Many dentists recommend using tooth inlays and onlays as a less invasive approach compared to crowns or other surgeries required for the complete restoration of a decayed tooth.
Dental inlays and onlays are very popular treatments in dentistry because they strengthen your tooth while also restoring teeth to their original brilliance without involving the removal of healthy tooth structures, making them a more conservative dental treatment option.
Inlays serve as stronger, more durable alternatives to fillings, particularly when restoring large cavities. Onlays are a way to protect the occlusal surface of a tooth when a full dental crown is unnecessary. They function similarly to crowns, although they do not cover the entire tooth surface. They’re both composed of the same materials and perform the same function to protect the tooth when it’s decayed, but they cover different portions of a person’s tooth.
Inlays as Tooth Dental Restorations
If a filling will not adequately reinforce the surrounding teeth, and when the cavity also requires stronger materials to fortify the tooth, a dentist will recommend an inlay for treatment. In its most basic form, a dental inlay fills holes in the regions between the cusps of a tooth. The chewing surface of a tooth damaged by decay or injury is shaped and fitted with an inlay. They’re made by using an imprint of the affected area(s).
An inlay will properly fit into the tooth’s hollow, yet it will not damage the cusps. The dentist will try to match the colour of the tooth as precisely as possible when taking the impression. Porcelain or composite resins, which are stronger and more durable than standard fillings, can be used for an inlay.
Onlays or Partial Crowns
A dental onlay can work for a greater surface area, such as the cusps of a tooth, rather than only filling in hollow spaces. Onlays are used to repair the decay and damage of a tooth’s cusps and biting surface. When a cavity is too large for a routine filling or the tooth is at risk of cracking, a dentist will recommend an onlay.
An onlay improves the tooth’s strength while also protecting the area of decay. In contrast to an inlay, this area can include both the cusps and the space between them. Onlays are also known as “partial crowns” – they serve a similar purpose to crowns, but only cover a portion of the tooth rather than the entire one.
Process to Fabricate New Inlays and Onlays
Our dentist will explain your choices and discuss the pros, risks and costs involved in the procedure.
Once you feel comfortable with your decision, our dental team will administer a numbing local anaesthetic. Our dentist will prepare the tooth in the same way as a filling by drilling out and cleaning the cavity. This involves shaping the tooth to be the ideal fit for the dental inlay or onlay. An impression is then taken of the tooth, the opposite arch, and the interrelationship. These models will be sent to the dental laboratory, where dental inlays and onlays will be fabricated, along with the necessary shading and design information. A temporary onlay is placed over the tooth. Thereafter, a follow-up fitting is scheduled to check for occlusions and adjust the inlay or onlay, as needed.
One of the most crucial things to remember when it comes to dental inlays or onlays is that they must be treated as your teeth. This means brushing twice daily, flossing, and maintaining routine dental appointments as directed.
How Much Do Dental Inlays or Onlays Cost in Singapore
TEETH @ Tiong Bahru Dental Clinic offers inlay and onlay treatments that are a less invasive approach to restoring decayed teeth without removing healthy tooth structures. For this reason, our dentists may recommend using these options instead of the more extreme surgery required for complete restoration with a crown or dental implant.
The costs for inlays and onlays will vary depending on the material chosen. We encourage you to schedule a consultation with our dentist to discuss your specific needs and associated treatment costs.
If you’re looking for a more conservative option outside of crowns or other surgical interventions, visit TEETH @ Tiong Bahru Dental Clinic.
