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Filling, inlay, onlay, or crown? What is the difference? What exactly does the procedure entail? Navigating prospective tooth restorations for decay or damage might be perplexing.
We have come up with answers to potentially your most pressing issues, as well as some practical advice on how to improve your oral health.
What Are Dental Onlays and How Do They Work? Onlays are identical to inlays, except they cover a larger area of your tooth. Onlays cover your tooth’s cusp (or cusps), whereas inlays fill the gap between your cusps. Onlays can be fabricated using composite, resin, a solid piece of porcelain, or gold that fits snuggly over the area of your tooth where you bite down. This procedure is intended to restore a tooth that has been damaged by decay or an accident.
Onlays are similar to crowns, but they only cover a small portion of the good tooth, making them a more conservative option. They are a good compromise between filling a cavity and taking out a part of your tooth to place a crown over it.
An onlay may be recommended in the following situations by a dentist: in order to avoid having to remove a significant amount of natural tooth structure in order to put a crown, or if you have a cavity on a tooth with a weak structure, a standard filling may cause the tooth to break or when a tooth’s cusp is damaged to the point that an inlay or filling can’t be used.
It’s critical to seek the advice of a qualified dental specialist as it is difficult to know whether a filling, crown, inlay, or onlay is needed, according to the American College of Prosthodontists.
Two dental appointments are normally needed to change and put an onlay. The first step usually entails a local anesthetic being used to numb a piece of your mouth by your dentist. They’ll then remove the decayed or damaged piece of your tooth when it’s numb to prepare it for the onlay. This is followed by taking an impression of your tooth at this time, which they’ll send on to a laboratory to make the permanent onlay. At the end fo this appointment, they’ll use a temporary onlay to safeguard your tooth until your next appointment.
The second appointment will be made after your onlay has been manufactured. Your dentist will then take out your temporary onlay, clean the tooth, place the permanent onlay, and make sure it fits properly.
The time it takes to regain sensation after a local anesthetic depends on a variety of factors, it’s critical to follow your dentist’s advice. It’s a good idea to avoid eating until you restore sensation to prevent destroying your temporary filling or harming yourself without feeling it.
Your dental expert will most likely fit you with a temporary onlay to safeguard your tooth while your permanent onlay is being produced by a laboratory using an imprint taken by your dentist. This interim restoration necessitates extra caution to minimize the damage that will then necessitate a second dental session to correct.
When it comes to caring for your temporary onlay, here are some pointers: Avoid chewing gum, candies, nuts, or ice since they are sticky or hard to chew. Avoid foods and beverages that are too hot or cold, as they may irritate sensitive areas. Stick to brushing your teeth for two minutes in the morning and in the night. To avoid problems with your gums, use an antiseptic mouth rinse/wash. To avoid accidentally damaging or removing the onlay, avoid using flossing instruments near it. Contact your dental practitioner if the only gets dislodged or damaged.
Dental Onlays are a good option for some people, but only a dentist can tell you if a filling, crown, inlay, or onlay is the best option for you. It’s always a good idea to brush up on your dental health and to know what you are getting into.