Dental Fillings are materials used to seal a cavity caused by tooth decay. Composite resin or white fillings are typically used to treat small to medium-sized cavities. For larger cavities, your Trafalgar dentist recommends a special type of indirect restoration called inlay or onlay.
What are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are special types of fillings that are used if a tooth is too weak to support a regular filling, but is not yet a candidate for a full-coverage dental crown. “Indirect” fillings mean that they are made in advance in the dental laboratory and placed on your next visit. Inlays and onlays are usually placed on the back teeth, but they can be used on any teeth with a large cavity.
Inlays are placed within the center of the tooth, while onlays are more extensive and cover the entire chewing surface. Besides treating cavities, inlays and onlays are also used to rebuild fractured molars. Inlays and onlays are designed to fit the tooth surface perfectly to avoid leaks and re-infection. While a traditional filling is placed and shaped on the spot, inlays and onlays are carefully designed from tooth impressions.
Do You Need an Inlay or Onlay?
If damage is not so severe as to warrant a crown, your dentist will use an inlay or onlay to restore the tooth. In any case, inlays and onlays are better than having the tooth extracted and replaced. Dentist will examine your mouth and assess the damage to determine which type of restoration is right for you. Placing an inlay or onlay is similar to placing a crown. Dentist will prepare the tooth, remove decay, and take impressions. The inlay or onlay is bonded to the tooth on your next appointment.
Learn more about dental inlays and onlays. Call +61 3 5633 1185 now or use our online form to schedule a complimentary consultation with your dentist in Trafalgar.