Leduc Dental Inlays & Onlays

If you are experiencing mild tooth decay or damage on your rear teeth that requires treatment, Prairie Dental is here to help! If the damage is not too substantial, dental inlays and onlays are an effective restorative option that can be used in place of dental crowns. At Prairie Dental, our team is here to assist you in restoring your damaged or decayed teeth with dental inlays and onlays!

Dental inlays and onlays are restorative dental treatments designed to address mild cavities, fractures or damage to the tooth structure. They differ in the extent of their coverage and application. Dental inlays are used when the damage or decay to teeth is within the top surface or grooves, and does not extend to the outer edges, or the cusps. The inlay is precisely crafted to fit the specific shape and size of the cavity or damage, providing a snug fit within the contours of the tooth. Inlays are an ideal choice for conservative restorations within the tooth’s biting surface.

Dental onlays on the other hand, are used when the damage to teeth extends beyond the surface to one or more cusps of the tooth, or covers a more extensive surface area. Onlays are custom-made to cover and replace damaged cusps, and they can extend over the biting surface and sides of the tooth. This makes onlays suitable for more extensive restorations, offering increased coverage compared to inlays. Both inlays and onlays are typically made from materials like porcelain or composite resin, providing durable and natural-looking solutions for preserving tooth structure and function. The choice between an inlay and an onlay depends on the specific characteristics of the tooth and the extent of the damage or decay being addressed.

The application of dental inlays and onlays involves a multi-step process to ensure a precise fit for optimal restoration. The procedure typically begins with the removal of decayed or damaged tooth structure. Once the affected area is cleaned and prepared, an impression of the tooth is taken, using either traditional dental molds or digital scanning technology.

For dental inlays, the custom-designed restoration is precisely fitted into the prepared cavity within the tooth, covering the indented top surface. In contrast, dental onlays are designed for more extensive damage that includes the cusps or sides of the tooth, and are fitted over the prepared area and onto the cusps to restore the tooth’s natural contour. The inlay or onlay is then bonded securely to the tooth using dental adhesive, ensuring a durable and stable restoration. The final step involves shaping and polishing the restoration to achieve a seamless blend with the surrounding teeth, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits. This process typically allows for a conservative and efficient restoration of damaged or decayed teeth in a single visit.

The Prairie Dental team is proud to offer dental inlays and onlays as an effective restorative dental treatment for your damaged or decayed teeth, and we are dedicated to restoring your smile!