procedure. Residual pain after the procedure is done is relatively rare and can be taken care of by taking over-the-counter medicines.
Restore and strengthen your teeth through Inlays and Onlays in Sacramento, CA. Book your appointment with us at Dentistry of East Sacramento. We are located at 1005 39th St. Sacramento, CA 95816.