Tooth Restoration with Inlays and Onlays By William Stofer on December 17, 2012

Indirect fillings, also known as inlays and onlays, are used in the treatment of tooth decay. Inlays and onlays are typically used in the treatment of back teeth that have been damaged by tooth decay. Tooth decay is a result of the acid found within the mouth eating away at the surfaces of the teeth. Over time, tooth decay will cause the formation of crevices or small holes within the teeth, otherwise known as cavities. It is important to seek treatment for a cavity because further damage may occur if it is left untreated. An untreated cavity may cause severe decay with the tooth, and may leave nerves exposed. For our patients in Warsaw, inlays, onlays, and dental crowns may be used in the treatment of damaged or decayed teeth. Inlays and onlays are highly effective in the treatment of teeth affected by decay, but are not always the best treatment. In some cases, the damage to a tooth is too extensive for a traditional filling, inlay, or onlay. In these cases, we may recommend dental crowns. In order to determine which dental restoration is best suited to your unique dental needs, please schedule an appointment with our highly skilled Warsaw cosmetic dentist.

For our patients in Warsaw, dental crowns, inlays, and onlays may be used to reinforce teeth weakened from decay, to preserve otherwise healthy tooth structures within damaged teeth, and to treat teeth that are cracked or chipped.

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are tooth-colored dental restorations that are typically comprised of porcelain or resin materials, most often used to treat rear teeth that have mild to moderate decay. They are an excellent choice when the remaining structure within a damaged tooth is in good condition. Inlays and onlays are incredibly strong and durable. When cared for properly, inlays and onlays can last for many years.

Inlays and onlays may be used to reduce or eliminate tooth sensitivity as well as to prevent the loss of a damaged tooth as a result of decay. They may also be used to repair cracked or chipped teeth. Another benefit of inlays and onlays is that they may be used as an aesthetically pleasing replacement for amalgam (metal) fillings.

Inlays are used to treat decay and damage that lies within the indented top surfaces, or the cusps, of the teeth. Onlays are used to treat decay and damage that extends to one or more of the cusps of the teeth.

Placement of Inlays and Onlays

During the inlays and onlays treatment process, an impression of the decayed or damaged tooth is made. Traditionally, a temporary inlay or onlay is then placed over the tooth. With CEREC®, this is no longer necessary. For cases in which CEREC® is not used, the impression is sent to a dental laboratory where a dental technician makes an inlay or onlay to your tooth’s unique specifications. Without CEREC®, the inlays and onlays treatment process requires two visits to our Warsaw dental office. During the second dental visit, the temporary inlay or onlay is removed, and the permanent inlay or onlay is then securely placed onto the tooth. If CEREC® is used, we can custom-design, manufacture, and place your inlay and onlay within a single dental visit.