PORCELAIN INLAYS & ONLAYS

What is an inlay?

• An inlay is a special type of filling that may be used to restore the chewing surfaces of a back tooth (molar, pre-molar or bicuspid). It fits on the contours of the tooth, between the cusps (points) of the biting surface restoring the space that remains after the dentist removes the decay or old filling. A gold inlay may be favored for durability and longevity over a direct filling, such as an amalgam or a tooth-colored filling that is placed into the tooth in one visit

• Inlays are made from tooth-colored materials, such as composite resin or porcelain, and from gold alloys. The tooth-colored materials provide the patient and dentist an option when appearance is a primary concern. Gold alloys may be used when high strength is needed and there is less concern about matching tooth color.

• An onlay covers the biting surface and one or more cusps (the peaks of the tooth). It may be used to provide greater coverage for a tooth that has lost much of its biting surface when decay damages the surface between teeth. Your dentist may recommend an onlay based on the extent of damage to the tooth.

• During the first visit, the dentist prepares the tooth by removing the old filling or decay. The remaining tooth is shaped to receive the restoration. The dentist next makes an impression of the tooth, the opposing teeth and the bite

• A model is prepared, and from that model the inlay or onlay is made. A temporary filling protects the tooth until the next visit when it is removed. During the second appointment, the permanent inlay or onlay is checked for fit before the dentist cements it to the tooth. Adjustments for comfort and final polishing are done at this visit.

• Like all dental restorations inlays and onlay are subjected to heavy chewing pressure. A suitable material to withstand this pressure will be recommended. A tooth-colored material will be suggested for a tooth that is visible and towards the front of the moth. The newly filled tooth my experience some sensitivity to hot or cold temperature for a few days or up to a week.