What are inlays and onlays?

A dental inlay or a dental onlay is smaller than crowns but bigger then fillings. They are bonded or cemented into place. An inlay is like a filling although it lies within the cusps or bumps of the chewing surfaces of your tooth. An onlay is bigger than an inlay and it covers one or more cusps. Inalys can be made from gold, composite resin, plastic, or ceramics. They can last for several decades and will depend on

• the material that was used
• the teeth that are involved
• the forces from chewing
• how well the patient takes care of them
• the patient’s oral hygiene
• the number of visits of the patient to the dentist

What are inlays and onlays used for?

Inlays and onlays are used for restoring teeth that have been damaged by decay.

How are inlays and onlays prepared?

The tooth and the surrounding area are going to be numbed with local anaesthesia. People are given some form of sedation or a dose of nitrous oxide.

How are inlays and onlays done?

There are two types of inlays and onlays and they are the direct and the indirect. Direct inlays and onlays are done inside the dental office and are placed in only one visit whilst indirect inlays are made in the laboratory. It takes about two visits to complete an indirect inlay or onlay.

The type of inlay or onlay that your dentist will use will depend on how much of the tooth that is left. It will also depend on how the inlay or onlay will look after it is placed.

For direct inlays and onlays, the first thing that your dentist will do is to remove the decay on your tooth. Composite resin will be placed on your tooth and it will be moulded so that it fits. The inlay will be removed and then it will be hardened in a special oven. Afterwards, your dentist will cement the hardened inlay onto your tooth. The inlay is then cemented and polished. Sometimes, the dentist may have to shape it even more in order for your teeth to come together properly. There is new technology that allows dentists to have a ceramic inlay or onlay made in the office. It is cemented on that same day.

For indirect inlays and onlays, your dentist will remove the decay first. An impression will then be made for the prepared tooth and its neighbouring teeth. The tooth will get a filling for the meantime and the impression will be sent to the laboratory where the inlay or onlay will be made. On your second visit, the dentist will remove the temporary filling and your tooth will be cleaned. Your dentist will cement the inlay or the onlay of the tooth. It will then be polished and may have to be adjusted a bit in order for the teeth to come together properly.

What follow-up processes are needed for inlays and onlays?

You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. You should also visit your dentist on a regular basis.

What are the risks involved with inlays and onlays?

Inlays and onlays can become loose if the cement washes away. It can also become loose if it combines with saliva during the application process. You should call your dentist if your inlays or onlays become loose or if they fall out.