Porcelain Inlays/Onlays:
It is very easy for teeth to get damaged. Any number of things can hit you in the mouth on a daily basis. You could fall or bite down on something that cracks your teeth. Sometimes, improper dental care can lead to the teeth being damaged. In some cases, this damage can be repaired by a dental inlay or onlay.
Inlays and onlays are used to repair teeth that are only moderately damaged. These teeth may have some tooth decay or minor fractures and cracks. Inlays and onlays are good solutions to these small problems for a number of reasons. Getting an inlay or an onlay can be done in one visit to your dentist. They are also quick, easy, and virtually painless.
There are some key differences between inlays and onlays. An inlay is a restoration performed by fitting a solid substance, usually gold or porcelain, to a cavity in a tooth and cementing it in place. An onlay is nearly the same as an inlay, but it extends to also replace the cusp of the tooth. The main difference between the two procedures is how much of the tooth is being repaired.
Inlays are similar to fillings in that they are used to restore small damages. An inlay, however, can be more tightly bonded to the tooth. This means that the inlay is more resistant to biting and decay. It is also easier to clean. This makes an inlay as better choice in the long run for repairing a damaged tooth.
An onlay is used on teeth that are missing cusps. The onlay is laid over the missing cusp or cusps and covers the damaged area. The onlay allows you to keep the overall tooth structure whereas a crown would require that you destroy the tooth structure first in order to fit the crown in.
Inlays and onlays can be made out of several different materials. Gold, composite resin, and porcelain are very popular. Gold and porcelain tend to have better results than composite resin. Gold restorations have been around for years and have an excellent record as far as durability goes. In more recent years, however, newer types of porcelain have been developed that may last even longer than gold.
The professional staff at East Harlem Dental Plaza can advise you on which restorative material is best for your inlay or onlay. They can perform the procedure quickly and easily so that the damage to your tooth or teeth is repaired with a minimum of fuss and muss. The procedure can be done in one appointment so that you can continue with your busy life.
It is easy to damage teeth, and it is just as easy to have them repaired with inlays and onlays. An inlay or onlay is a quick and easy fix for minor cracks, fractures, and decay. With inlays and onlays, your teeth can be repaired in no time, and the restoration will last for a long time.
