Inlays and Onlays

The cavity should involve the chewing surface (occlusal surface) and the inter surface of the teeth (proximal surface) to reap the benefits of an inlay. An onlay quite resembles an inlay. The onlay prevents the cusps from being fractured and covers the proximal surface. An inlay or onlay appears like a tooth. This method of restoring the strength of the teeth is durable and secure.

Inlays and onlays are two medical procedures of recovering the normal structure of the teeth after damage or decay. They are also called indirect fillings. They replace the silver fillings in the teeth. Inlays and onlays are products of a laboratory. They are bonded or cemented to the surface of the damaged and decayed tooth or teeth. These are made from compound resin material, gold or porcelain. These fillings differ from standard fillings in various respects. Inlays and onlays are unnoticeable in the mouth and strengthen the tooth structure.

Procedure

The procedure for performing inlays and onlays is the same. Both require a patient to visit the dentist twice. At the first visit, the dentist uses an anesthesia to numb the tooth area that is to be treated before beginning the procedure. Then, the doctor uses a drill to remove the damage or decay. It prepares the tooth or teeth for a new smooth surface. After removal of the damage, a picture of the tooth is taken to decide the form of the onlay or inlay so that it can fit the tooth. A temporary filling is used to protect the tooth until an inlay or onlay is made in the laboratory and cemented to the tooth. The making of these filling takes 2 to 3 weeks.

On the second visit, the dentist removes the temporary filling and cleans the surface to fit the new filling. Then, the doctor checks the fitting of the new filling to make sure that it will not interfere with biting or chewing. If the fitting is perfect, the doctor attaches the filling to the tooth permanently. Polishing the tooth and the bonded inlay or onlay structure finishes the procedure.

Risks

The risks in fitting an inlay or onlay to the tooth are small in number. It involves some risks from anesthesia in case of people with allergic reaction to anesthetic medications. Almost all restoration procedures require the application of anesthesia. Except this, the procedure of recovering normal tooth structure using an inlay or onlay is safe and secure. Inlays and onlays made of porcelain or gold last for decades. Even if, they strengthen and harden the teeth, chewing pits, ice or other hard objects is better to avoid for the well being of the tooth structure, as they can threat damage to the work.

Recovery

In this sort of tooth treatment, recovery is fast and short. Patients recover right after the completion of the procedure. Some patients feel discomfort due to an irritation with the new structure in their mouths. Initially the cementing of an inlay or outlay to the tooth remains soft. It takes a few days to become rigid and stiff.