What’s The Difference Between An Inlay And An Onlay?

tooth colored fillings Allen Park

If you have tooth sensitivity or pain when you chew with your back teeth, the surfaces may be damaged. At Allen Park Dental Care, one treatment option is the use of an inlay or onlay made of metal, composite resin, or porcelain.

Inlays are very strong and shaped to precisely fit a hole in a damaged tooth. The choice of an inlay or onlay depends on how much decay and tooth loss has occurred.

An inlay resembles a filling and fills a small part of the tooth, while an onlay covers one or more of the cusps on the top of the tooth. In other words, an inlay fills a hole without changing the shape of the tooth, while an onlay builds up the tooth surface to restore its former dimension.

The procedure begins with a thorough evaluation, oral x-ray, and an impression. The damaged area will be removed and then the inlay or onlay will be formed to exactly fit your tooth and bite. While it is being made, your tooth will have a temporary restoration piece to cover and safeguard the vulnerable area.

Finally, the inlay or onlay will be placed and permanently bonded to the tooth. Since the procedure requires removal of damaged tooth material, restoration fabrication at the lab, and the placement on the tooth, it will take a few appointments to perform the process.

Inlays and onlays safeguard the tooth from further weakening, provide natural function, and are durable and inconspicuous.

At Allen Park Dental Care we offer complete family dentistry services. People from Dearborn, Taylor, and Southgate also come to us for dental implants, and much more. Call to schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact Szalai & Szalai DDS – Allen Park Dental Care:

313-928-2323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

5329 Allen Rd
Allen Park, Michigan
48101

 

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