Inlays and Onlays

Dental inlays and onlays repair rear teeth that have a mild to moderate amount of decay, or restore teeth that are cracked or fractured—if the damage doesn’t require a dental crown.

Inlays

Inlays treat decay in between the top projections or cusps of the tooth, or replace old fillings. The inlay is fastened within the center of the tooth.

Onlays

Onlays treat decay that reaches to one or more of the cusps. They help save more tooth structure because only a minor part of the tooth’s surface is removed.

Procedure

It takes two appointments to place the inlay or onlay.

During the first visit, the dentist takes out the decayed tooth area. The tooth that remains is shaped to ensure that the inlay or onlay will conform to the tooth. The dentist will make a mold of the tooth, and the patient’s bite. A temporary inlay or onlay is placed over the tooth.

At the second appointment, the inlay or onlay is applied to the tooth. The inlay or onlay material ranges from porcelain to composite resin to gold. After it is positioned, the dentist will permanently bind the inlay or onlay to the tooth. Then it is polished.

Benefits

The main advantages of inlays and onlays are they assist in healing tooth sensitivity, and protect teeth from loss. Others include:
• Easier to clean than a bulky crown
• Better at keeping out bacteria than fillings
• Low risk and side effects
• Natural colored, which makes them invisible
• Durable, since they’re not made of metal, temperatures don’t affect their shape
• Saves more of the tooth
• Strengthens the tooth

Maintenance

These can last for decades if they are composed of a good material, and if the tooth the inlay or onlay is applied to is healthy enough. Their life also depends on how forceful one chews, choice of food, and level of dental care and oral hygiene.

Insurance

Of course insurance policies differ with each company, so patients must consult their company’s guidelines. Inlays and onlays could be classified in ‘basic’ or ‘major’ service by insurance companies.

To determine beforehand what the insurance will pay, patients can ask for an estimate of the cost and submit it to the company to see what rate they will be compensated.

Make an Appointment

If you think you may benefit from the protection, resiliency and aesthetic nature of inlays or onlays, fill out the Wurzbach Parkway Family Dental  appointment form to the right.