Inlays And Onlays
At Amherst Village Dental, our team will provide a wide range of restoration services, such as inlays and onlays. These methods of restoring a tooth are useful for treating more pronounced damages than a moderate-sized cavity.
What Are Inlays And Onlays?
An inlay is used to treat cavities that have increased in size but are not big enough to require a root canal, crown, or an onlay. Unlike fillings, inlays are created outside of the cavity. Inlays are made from an impression of the tooth. This allows inlays to offer superior precision and strength as compared to a filling. Onlays are constructed using the same method and are frequently compared to a crown. Instead of covering the whole tooth or a small part of the cusp, an onlay will cover the entire cusp. Onlays are used for damages caused by major tooth decay or fractures. Onlays are more affordable than crowns and are a safer way to patch a partially damaged tooth.
Porcelain Inlays And Onlays
Porcelain is a traditional material used for fillings, crowns, and implants. Porcelain can almost perfectly mimic the appearance of teeth and is an exceptionally hard material. With good oral care, porcelain inlays and onlays can last up to 20 years.
Composite Resin
Composite resin inlays and onlays and a great combination of aesthetics, durability, and cost. While composite resin does not mimic teeth as easily as porcelain can, composite resin inlays and onlays can last up to 10 years.
Gold
Gold is one of the toughest and most robust materials used in dentistry. Quality gold fillings will withstand the forces of biting and chewing, and gold inlays and onlays can last up to 25 years.
Amalgam
Amalgam fillings are a great choice when budgeting is a strong factor. Amalgam is a metal material that is most often used for teeth in the back of the mouth. Much like other metals, amalgam is durable and can last up to 15 years.
Benefits Of Inlays And Onlays
Inlays and onlays have higher durability than many other oral care options. Inlays and onlays also allow our professionals to preserve more of the natural tooth than other oral care options, as opposed to crowns that cover the entire tooth and occasionally require reshaping of the tooth to fit. Inlays and onlays have a more natural look, blending in with the remaining natural teeth. Inlays and onlays are custom-made to fit each patient. Inlays and onlays are an ideal choice when dealing with large cavities.
Issues To Consider With Inlays And Onlays
Some patients report pain and sensitivity to heat and cold for up to two weeks after an inlay or an onlay is installed. And there is the remote possibility of bacteria being sealed in the tooth after an inlay or onlay is placed. However, that problem can be resolved with a follow-up appointment.
Schedule Your Appointment
Don’t let failing and missing teeth keep you from feeling confident or from doing the things you love. Call us today at 603-673-5510 to invest into your health, your life, and your future.