An inlay refers to a filling that usually consists of gold, porcelain, or resin that is used to treat a cavity. An inlay is larger than a filling while being smaller than a crown.
An inlay refers to a filling that usually consists of gold, porcelain, or resin that is used to treat a cavity. An inlay is larger than a filling while being smaller than a crown. The difference between an inlay and a filling is that an inlay lies within the cusps on the chewing portion of the tooth. This procedure includes an impression of the tooth and creation of the restoration piece outside of the mouth. This procedure is effective for those who have extensive decays or fractures within the teeth that cannot be fixed by an intracoronal restoration. It is important to receive this procedure if you are instructed by a dentist to do so, as ignoring this issue will potentially lead to more severe tooth damage that may require emergency dentistry. There is also the option of using porcelain for the inlay procedure, utilizing a digital technology known as CADCAM. Utilizing this technology is useful as it creates a perfectly fitted inlay in either one or two visits for the patient. If the porcelain is made within a laboratory setting, two visits will be necessary for the patient.
An onlay is the same as an inlay, except that an onlay is specifically targeted towards replacing a tooth cusp. This procedure utilizes crowns in order to cover the surface of the tooth. This procedure is effective in conserving the tooth structure and will completely eliminate the cusps and walls of the tooth within the crown.
There are two types of inlays and onlays: direct and indirect. Direct inlays and onlays are made by the dentist within the setting of a dental office. This is an easy process for the patient to partake in, as the inlays and onlays are placed in one visit. During this process, the dentist removes the portion of the tooth that is decayed and puts resin on the tooth. The dentist will then take the inlay or onlay and cement it into the tooth, followed by a polishing of the inlay or onlay. The inlay or onlay can also be made of ceramic, and the same procedure is followed.
