What is the Difference Between an Inlay and Onlay in Dentistry?

Jade

Inlays and Onlays

December 16, 2021

Restorative dentistry is an amazing thing; not only does it help strengthen your smile and give you back your ability to talk and eat, but it improves the aesthetic appearance of your teeth and aids in the prevention of future issues.

A dental filling is a very well-known form of restorative dentistry that is often recommended to patients dealing with cavities. But did you know that there is an alternative? Known as inlays and onlays, this particular treatment is just as effective and straightforward as a traditional filling.

At our local dental office, we provide inlays and onlays in North York. So, if you’re looking to receive restorative dentistry, this may be the service for you. Get in touch with our team today to find out more.

Inlays and Onlays Explained 

Sometimes referred to as “indirect fillings”, inlays and onlays are customized prosthetics that are designed to satisfy your oral dimensions. As a result, you won’t have to worry about either one slipping around or falling out completely.

A dental inlay is, as the name implies, installed into your tooth; a dental onlay is placed over the surface of your tooth. Both structures prevent further harm from occurring to your smile whether from an infection, decay, or injury.

Both inlays and onlays can be fashioned from several materials including metal (gold or silver amalgam), porcelain, composite resin, and ceramic. The latter three are great choices to consider if you don’t want the structure to be noticeable when you eat, laugh, or speak. However, they are most costly to acquire than metal and may need to be replaced earlier.

Have questions? Reach out to a dentist near you.

The Process

If your dentist is deemed you an eligible candidate to receiving an inlay or onlay, the first thing that will happen is a comprehensive evaluation of your teeth and gums. X-rays will most likely be taken as well so your dentist can see if there’s any potential problems forming below the surface of your smile.

Next, you’ll be given a local anesthesia injection, so you don’t feel any pain while your dentist gets to work. Regardless of the structure, you’re receiving, the decay will need to be scaped out entirely and then the space must be thoroughly cleaned out. After the inlay or onlay will be placed, sealing the tooth off and stopping additional bacteria from amalgamating there. Your dentist will clean the site, check that everything looks good and then, voila! All done!

The Benefits of Inlays and Onlays 

There are many advantages to receiving this treatment from a dentist in North York, such as:

  • Lending extra support to your tooth and your overall smile.
  • More of your natural tooth is preserved in the process; only the enamel on the surface of your tooth is etched off.
  • Typically, you’ll only need to attend one dental appointment.
  • The process is straightforward.
  • In addition to being an alternative to fillings, if your dental filling becomes damaged, inlays and only can also be used to restore it.

Visit Us at Bayview Village Dental Today! 

Are you curious about receiving inlays and onlays near you? Perhaps you’ve been given the green light and you’re ready to get going and restore your smile. Whatever the case may be, here at our local dental practice, we’re excited to work with you. Our team, comprised of dentists and dental specialists, hygienists, and administrative staff, anticipates your visit. We’ll do everything we can to ensure that you’re as comfortable and as calm as possible.

Call us, fill out the request form on our website, or drop by our location in person to arrange an appointment at a time that works for you.

We’ll see you very soon!