INLAYS & ONLAYS IN ARNOLD, MO
WHAT ARE INLAYS AND ONLAYS?
HOW ARE INLAYS AND ONLAYS APPLIED?
Two appointments are necessary to complete the dental restoration procedure. During your first visit, a damaged filling or ongoing decay is removed, and the tooth is prepared for the bonding process.
To ensure proper fit and bite, your tooth structure will be examined and an
impression will be made. This impression will then be sent to a lab for inlay or onlay fabrication. Our dentist will then apply a temporary sealant to the affected tooth and schedule the next appointment.
During your second appointment, the temporary sealant is removed. Dr. Mandefro will then evaluate the inlay or onlay to make sure it fits correctly. If the fit is appropriate, a strong resin will be applied to the tooth and the inlay or onlay will be bonded. The area is then polished to a smooth finish.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR INLAYS AND ONLAYS
Traditional fillings have the potential to reduce the strength of a natural tooth by up to 50%. Inlays and onlays, alternatively, are bonded directly onto the tooth using a high-strength resin. The process may actually increase a tooth’s strength by up to 75 percent. With proper care, inlays and onlays can be expected to last from 10 to 30 years! When damage to the tooth is not large enough to require an entire dental crown, onlays function as a powerful alternative.
To learn more about inlays and onlays in Arnold, MO, schedule an appointment with our office today!
