Dental Inlays And Onlays Bridgeman Downs | Zen Dental Studio Brisbane

By Author: Dr. Priyanka Menon
Total Articles: 103
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Inlays and Onlays
So, what’s the difference between a standard filling, and inlays and onlays?
What is a dental filling?
This is the most basic dental restorative treatment that is used to fix a decayed section of a tooth. The decayed area is drilled out and replaced with a composite (white) tooth-like filling material.

What is an inlay?
An inlay is used when the cavity is too large for a standard filling. In this case, an inlay is fabricated in a dental laboratory as a solid piece to fit perfectly and be cemented into the cavity.

What is an onlay?
Onlays are bigger than inlays and are used when the decayed area is larger, but not enough to require a dental crown. An onlay generally covers the entire cusp of a tooth and is also fabricated in a dental laboratory.

Main uses for inlays and onlays
Inlays and onlays are used for large cavities, ones that regular fillings cannot fix. Generally, they will cover the body and cusps of the tooth. They are mainly used in the following situations:

Extensive tooth damage
Failed direct restorations
Restorations ...
... that do not require full crowns
Difficulty achieving optimal contour and contact points using standard fillings
What are the advantages?
There are multiple benefits and advantages of having a filling made in a laboratory instead of one directly made inside your mouth, including the following:

Inlays and onlays are strong and durable
Natural appearance
Allow the dentist to achieve more natural contours, over standard fillings
Custom-fitted as they are built in the laboratory
Less post-operative sensitivity
How is the inlay and onlay treatment done?
The first step is a consultation with the dentist, where they will examine the damaged tooth and decide on the best course of treatment.

If an inlay or onlay is the recommended treatment, the first step to the treatment is to remove the decayed and infected area using a dental drill.

Once removed, the dentist will take an impression of the cavity which will be sent in the form of a digital or physical copy to the dental laboratory. The laboratory will fabricate your restoration to fit perfectly into your cavity.

But before you leave, a temporary filling will be placed into the cavity.

When the dentist receives your permanent restorative inlay or onlay back at the dental clinic, you will be called in to have it placed. The inlay or onlay will be placed using a permanent cement or resin which hardens under a special light.

How to care for your inlay or onlay?
You should take care of your new inlay/onlay in the same way you take care of any tooth.

You should be brushing twice a day, flossing and rinsing excess sugars, acids and food debris away to reduce the chances of future decay.

Have tooth decay? Contact Zen Dental Studio
If you think you are suffering from a dental issue, it’s important to visit the dentist and there is no one better than the dentists at Zen Dental Studio.

We offer the entire range of options to fix decayed teeth and fill cavities, from general fillings, inlays, onlays, crowns and dental implants.

For more information, or to book in for an appointment, please call our friendly team on (07) 3353 0488 or click here.

Come get expert dentistry like never before in Bridgeman Downs, Brisbane. Our friendly team provides a welcoming and calming atmosphere in our clinic.