Preparing for Inlays and Onlays: The Process Explained
One of the many options available to a dentist to improve your smile are inlays and onlays. These are used to repair broken back teeth or those at the front that do not require crowns, restoring the teeth’s strength by as much as 75%. This gives onlays and inlays a significant advantage over metal fillings, which over time can reduce the strength of the tooth by half.
Who is the Ideal Candidate for Inlays and Onlays?
Onlays and inlays are not suitable for everyone. When you first visit the Lodge Dental Surgery with damaged or decaying teeth, our priority will be to examine your teeth to see if you are a good candidate for this type of treatment. Inlays and onlays are usually best suited to those with mild or moderate tooth decay. Patients with extensive decay may require a crown instead. Sometimes inlays and onlays are used to replace existing fillings where it has become apparent that a basic filling cannot maintain the strength in the existing tooth, or is prone to falling out.
Dental inlays sit inside the top edges of the tooth, covering the decay and protecting the tooth from further damage. They are white coloured to match the existing tooth. Dental onlays are used when the damage is more extensive, and these fit outside the cusp of the tooth, capping it. Both inlays and onlays can be made using porcelain, composite resin or gold. The result is a dental filling that can last for up to 30 years.
The Onlay and Inlay Process
Both onlays and inlays must be fitted exactly to your existing damaged tooth. This is a two-appointment treatment, with the first one used to create a mould for your future inlay or onlay and to fit a temporary filling. The first step in the process is to remove any existing filling under local anaesthetic. After this, either myself or my husband Rupert will fill a dental tray with dental putty and request that you bite down to create an impression of your teeth. This impression is then sent off to the lab to use as a mould for your new inlay or onlay. Don’t worry, however, we won’t leave you without a filling while your new addition is created. We’ll create a temporary restoration which will be used while you’re waiting for your new inlay or onlay to arrive.
The Second Appointment
When you arrive at your second appointment, we’ll remove your temporary restoration under local anaesthetic. We’ll also assess the fit of your new inlay or onlay and make as many changes as is necessary to ensure a perfect fit. Once we’re satisfied with the fit, it’s time to bond it to the tooth in question. This is done using a very strong resin fixative which should remain solid for years to come. Finally, the tooth is polished to give it a smooth, beautiful aesthetic.
If you are interested in any cosmetic or restorative dental treatment, please get in touch with our friendly team at the Lodge Dental Surgery on 01730 266350 for further information.
