When a tooth has a significant amount of damage to its biting surface, a standard dental filling may not be sufficient to safely and effectively repair the tooth. In these cases, patients in the Salt Lake City, UT area can reconstruct their damaged teeth with custom inlays & onlays at Cannon Dental.
Inlays and onlays explained
Most people are familiar with the dental filling process, which typically occurs in one dental appointment. However, traditional fillings can reduce your natural tooth strength by up to 50 percent, so when a large portion of the tooth has become damaged, Dr. Cannon may recommend inlays and onlays. These tooth restorations can actually increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75 percent, making them a great choice for patients with tooth damage that is too great for a filling but not sufficient enough to warrant a full dental crown. Inlays and onlays may also be recommended when an old filling or restoration is failing and needs to be replaced.
- Inlays are used when the area between the cusps (points) of the tooth need to be repaired
- Onlays are used when one or more cusps also need to be repaired
Inlays and onlays can be made from a variety of materials, such as a gold onlay, tooth-colored composite resin, or dental porcelain. Due to how they are made, the process for placing inlays and onlays requires two visits. In the first visit, Dr. Cannon removes the decayed or damaged area of your tooth and then prepares the tooth for the placement of the inlay or onlay. Then, we take impressions of the tooth so that the inlay or onlay can be custom-fabricated in a laboratory out of the material that you choose, and a temporary sealant is placed on your tooth. Once your restoration is ready, you come back into the office, where we will remove the temporary sealant and then try the inlay or onlay onto your tooth to ensure it has the proper fit and feel. After you and Dr. Cannon agree that it fits well, he will bond the restoration to your tooth with a strong dental resin and polish it so it looks and feels like your natural tooth.
Learn more in a consultation
At Cannon Dental, we are here to answer your questions and provide you with honest recommendations about the best treatment options for your individual oral health. To schedule a consultation, call our Salt Lake City, UT office today at (801) 406-9985.
