Inlays and onlays are dental restorations used to restore the function and appearance of a tooth after damage or decay. Fillings are placed directly. Inlays/onlays are made outside the mouth at a lab or in-office and then bonded to the tooth. The dentist takes an impression of the cavity and sends it to the lab, where the restoration is made.
Your dentist can recommend an inlay or onlay where the damage to your tooth is too much for a filling but does not need a crown. The procedure for an inlay or onlay often takes two visits. A well-done inlay or onlay restores function and appearance. Consult an experienced dentist to review options.
Therefore, you should consult an experienced dentist. At Agoura Hills Advanced Dentistry, we offer safe and reliable dental services for our Agoura Hills, CA, clients.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom-made dental restorations. They fit into or onto a damaged tooth to restore its function and appearance. An inlay is used when the damage is within the grooves or biting surface of the tooth but does not affect the cusps.
It fits inside the tooth, like a traditional filling. An onlay, on the other hand, is used when there is more extensive damage that impacts one or more cusps. It covers a larger portion of the tooth and can extend over the top or side.
Inlays and onlays are types of indirect restorations. This means they are made away from the mouth and then cemented in place. They are frequently used on molars and premolars. You may be a good candidate for inlays or onlays under the following circumstances.
- When a tooth has a large cavity, but the surrounding walls remain intact
- If an old filling has cracked or failed
- After trauma or an injury that affects part of a tooth
- For teeth with moderate decay or wear
- When replacing metal fillings for aesthetic reasons
These are often used on molars and premolars because they bear heavy chewing forces. A damaged tooth may require a complete crown or extraction if left untreated. They can reduce the risk of future decay and help preserve the tooth.
Materials Used for Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are made from strong, durable materials. Your dentist will help you choose the best one. Common materials used for these dental restorations include:
Porcelain
Porcelain is a frequently used material for inlay or onlay restorations. This material replicates the color and shine of natural teeth. It is also strong and stain-resistant, making it useful for inlays and onlays. However, chewing hard food items may chip porcelain. Therefore, the material is not ideal for people who put excessive pressure on their teeth through grinding and clenching.
Composite Resin
Composite resin is also a tooth-colored material. It costs less than porcelain and is easy to work with. Its bond helps seal the tooth and may lower the risk of new decay at the margins. However, it may not last as long, especially on molars. It can also stain over time from coffee, tea, or smoking.
Gold
For a strong inlay or onlay, you can use gold. Gold is durable, resists fracture, and wears at a rate similar to enamel. Many dentists recommend gold for molars where there are high chewing forces. It is gentle on opposing teeth when you bite and seals the tooth well. This reduces the risk of leakage or decay caused by bacterial accumulation. The main downside of using gold for your inlay or onlay is its appearance. Since it is visible and does not blend with natural teeth, many people avoid it for the front teeth.
Ceramic
Ceramic is like porcelain, but may incorporate stronger materials like lithium or zirconia. These newer ceramics are less prone to cracks. This is because they are resistant to chewing forces. Ceramic is a good option for patients who desire a natural-appearing product but require less fragile alternatives than conventional porcelain. Zirconia is strong and suitable for back teeth.
Hybrid Materials
Some inlays and onlays are a combination of ceramic and resin. These hybrid materials are a combination of ceramic and resin. Hybrid materials are less common but chosen for specific clinical needs, such as clenching or grinding. If you habitually grind your teeth, your dentist can recommend a hybrid material for your inlay or onlay. Some of the factors that can impact this choice for an inlay or onlay material include:
- Your budget. Some materials are more expensive than others. Therefore, your budget for the procedure will guide you to the right material.
- Desired appearance. Materials like ceramic and porcelain can match the color of your natural teeth. Therefore, the appearance you are chasing can dictate your choice.
- Tooth location. When choosing a material for an inlay or onlay, you should consider teh location of the tooth. Teeth located at the back of the mouth will need a stronger material that withstands the chewing forces.
- Insurance. Cost is a significant factor when undergoing a dental procedure. Therefore, check whether your insurance can cover the cost of the specific material you want.
Inlay and Onlay Procedure
Onlays and inlays are appropriate for teeth with moderate damage or decay. They are more durable than a standard filling, but do not cover the entire tooth like a crown. Mostly, placement of these restorations takes two visits and involves the following steps:
Dental Examination
Your dentist will first give you a complete dental checkup. The dentist inspects the particular tooth and the surrounding area. They also assess the damage via X-ray. If damage is too extensive for a filling but does not require a full crown, inlays and onlays can be used as an alternative to fillings.
Inlays fit within the cusps; onlays cover one or more cusps, while onlay restorations are limited to one or more cusps. Your dentist will discuss your options with you. You can choose the appropriate material according to personal preference and budget.
Local Anesthesia
Before performing the procedure, the dentist numbs the area with local anesthesia. It also helps prevent pain or discomfort during the procedure. After the area is numb, the dentist begins to clean the tooth. They remove decay and any weak or broken fillings.
Tooth Preparation
During the cleaning process, the dentist shapes the remaining healthy tooth. This helps the inlay or onlay fit properly. It depends on how much of the tooth is affected. Your dentist will prepare for an inlay if the decay is within the cusps.
If one or more cusps are involved, the dentist will prepare an onlay instead. They smooth the surface and clean up the debris. It creates a clean, solid surface for a strong bond with the inlay or onlay.
Taking an Impression
After preparing your tooth, the dentist will take an impression of the cavity. The dentist will use a putty-like material and press it into the cavity. The impression is sent to a lab, which helps create a custom inlay or onlay.
Temporary Restoration
Inlays or onlays take time to create. Therefore, the dentist will place a temporary restoration that protects the tooth from further damage. The temporary filling is usually made from acrylic or composite. It is not as strong as the final restoration, but it is good enough to last until the second visit.
Fabrication of the Inlay or Onlay
Dental technicians use the impressions to create inlays or onlays. Because of this, the dentist will place a temporary restoration that keeps the tooth from getting worse. An acrylic or composite material is typically used to make the temporary filling. While not as strong as the final restoration, it will be strong enough to survive until the second appointment.
Fitting
The dentist will fit the custom-made inlay or onlay during your second appointment. During this stage, you can feel whether the restoration is comfortable enough. If there are necessary adjustments, the dentist can do them during this visit.
Bonding the Restoration
Your dentist will prepare the inlay or onlay for bonding if it fits properly in the cavity. Preparation involves priming and etching. The dentist will then use dental adhesive to bond the inlay or onlay to the cavity.
Final Bite Check
After bonding, your dentist checks your bite. This guarantees a proper occlusion and a natural feeling for the tooth.
Aftercare Instructions for Inlays and Onlays
After your procedure, the dentist can give you the following aftercare instructions. You should follow these instructions to help prevent complications and improve the outcome. They include:
- Avoid chewing before the anesthesia wears off. Your dentist may administer anesthesia to prevent discomfort during an inlay or onlay procedure. You should wait for the anesthesia to wear off so you can eat and drink after the procedure. Attempts to chew while your gums or mouth are numb can cause you to bite your gums or tongue.
- Expect some sensitivity. Restoring your tooth using an inlay or onlay can involve drilling the tooth to remove the decayed part before placing the restoration. Therefore, you may experience some sensitivity after the procedure. Sensitivity is the sharp pain that occurs when you eat or drink cold or hot foods. If this sensitivity does not resolve independently, you should consult your dentist.
- Managing pain. You may experience some pain after the procedure. Your dentist often recommends over-the-counter medications you should take if you feel the pain.
- Keep your mouth clean. You should maintain good oral hygiene after your treatment. This means brushing your teeth at least twice daily. Good oral hygiene helps prevent the accumulation of bacteria, which could damage the remaining part of the tooth. You should use a soft brush to protect your gums while you heal.
- Avoid grinding or clenching. Teeth grinding is one of the common causes of damage to the inlay or onlay. Therefore, if you have this habit, you should have it addressed by your dentist. It helps ensure that your restorations last longer without needing constant replacement.
- Watch for complications. Like other dental procedures, you could experience some complications with an inlay or an onlay. Therefore, you should watch out for any signs of complications after the procedure. You should seek emergency dental care if you notice swelling, unusual sensitivity, or unexpected symptoms. Your dentist can assess the symptoms and prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection.
- Follow up with your dentist. Your trips to the dentist do not end when you receive your inlays or onlays. You should make follow-up visits after the procedure. During these visits, your dentist will check your bite and can detect any signs of complications. Also, you should continue with your routine dental visits.
- Long-term care. Inlays and onlays do not last for a lifetime. However, they can serve you for up to ten years with proper care. After the procedure, you should continue with healthy habits and avoid chewing complex objects on the treated tooth.
Advantages of Inlays and Onlays
Onlays are an ideal choice for restoring damaged teeth. The benefits of these restorations include:
- They preserve the healthy part of the tooth. A dentist will recommend inlays or onlays when the damage to your tooth is not extensive.
- Strength and durability. Inlays and onlays are made with strong materials like porcelain, lithium disilicate, zirconia, gold, or composite. For this reason, they are resistant to damage by chewing forces and can last longer than standard fillings. An inlay or onlay can serve you for five to fifteen years with proper care.
- Precision fit. Unlike fillings, inlays and onlays are custom-made to fit your needs. Your dentist will take an impression of the cavity and send it to the lab for restoration.
- Cosmetic appeal. Before your inlay or onlay is custom-made, your dentist will guide you through choosing the right materials. You can match the restoration with the color of your natural teeth, which makes it aesthetically pleasing.
- Easy to maintain. Inlays and onlays are easy to maintain. There are no special instructions for their care. However, you should maintain good oral hygiene. Additionally, your dentist will recommend avoiding habits that could damage the restorations. Unlike crowns, the healthy tooth is accessible for brushing. Therefore, you have a reduced risk of further decay with these restorations.
- Less sensitivity. Inlays and onlays are custom-made to fit snugly on your tooth. You will experience less sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks after an inlay or onlay procedure.
Complications of Inlays and Onlays
However, like other dental procedures, there is a risk of complications. Common issues that would arise after an inlay or onlay procedure include:
- Reaction to medication or anesthesia. During an inlay or onlay procedure, your dentist may administer anesthesia to ease the pain or discomfort. Therefore, there is a risk of developing an allergic reaction. If you are allergic to anesthesia or other medications, you must inform your dentist before the procedure.
- Decay around the restoration. You could develop tooth decay around an inlay or onlay. Often, this is a result of poor oral hygiene. You can avoid these complications by following the instructions given by your dentist.
- Inlay or onlay fractures. Excessive biting force or teeth grinding can damage your inlays or onlays. A fractured restoration will not properly serve its intended purpose and may need replacement. You could avoid this complication by choosing a strong material. Additionally, you can address your teeth grinding issues before the procedure.
- Gum inflammation or soreness. Working around the gums can result in swelling or redness after an inlay or onlay procedure. Minor soreness or swelling usually improves within a day or two.
- Altered bite sensation. An inlay or onlay is a foreign material in the mouth. Therefore, you may experience a bite alteration that takes a while to adjust to.
Frequently Asked Questions on Inlays and Onlays
The following are commonly asked questions on inlays and onlays:
Are inlays and Onlays painful?
It should not be painful due to local anesthesia, though mild soreness is common. However, it fades away quickly.
Can they fall out?
Properly bonded and maintained, inlays and onlays can last for many years. However, they can loosen or come out if the bond fails. See your dentist to re-bond or replace.
Are inlays better than fillings?
For larger cavities, inlays can serve better than fillings. These restorations offer durability, and they have a lower risk of failure.
Find a Competent General Dentist Near Me
Inlays and onlays are ideal restorations for damaged or decayed teeth. Unlike fillings placed on the tooth and cured, these restorations are custom-made and bonded to the tooth. You may be a good candidate for an inlay or onlay when the dentist cannot restore your tooth using a filling, and the damage is not extensive enough to need a crown.
Many cases take two appointments, though some are completed in one visit. Your dentist will determine your suitability for the procedure at the first appointment. Also, they will take an impression of the cavity and guide you through choosing the right material. A custom-made inlay or onlay is bonded to the tooth during the second appointment. Inlays and onlays strengthen the tooth’s structure and help preserve the natural tooth.
You will need our services at Agoura Hills Advanced Dentistry if you need an onlay or an inlay. We serve clients seeking expert dental services in Agoura Hills, CA. Call us at 818-878-7300 to book an appointment.