Inlay & Onlay Questions
Cosmetic Dentistry Directory
How does an inlay differ from an onlay?
Only in size. An inlay fits within the tooth cusps, those small projections on the top surface. An onlay is larger and extends over one or more cusps to an outside surface.
What is the procedure for placing dental inlays and onlays?
The placement of inlays and onlays can take a few visits. During your first visit, your dentist will remove all decay and damage from the tooth and take an impression of it. This impression will be sent off to the dental lab to create the inlay or onlay. Your cosmetic dentist will place a temporary inlay or onlay in your mouth. When the permanent porcelain inlay or onlay is completed and returned, your dentist will remove the temporary one and place the permanent one in the tooth. After adjusting and fine-tuning its position, he will then permanently bond it to your tooth with high strength dental resin (also called dental bonding).
Will the inlays or onlays procedure hurt?
No, the placement of inlays and onlays is generally pain-free. Modern cosmetic dentists make sure that you are pain-free and comfortable in their offices. Usually a numbing swab is used before any local anesthetic is injected, so that you will not feel that injection. If you were to feel any pain during the procedure, the dentist would immediately stop and give you more anesthetic. Sedation dentistry is also available if you are especially fearful or nervous.
What are the benefits of porcelain inlays and onlays over metal alternatives?
Porcelain inlays and onlays are vastly preferred over metal fillings because they:
- Help reduce or eliminate tooth sensitivity and eventual tooth loss
- Are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth
- Can prevent more extensive dental work later on down the road by saving decayed or damaged teeth
- Can strengthen teeth by up to 75%
- Do not expand or contract in response to temperature changes the way metal fillings do, so they don't weaken or fracture the tooth in this way
- Require less tooth reduction than conventional metal fillings because they're bonded to the tooth, not packed into a cavity which must be shaped right to hold them in
- Look like your natural teeth, and are therefore invisible as fillings
What kind of care do porcelain inlays and onlays require?
They need the same care as your other teeth. Follow good dental hygiene practices with regular brushing and flossing, and regular check-ups, and your inlays and onlays should last just as long as your natural teeth.
