FDA Dental Inlays Salvage Small Surface Defect of Nature Tooth

The treatment for onlays and inlays is usually a more straightforward process than fitting a crown. However, that does depend on the tooth and the amount of decay. An old amalgam filling may need to be removed, as well as the decay cleaned away. Then the onlay or inlay is prepared in a laboratory and usually fitted at a second appointment. Nowadays, some dental practices have the technology to create onlays and inlays on the same day, which means that they can sometimes be fitted during a single appointment.

Therefore, there are a number of advantages to dental inlays and onlays. The first, and most important advantage, is that they do a fantastic job. They are made from very durable materials which means that they have the potential to last much longer than standard amalgam fillings – up to 30 years in fact.

Of course, you must maintain a good standard of oral hygiene, brushing your teeth and visiting your dentist regularly. However, your newly restored tooth will not require any special treatment when it comes to how you look after it.

Secondly, your inlays and onlays are made from tooth-coloured materials. So they have a much greater aesthetic quality that a standard amalgam fillings. In fact, many people choose to have their existing amalgam fillings replaced with onlays and inlays purely for aesthetic reasons. They help to create an attractive, healthy and natural looking smile.

Finally, the most important advantage to onlays and inlays is that they allow your dentist to salvage as much of your natural tooth as they can. When fitting a crown, your dentist has to file and shape the tooth into a conical shape so that the crown will fit over it. So some of the healthy tooth may need to be chipped away.

Onlays and inlays ensure that this process is avoided – and the longer you can keep your natural teeth healthy, the less likely you are to face serious dental work in the future.