Inlays and Onlays
Massapequa, NY
 An inlay is a treatment option that is used when you have a large cavity that is too large for dental fillings. An inlay is a single mold and has a specific shape and size of the cavity and it is cemented on that space. An onlay is used to cover the cusps of the tooth and is fabricated as a solid piece. Our dental specialists at Detailed Dental Care will give you a chance to experience this restoration procedure and get the smile that you’ve always desired.
How to Deal with Cavities
When you have cavities the dentist will restore the tooth by use of fillings. This is where the decayed part of the tooth is removed and filled with composite fillings or amalgam fillings. When the cavity gets too large and the fillings cannot restore it the dentist uses inlays and onlays to restore the cavity. When the cavity is too large and the tooth structure has been affected by the decayed part the dentist will replace the tooth with a dental crown but the root of the tooth is still maintained. If the tooth is damaged and cannot be saved, or there is no tooth at all then the dentist will recommend the use of dental implants which are fused to the jawbone, and a crown placed on top. The use of inlays and onlays is one treatment option that people often do not know about, but at our practice, we will discuss all treatment options available to treat cavities.
Inlays vs. Fillings
Most people usually use these two terms interchangeably confused to differentiate one from the other. However, an inlay is used for larger cavities. Both the filling and inlay procedures involve our dentist removing the cavity by drilling through it and filling the resultant space. The manner through which they fill up the empty space is where the main difference lies. When it is a simple filling procedure, composite or amalgam substances are used to fill the created cavity and it only requires one single visit.
When it comes to the inlay, however, this cavity is filled with one solid piece. The piece is created in the lab and it is usually from ceramic or gold. Our dentists take great care to ensure that the piece exactly matches the size and shape of your cavity. This is to prevent bacteria from entering into this space and cause infections.
Onlays vs. Crowns
Onlays are reserved for much larger cavities where there is too much decay or cavity such that fillings or inlays can be ineffective. This is because if an inlay or filling is used, there will be a great amount of tooth tissue that will be removed. An onlay covers the cusp of your tooth, whereas a crown covers the whole biting surface of your tooth. An onlay is considered to be less aggressive compared to dental crown treatment.
Come to our Practice for Effective Treatment
Our dental professionals at Detailed Dental Care will assist you to restore your optimal oral health. Call us at (516) 875-6774 to get effective treatment that will ensure prime dental wellness. |
