Dental Inlays & Onlays Port St Lucie FL
Learn about dental inlays & dental onlays and the difference between the two with Veranda Family Dentistry.
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Dental inlays and onlays are two commonly confused dental procedures. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the difference between the two, as well as what you can expect from each procedure.
What Is A Dental Inlay?
An inlay is a small, customized piece of composite resin, porcelain, or gold that is used to fill in a small cavity or chip in your tooth. Inlays are less invasive than dental crowns and are often used as an alternative to traditional fillings.
What Is A Dental Onlay?
An onlay is similar to an inlay, but it is larger in size and covers a larger portion of your tooth. Onlays are typically used when there is too much damage to your tooth to be repaired with a filling but not enough damage to warrant a dental crown.
What Is The Difference Between Dental Inlays and Onlays?
While both procedures are used to repair damaged teeth, there are some key differences between dental inlays and onlays.
Inlays “lay in” a cavity or space in the tooth. Onlays may fill in a cavity of the tooth and also cover a cusp of the tooth. They “lay on” the damaged cusp to restore it to natural anatomy.
The Benefits of Dental Inlays and Onlays
There are many benefits of choosing dental inlays or onlays over other types of dental repairs, such as:
- Inlays and onlays are conservative: they require less drilling than crowns, which means that more of your natural tooth can be preserved.
- Inlays and onlays are made from strong materials like composite resin, porcelain, or gold, which means they can last for many years with proper care.
- Inlays and onlays provide more support for your tooth than fillings because they bond directly to the surface of your tooth.
- They can be used to repair teeth with large cavities or extensive damage
- They are very aesthetic
What is the procedure for getting a dental inlay or dental onlay?
The first step in getting a dental inlay or onlay is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. During the consultation, your dentist will examine your mouth and take X-rays to determine if an inlay or onlay is the best option for repairing your tooth.
If you and your dentist decide that an inlay or onlay is the best option, the next step is to prepare your tooth. This involves numbing your tooth and removing any damaged or decayed tissue. Once your tooth is prepared, an impression or scan will be taken so that the inlay or onlay can be custom-made to fit your tooth.
While you wait for your inlay or onlay to be made, a temporary filling will be placed in your tooth. Once the inlay or onlay is ready, you will return to the dentist office to have it placed. The inlay or onlay will be bonded to your tooth using a special dental adhesive.
After the inlay or onlay is in place, your dentist will check to make sure it fits properly and make any necessary adjustments. Once you and your dentist are both satisfied with the fit, the inlay or onlay will be polished.
You may experience some sensitivity after getting an inlay or onlay, but this is normal and should subside within a few days. It is important to brush and floss regularly and see your dentist for regular checkups to ensure that your inlay or onlay lasts for many years.
How To Keep Dental Implants Clean
Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse: Antimicrobial mouth rinses can help to reduce plaque and tartar around dental implants.
At-home dental care: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle flossing technique.
Professional dental cleanings: Visit your dentist at least once a year for dental implant checkups and cleanings.
Dental Inlays & Dental Onlays In Port St Lucie Fl
If you have a small cavity or chip in your tooth, then a dental inlay may be the right choice for you. If you have damage to a large portion of your tooth, then an onlay might be the better option. Veranda Family Dentistry & Dr. Salib will cover in detail which procedure is right for you based on the severity of damage to your tooth.