At Cornerstone Dentistry, we understand that tooth decay and cavities are common dental issues that can cause discomfort and affect your overall oral health. Our experienced team of dental professionals is committed to providing you with the best treatment options, including tooth fillings, to restore your teeth’s health and functionality.
What are tooth fillings, you might ask? Well, they are a common dental procedure used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. During the filling process, our skilled dentists will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then fill the space with a durable material, such as composite resin or amalgam. This not only prevents further decay but also restores the tooth’s natural shape and function.
Fillings are typically made of different materials, including amalgam (a mixture of metals such as silver, mercury, tin, and copper), composite resin (a tooth-colored material), gold, or porcelain. The choice of material depends on various factors, such as the size and location of the cavity, the patient’s preference, and the dentist’s recommendation.
When a tooth is damaged, a filling is placed to restore its form and function. We help patients at Cornerstone Dentistry chew and speak normally while restoring the tooth’s strength and health.
To prevent the need for more significant dental work down the road, it is crucial to get regular dental checkups and fill any cavities as soon as possible. We would appreciate you calling us as quickly as possible so we can be ready for your visit.
What is a Dental Onlay?
A dental onlay is a type of dental restoration that is used to repair a damaged or decayed tooth. It is often referred to as a partial crown, as it covers a larger portion of the tooth compared to traditional fillings. Dental onlays are a great alternative to crowns when the damage or decay is not extensive enough to require a full crown, but too much for a simple filling.
So, how does a dental onlay work? Well, the process involves removing the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth and then creating an impression of the tooth to ensure an accurate fit. This impression is then sent to a dental laboratory, where the onlay is custom-made to match your tooth’s shape and color. In the meantime, a temporary onlay may be placed on your tooth to protect it.
When you need a dental onlay, it typically takes two visits to the dentist. In the first visit, your dentist will get rid of any decay or damage on your tooth to prepare it. An impression of the tooth is then taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where a custom-made onlay is fabricated to fit your tooth precisely. In the meantime, a temporary onlay will be placed on the tooth to protect it.
During the second appointment, the temporary onlay is removed, and the permanent onlay is bonded to the tooth using a strong dental adhesive. Your dentist will ensure that the onlay fits properly and make any necessary adjustments for a comfortable bite. Once the onlay is securely in place, it will be polished to match the natural appearance of your surrounding teeth.
What is a Dental Inlay?
A dental inlay is similar to a dental onlay in that it is also an indirect dental restoration used to repair a damaged or decayed tooth. However, while an onlay covers the cusps or chewing surfaces of the tooth, an inlay is used when the damage or decay is limited to the grooves and indented areas between the cusps.
The procedure for getting a dental inlay is also similar to that of a dental onlay. After preparing the tooth by removing any decayed or damaged portions, an impression is taken and sent to a dental laboratory for the fabrication of a custom-made inlay. A temporary filling is placed on the tooth to protect it until the permanent inlay is ready.
During the second appointment, the temporary filling is removed, and the permanent inlay is bonded to the tooth using a strong adhesive. Your dentist will ensure a proper fit and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable bite. Like an onlay, an inlay is polished to match the appearance of your natural teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing restoration.
Onlay Vs. Dental Crowns
Both dental onlays and dental crowns are used to restore damaged or decayed teeth, but they differ in the extent of tooth coverage. Dental crowns encase the entire visible portion of the tooth, while onlays are more conservative and only cover a portion of the tooth.
The choice between an onlay and a dental crown depends on the extent of the damage or decay, as well as the overall health and strength of the tooth. Dental crowns are typically recommended when a tooth has extensive damage or has undergone root canal therapy. They provide maximum protection and support for the tooth, but they require more reduction of the natural tooth structure compared to onlays.
On the other hand, dental onlays is a more conservative option as they preserve a greater amount of healthy tooth structure. They are ideal for cases where the damage is limited to the cusps or grooves of the tooth. By preserving more of the natural tooth, onlays offers several advantages over dental crowns.