What To Know About Inlays and Onlays
posted: Mar. 25, 2021.
Cavities threaten the integrity and the health of our teeth, but thanks to dental fillings dentists can halt the progress of decay and return our teeth to their former structure, and strength. But what happens with cavities that are too big for traditional fillings? In severe cases, your tooth may require a crown, but usually, your dentist can treat these teeth with lab-made fillings, named inlays or onlays depending on the area of the tooth they correct. To learn more about how inlays and onlays can help restore your smile, contact your Hilton Head Island, SC, family dentists Dr. Julie Tome, Dr. Benjamin Wietecha, and Dr. M. Barker of Hilton Head Dental Team.
They Are Just Like a Filling
Inlays and onlays are just like a regular filling in that they fill in for the portion of the tooth that has to be removed because it is affected by decay. A necessary step to halt the progress of decay and to return full natural use and appearance to the tooth.
Traditional fillings, however, can only address smaller cavities, while inlays and onlays can restore large portions of the tooth. They are the step before a tooth would have to be repaired using a crown.
Because of how much of the tooth they are repairing, inlays and onlays are typically made in a lab, like a crown usually is, and it can take a few days until they are ready. So, just like with a crown, you may receive a temporary inlay, or onlay, which require extra care when eating or cleaning your teeth.
The main difference between the two is what part of the tooth they help restore. As the names suggest, inlays are made to fill large cavities just on the inside, the valley of the tooth, while onlays can restore beyond it, onto the natural crown.
Inlays and Onlays in Hilton Head Island, SC
If cavities are a concern, don't put off a visit to the office, as they do not get better on their own. Make an appointment today with Dr. Tome, Dr. Wietecha, and Dr. Barker of the Hilton Head Dental Team in Hilton Head Island, SC, by dialing (843) 681-9666.