Dental Onlays and Inlays

When sections of your teeth need to be removed due to decay, but the structure of the tooth is still strong enough to function without a crown, inlays and inlays can be applied to restore the look of the tooth and further reinforce it.

Onlays and inlays are a relatively simple cosmetic dentistry procedure, and have been used on many of our patients in the Lansing area.

What are inlays and onlays?

They are different from traditional fillings, being small restorations custom-created in a dental lab for your tooth. They may be formed of either porcelain or gold and are stronger than traditional fillings.

Because they're made in a dental lab, and then cemented to the tooth during a second visit, they are known as indirect fillings, as opposed to traditional fillings, which are created directly in your tooth by the dentist.

• An inlay is within the cusps of the tooth
• An onlay covers one or more cusps of the tooth, extending to the outer surface

Unlike standard fillings, inlays and onlays do not weaken the tooth structure, but strengthen it. After the procedure the tooth can bear 50% to 75% more chewing force. They also tend to last longer than a filling, because the inlay or onlay is custom made and bonded to the tooth.

Comparison with crowns

Inlays and onlays are two methods of restoring normal tooth structure after decay or other damage, in a more dentally conservative way than crowns. A crown replaces the entire tooth surface, both inside and outside the cusps. Inlays and onlays replace only a part of the tooth's surface, strengthening what remains of the tooth. Less tooth material is removed than for crowns.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate has too much decay or tooth destruction for a normal filling, yet not enough for a crown.

Risks and Limitations

The only risks are those associated with allergic reactions to metals or to anesthesia. In most of these cases, your dentist will use a different anesthetic or material.

How is the procedure performed?

The procedure is the same for both inlays and onlays.

• Your dentist will numb the area using local anesthesia and prepare it using a dental drill.
• He or she will then take an impression of the tooth. This impression will be used by the dental laboratory in creating your inlay or onlay.
• Your dentist will then place a temporary restoration on the tooth to protect the area.
• When your onlay or inlay is received from the lab, your dentist will cement it permanently in place.

Onlays and inlays both require at least two trips to our office in Howell, Michigan.

During the first visit the decayed material will be removed by one of our experienced cosmetic dentists, and a mold will be taken of the damaged tooth. While the permanent onlay or inlay is being prepared, you will have a temporary restoration placed on your tooth to protect it and prevent further damage.

When the onlay or inlay is ready, you will come for your second visit, when we will ensure that it fits properly before bonding it to your tooth with special dental cement.

After the procedure

After your inlay or onlay is placed you should expect minor sensitivity to hot or cold foods, and soreness in the gums around the area. This should resolve within a day or two. You should have no trouble in speaking or chewing.

The long-term outcome

Gold inlays and onlays have a very long life, usually 10-30 years depending on how you take care of them. These restorations do enhance the strength of the tooth, although biting on hard objects is not advisable.

" The dental procedures we specialize in enhance our
patients' look and their quality of life! "

If you are located in Lansing, Michigan area, and would like to learn more about this procedure or schedule a consultation to find out how Dr. DiStefano and Dr. Nguyen can help you find your smile, you should contact us today!