Inlays & Onlays in Omaha and Millard, NE
Quick Answer: What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?
Dental inlays and onlays are custom restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage when a filling is not sufficient but a full dental crown is not necessary. Inlays fit within the grooves of a tooth, while onlays extend over one or more cusps. Made from durable materials such as porcelain, they help restore strength, function, and a natural appearance while preserving more healthy tooth structure than a crown.
When Is an Inlay or Onlay Recommended?
An inlay or onlay may be recommended when a tooth has too much damage for a traditional filling but does not require a full dental crown. These restorations are often used to repair large cavities, replace failing fillings, or strengthen teeth that have become weakened by decay or fractures.
Because inlays and onlays preserve more natural tooth structure than crowns, they can be an excellent conservative treatment option for restoring both function and appearance.
How are inlays and onlays applied?
Two appointments are required for the completion of inlays and onlays.
First Appointment
During the first visit, the damaged or decaying area of the tooth (or the filling that is being replaced) is removed, and the tooth is prepared for the inlay or onlay. To ensure proper fit and bite, we make an impression of the tooth and send it to a lab for fabrication. Dr. Nielsen or Dr. Krajicek then applies a temporary sealant on the tooth and schedules the next appointment.
Second Appointment
At the second appointment, the temporary sealant is removed. Next, Drs. Nielsen or Krajicek make sure that the inlay or onlay fits correctly. If the fit is satisfactory, the inlay or onlay is bonded to the tooth with a strong resin and polished to a smooth finish.
Considerations for Inlays and Onlays
Traditional fillings can reduce the strength of a natural tooth by up to 50 percent. Alternatively, inlays and onlays, which are bonded directly onto the tooth, using special high-strength resins, actually increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75 percent. As a result, they typically last from 10 to 30 years. In some cases, where the damage to the tooth is not extensive enough to merit an entire dental crown, onlays provide a very good alternative.
For more information regarding our inlays and onlays, call our office today! Bel Drive Dental Office Phone Number (402) 523-2705
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