What are Inlays and Onlays?
Dental inlays and onlays are used when old fillings need to be removed or replaced, or when the damage to a tooth is too severe to support a filling, but not severe enough to require a dental crown. A dental inlay is similar to a filling and fits inside the cusp tips (top edges) of the tooth. A dental onlay is more extensive and extends over the cusps of the treated tooth.
Dental Inlays
Dental inlays are similar to fillings and fit inside the outer edges of the tooth. They can be made out of a variety of materials, but most often they’re made out of tooth-colored porcelain. With the CAD/CAM Cerec Technology offered at Prestige Family Dentistry, inlay procedure can be completed in only one visit in most cases.
Dental Onlays
Dental onlays, sometimes referred to as partial tooth caps, are similar to inlays in that the procedure is the same and takes place over the course of two days. Like a dental cap, it is a custom-made fitting that we secure to the damaged tooth; however, unlike a dental cap, it only covers a small portion of the affected tooth. Onlays cover one or more of the outer edges of a tooth. They are the conservative alternative to receiving a crown or tooth cap, and they preserve more of your natural tooth. With the CAD/CAM Cerec Technology, Dr. Kashkouli can finish these procedures in one appointment in most cases.
FAQs
Do inlays and onlays fix cavities?
Dr. Melika Kashkouli uses inlays and onlays, much like fillings, to fill or cover the area where a cavity once was. It minimizes the possibility of further decay to the existing tooth.
What are the most common treatments for tooth decay?
The most common tooth decay treatments that Dr. Melika Kashkouli uses include:
- Fluoride treatments
- Restorations, including fillings, inlays, onlays, and crowns/tooth caps
- Root canals
- In the most extreme cases, extraction