Esplanade Dental
Inlays and Inlays
Inlays and Onlays in North Vancouver
While dental fillings are often used to treat minor cavities in the teeth, inlays and onlays are used to fill larger areas of damage and decay. Inlays and onlays differ in the specific area of the tooth which they fill; inlays are used to fill the areas between the cusps of the teeth, whereas onlays only restore the cusps.
The Dental Inlay Procedure
When your dentist is performing this restorative procedure, they will take the following steps:
They will begin by administering a local anesthetic to numb any pain.
- They will remove any damaged parts of the tooth or file them down for better bonding to the inlay.
- The dentist will then take an impression of the tooth so it can be sent to the dental lab to create a customized inlay that fits perfectly and matches the colour of your teeth. They will fit a temporary placement until the inlay returns from the lab.
- Your dentist will cement the inlay onto your tooth and then polish it to look perfectly natural.
Your dentist will follow a similar procedure when restoring your tooth using a dental onlay.
How to Care For An Inlay or Onlay
Inlays and onlays can last up to 30 years when cared for correctly.
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly to maintain your oral health.
- Visit your dentist for regular dental checkups.
- Be particularly careful when biting into hard or chewy foods, as this may cause your inlay or onlay to break.