Dental Inlays and Onlays Kitchener
Dental onlays and inlays are excellent solutions for restoring damaged and decayed teeth. Victoria Family Dental offers these as part of our restorative dental care services.
What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are dental restorations used for decayed and damaged teeth. They are used when there is significant damage to the tooth structure; enough that a regular filling won’t be able to restore the tooth properly. Inlays and onlays are used for damaged molars and premolars, and fit over the top of the tooth and into the decayed or damaged portions to restore and strengthen the tooth. These restorations are used when a tooth is too damaged for a simple filling but not compromised enough to warrant a full crown.
Difference Between Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays serve the same purpose, but differ in the area of the tooth they cover.
Dental inlays fit within the cusps, or points, of a molar, while onlays extend over one or more cusps of the tooth, and are used where there is more extensive damage or decay.
Types of Inlays and Onlays
At Victoria Family Dental, we offer a range of types of inlays and onlays to meet your unique needs and preferences. Our dentist will discuss your inlays and onlays options with you, to determine which is right for you.
Porcelain inlays and onlays offer a very natural appearance, blending in with the rest of the tooth. Porcelain inlays and onlays are often chosen where aesthetics are a priority. Porcelain inlays are stain resistant, too.
Composite resin inlays and onlays are also tooth coloured and aesthetically pleasing. They can be colour-matched to your natural teeth.
Gold inlays and onlays are extremely durable and long-lasting, but have a less natural appearance.
Kitchener Inlays and Onlays: Uses
Dental inlays and onlays are used to restore damaged teeth, as well as for other purposes.
Tooth Decay
Inlays and onlays can effectively restore teeth with significant damage from tooth decay, and can prevent needing more extensive treatments such as crowns.
Fractured and Damaged Teeth
If your tooth has a fractured or broken cusp, an inlay or onlay can restore its structural integrity.
Replacing Large Fillings
If an existing filling becomes worn or damaged, an inlay or onlay can provide a more durable replacement and preserve more of your natural tooth than other options.
Cosmetic Dentistry
In some cases, inlays and onlays are used for cosmetic purposes, such as repairing discoloured or misshapen teeth.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays offer some benefits over traditional fillings and crowns, in certain cases.
Inlays and Onlays vs. Fillings
Inlays and onlays are more durable and can last longer than standard fillings, and can be used to restore a tooth where a filling is worn or is otherwise starting to fail.
In some cases, an inlay or onlay may require less tooth preparation and removal of healthy tooth structure compared to fillings.
Inlays and Onlays vs. Crowns
Inlays and onlays require less tooth preparation and reduction than crowns, which require a thin layer of tooth enamel to be removed so that the crown can fit, making inlays and onlays a more conservative option.
In many cases, inlays and onlays can be a more cost-effective option compared to crowns.
The Procedure for Dental Inlays and Onlays
Our dentist will start with a consultation, examining your teeth, discussing any concerns and needs, and then determining if an inlay or onlay is the right solution for you.
Our dentist prepares your affected tooth by removing any damaged or decayed portions. Next, an impression of your prepared tooth is taken, which serves as a mould for a custom fit for your inlay or onlay.
While your custom restoration is undergoing the laboratory process to make it, a temporary restoration may be placed to protect your tooth.
Once your inlay or onlay is ready, our dentist will ensure a proper fit and make any necessary final adjustments to ensure your bite is comfortable and functional before bonding it to your tooth with dental cement.
The inlay or onlay is polished to a shine, so it matches the luster of natural teeth.
We’ll also provide you with post-procedure care instructions to help you care for it, so it lasts a long time and you can maintain your oral health.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Call Victoria Family Dental in Kitchener immediately. Keep the restoration safe and avoid chewing on that side until your visit.
Yes, a cracked onlay exposes your inner tooth to bacteria. Contact our Kitchener office right away to prevent further damage.
Rinse with warm salt water and use over-the-counter pain relievers. Call us immediately to schedule an urgent repair appointment.
Yes, Victoria Family Dental provides prompt emergency dental care upon request to relieve pain and restore your smile quickly.
If the onlay and underlying tooth are undamaged, our Kitchener dentist can often clean and securely rebond it for you.