Considered a lab-made restoration, porcelain inlays and onlays are a type of restoration that are used to repair a tooth when there is a cavity or some lost tooth structure. They are most commonly applied in instances where tooth loss within the tooth structure has been too great to simply require a standard filling. The process required to custom craft an inlay is similar in many ways to the making of a crown. Once the tooth has been prepared by the dental care provider, the inlay will be permanently cemented or bonded into the tooth structure.
Alternative to Fillings
Keep in mind that there are a variety of materials that can be used to create inlays. This includes everything from composite resin to porcelain as well as even the unique advantages of gold. Inlays that are made of composite or porcelain as well as onlays are considered a type of cosmetic dentistry that is an alternative to fillings. They are also incredibly strong when compared to composite fillings. Talking with your dental care provider is the best way to know for sure whether inlays or onlays are right for you.
Proper Home Dental Care
It is also important to note that this type of dental restoration can be easily damaged as is the case with other similar restorations. For example, those who grind their teeth, chew ice or bite down on other hard objects can easily damage inlays and onlays. Proper home dental care is also important. While these dental restorations will typically last decades, given enough time eating the wrong kinds of foods and drinking the wrong liquid while not maintaining a good home dental health oral hygiene program, will eventually stain or become discolored. Common sense is typically the best approach to maintaining all dental work whether it be a restoration or natural teeth.
Consulting with Your Dentist
As with everything else in dental care, the best place to start is to simply talk with your dental care provider to decide if porcelain inlays and onlays are right for you. The good news is that modern dentistry has advanced to such a degree that virtually any type of dental health related problem can be addressed today. Simply consulting with your dentist about your options is always the first place to begin. Whether choosing inlays or onlays, it is important to note that even serious dental health conditions can be resolved with the right type of treatment. Talk with your Petaluma dentist, Dr. Amir Hosseini, at Petaluma Braces and Family Dentistry, today for more information.