Sometimes, a tooth becomes too damaged to support a filling but hasn’t quite become decayed enough to call for a crown. Placing a crown on that tooth would require shaving off some of the enamel, unnecessarily removing parts of it and potentially weakening it. Likewise, placing a large filling on it could also weaken the structure of the tooth, which could then lead to a break or crack. The answer to this situation is dental inlays and onlays. For inlays and onlays in Peoria, AZ schedule an appointment with Plaza Family Dental today.
Benefits of Dental Inlays and Onlays Peoria, AZ
Considering inlays and onlays in Peoria? Inlays and onlays provide several benefits, including:
- They preserve more of the natural tooth than dental crowns.
- They look natural.
- They strengthen the tooth structure.
- They are durable and withstand forces well.
Procedure for Dental Inlays & Dental Onlays in Peoria, AZ
Inlays and onlays are the same types of restoration, as they both cover parts of the tooth.
Dental Inlays Peoria, AZ
The difference is that an inlay is placed between the cusp tips of a tooth (at the center of the tooth surface) while an onlay covers one or more cusps.
Dental Onlays Peoria, AZ
Onlays can also cover the whole biting surface of the tooth. These restorations are also referred to as indirect fillings because, while traditional fillings are placed and shaped directly on the tooth, onlays and inlays are crafted in a dental lab before being placed.
To place either an inlay or onlay, the tooth must first be prepared by removing the decay. An impression is then taken of the tooth, which is sent to a dental lab where the restoration will be created. While waiting for it to come in, a temporary covering will be fitted to protect the tooth. Once the inlay or onlay has been created, the covering on the tooth is removed and replaced by the new restoration.