Inlays and Onlays

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are a dental procedure that is between crowns and fillings. Usually, they are applied to teeth in the back portion of the mouth.  These teeth are typically moderately decayed. Inlays and onlays can also be effective for treating fractured teeth. However, more when a tooth undergoes more serious damage, it is typically better to resolve it using a crown.

Two Types of Inlays and Onlays

Resin or porcelain are the most common materials used to make inlays and onlays. These materials work well since they can be made to match the color of the natural teeth.

Benefits Associated with Inlays and Onlays

The primary use of inlays and onlays is to treat tooth decay, but they are often used for desensitizing the teeth or even for tooth loss. There are other benefits that many people do not realize including:

• Inlays and onlays are not noticeable for many people as they can be matched closely to the natural color of the teeth.
• They will not change shape or size when exposed to temperature changes since they are not made of metal like traditional fillings.
• More of the natural tooth can be saved, unlike traditional fillings in which large portions of the tooth must be removed.
• Inlays and onlays can add strength to a tooth due to the way they are produced.

Are there any risks associated with inlays and onlays?

There are not any common risks associated with this treatment option. If there is any problem, it is most likely going to be a reaction to the anesthetic which is used to perform the procedure. Most of the time, this comes from an allergy the person already had to the medication. It is extremely rare that a person will have an allergic reaction to the materials used to make the inlays and onlays.