If you’ve ever been to the dentist then you’ve heard of or experienced fillings, cleanings, and dental x-rays. However, there are some dental procedures that some people aren’t too familiar with like a dental inlay or onlay. Inlays or onlays do pretty much the same thing as fillings except they are for people that have a weaker tooth structure that may not be able to hold a regular filling.

Inlay and Onlay

If you have to get an inlay put in, it is probably because you have some tooth decay that needs to be removed. Usually dentists will just clean out the cavities and replace that area with a filling. If you need an inlay however, they clean out the decay and then take an impression of that area which they will replace with material such as porcelain, metal or composite resin. They lay in the material by cementing it in place so it doesn’t damage the weak tooth structure supporting it. If you have more decay on your tooth’s surface then you would get an onlay which lays on the surface and does the same thing that an inlay would do.

The process of getting an inlay or onlay takes two appointments because of the impression that has to take place so that it will perfectly lay in or on your tooth. An inlay or onlay can also last up to thirty years and is a great option for those with decay in their teeth.

If you need to schedule an appointment or speak to a dentist, contact Greenspoint Dental. We have general, cosmetic and restorative dentistry to help fit your needs.