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A Guide to Restoring Damaged Teeth With Inlays and Onlays
This article explores how inlays and onlays are used to restore teeth that have been damaged by tooth decay or injury when a standard filling is no longer sufficient. While good oral hygiene and dietary habits can reduce the risk of decay, tooth damage remains common, and early intervention is key to preventing further deterioration. The article begins by explaining tooth decay and its causes. The mouth contains hundreds of types of bacteria, some of which are harmful. One of the main contributors to decay is Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria that feeds on sugars and starches left on the teeth. As it feeds, it produces acid that erodes tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Inlays are then introduced as a restorative option. These are typically used on molars and premolars—the teeth responsible for chewing. Unlike fillings, which are applied directly to the tooth and set in place, inlays are custom-made restorations that fit precisely into the damaged area of the tooth. They are strong, durable, and long-lasting, making them suitable for repairing cavities and cracks caused by decay or trauma. Onlays are described as a similar but more extensive restoration. They are used when damage affects one or more cusps of the tooth. By covering and protecting these weakened areas, onlays help prevent further damage while restoring strength and function. The article outlines the placement process for both inlays and onlays. Impressions of the teeth are taken so that a dental laboratory can create a bespoke restoration. Depending on the material—composite resin, metal, or porcelain—some restorations can be milled and placed on the same day. The procedure involves numbing and cleaning the area before securely bonding the inlay or onlay to the tooth. The article concludes by highlighting inlays and onlays as effective, long-lasting solutions for restoring damaged teeth and encourages patients to contact Harley Private Dental to find out whether this treatment is right for them.
A Guide to Restoring Damaged Teeth With Inlays and Onlays
We’re all warned from a young age about the dangers of tooth decay. You probably already know that you should keep your teeth clean at all times, use fluoride toothpaste, and avoid sugary food and drinks. Unfortunately, tooth decay is common, and it can and will damage your teeth.
If we spot the signs of decay early enough, there are steps we can take to protect your teeth from further damage. The most commonly used technique is to apply a filling. But when more of the surface of your tooth has been damaged, we’ll need to use a larger restoration such as an inlay or an onlay.
But what exactly are inlays and onlays and how do they work? Let’s take a look at everything you need to know.
What Is Tooth Decay?
Inside everyone’s mouths, there’s saliva and bacteria. There are hundreds of species of bacteria in your mouth at any time, and millions of each exist in the smallest amount of saliva. Not all bacteria are bad; in fact, some are useful. But some are very bad.
One particular bacteria, streptococcus mutans, is particularly troublesome. This bacteria feeds on starch and sugar left in your mouth and, in doing so, creates acid that erodes the enamel of your teeth which causes cavities to form.
What Exactly Is an Inlay?
Inlays are commonly used to repair the teeth at the back of your mouth that are used for chewing. These teeth are known as your molars or premolars. The inlay is placed on the top of your tooth.
The difference between inlays and fillings is that fillings are applied directly to your teeth and harden once in place. Inlays fit perfectly into your tooth, are durable, and are long-lasting.
Inlays can repair cavities and cracks brought about through trauma.
What Is an Onlay?
An onlay is used to replace the cusp of your tooth if it has become damaged. This made-to-measure restoration will protect the tooth from further damage. Again, this type of durable and long-lasting restoration can repair damage caused by both trauma and decay.
How Are Inlays and Onlays Placed?
Before placing inlays and onlays, we’ll need to take some impressions of your teeth so that our laboratory can create the perfect restoration.
Inlays and onlays are both custom-made to fit your tooth. They can be made of composite resin, metal, or porcelain. Resin and ceramic restorations can be milled within a day, meaning they can be placed straight away.
The procedure is relatively straightforward. We’ll start off by numbing and then cleaning the area we’ll be applying the restoration. Once prepared, we’ll bond the inlay or onlay to your tooth.
Inlays and Onlays at Harley Private Dental
Inlays and onlays are durable and effective restorative treatments that can protect your teeth for many years.
Call us today to make an appointment to learn more about the procedure and find out whether it’s right for you.
