All You Need to Know About Dental Inlays and Onlays

Onlays and inlays are excellent restorative dental care treatments that repair weak, damaged, or decayed teeth in no time. The good part is that patients do not need to replace the entire tooth portion as with the dental crown. Since inlays and Onlays need minimal tooth material removal, they are more aesthetically conservative, unlike dental crowns.

FAQ’s

Here is everything you need to know about dental inlays and Onlays in Caledon, ON:

How Long Do Inlays and Onlays Last?

When patients care for the inlays and Onlays, they typically last for 20 to 30 years.

Why Are Inlays So Expensive?

The material used for dental inlays includes composite or porcelain. That is why inlays cost more.

What is the Difference Between a Dental Crown and an Inlay?

A dental crown masks the whole biting surface and tooth structure located above the gum line. On the other hand, an inlay fills the region between the tooth cusps.

Why Did My Inlay Fall Out?

The adhesive used in placing dental inlay in the affected tooth can become porous. It makes the restoration fall out. In this case, speak to the dentist immediately for the inlay insertion. To temporarily fix your inlay, use a tiny amount of toothpaste.

What is the Process of Inlays and Onlays?

The procedure of getting porcelain inlay and Onlay is similar to dental crowns. Firstly, the dentist uses local anesthesia to numb the tooth. Then, he/she prepares the tooth by trimming some tooth enamel and eradicating the damaged areas. The expert takes the tooth impressions by offering a mold to the patient and asking them to bite down on it.

After that, the expert will give the impressions to the lab. The technicians use them for the fabrication of dental inlay and Onlay. It typically takes one to two weeks and returns to the dental office. When you get to the clinic, the professional will remove the temporary restoration. Then, he/she will clean the surface to prepare for the new structure.

After that, the dentist will ask the patient to try the restoration to ensure the perfect fit. If the expert finds the fitting appropriate, he/she puts a dental bonding material or cement to attach the Onlay and inlay to the tooth permanently. If required, the dentist makes slight adjustments to the restorations. Finally, the dental experts polish the bonded structure and the tooth.

Do Inlays and Onlays Need Special Care?

Inlays and Onlays are highly durable dental restorations. It means they do not need much-specialized care. The only thing to do is – floss and brush two times a day. Also, avoid chewing on hard objects and foods because they could damage the restoration.

What Are the Benefits of Inlays and Onlays?

Onlays and inlays offer tons of benefits to patients. Let us explore some of them:

Highly Durable

Inlays and Onlays are much strong as compared to traditional dental fillings. They have a lifespan of 10 to 25 years when cared for properly.

Saves More Tooth Structure

When putting dental inlays and Onlays, the dentist near you needs to remove less enamel. It helps in preserving the most tooth structure.

Simple Cleaning

Unlike dental crowns, the proper fit of these restorations makes them much easier to clean.

Gives a Natural Appearance

The dentist can match these restorations to the natural shade of teeth. It helps patients with missing teeth by offering a natural-looking smile.

Can Fit into Tight Areas

Dental inlays fit into areas between teeth. They can seal the tooth effectively and prevent the bacteria from moving to the mouth.

Inexpensive

Unlike crowns, Onlays are much more cost-effective because they do not mask the entire tooth.

What Can You Not Eat After Onlay?

After getting dental Onlays, patients must avoid crunchy, tough, or sticky foods for a minimum of one day because they could ruin these dental restorations. It is common to experience mild sensitivity to extra hot and cold foods. If your sensitivity stays for more than six weeks, do not feel shy to call the dentists at Kennedy North Dentistry immediately.

How Long Does an Inlay Take?

The inlay procedure usually takes two dental appointments to finish. The first appointment may take 60-90 minutes.