What Can Dental Onlays And Inlays Do For You?
Dental inlays and onlays are better tooth replacement options than tooth fillings. They are not only stronger, but they are also stain-resistant and custom-made. They are said to increase tooth strength by as much as 75% in the best cases. When used well, they can last as long as 30 years. Dental fillings never last that long. They can also be made in any material you want. Gold, porcelain, and composite are all options you can choose for. In this article, we will see how these Inlays & Onlays in Palm Beach FL 33480 can improve your dental aesthetics. Let’s dive right in.
A dental inlay or onlay is made to fit into the teeth to replace large cavities. The difference between the two lies in size and the parts of the teeth they are made to cover. An onlay is larger than an inlay and it extends over the cusps of the tooth. You can see our dentist in Palm Beach, FL today for the best treatment. Now, let’s go over the procedure you can expect when getting treatment from a dentist near you.
Dental Inlay/Onlay Procedure
When people get a cavity, the first thing that often comes to mind is a filling. This is why many dental inlay/onlay procedures start with removing fractured and damaged cavity fillings. If this is not the case, then the first step is to remove cavitated teeth tissue to empty the cavity for a dental inlay/onlay
The next step is the preparation of the teeth by shaping and cleaning. This eases the procedure of inlay/onlay placement. How does the dentist decide what material to use for the inlay? Your choice. However, they take a mold of the damaged teeth to determine the size of onlay and this also influences the choice of material. Many people opt for porcelain/ceramic and composite materials because they blend with natural teeth’ color. However, gold lasts longer than either. The next step is the placement of a filling. This should come off as a bit of a surprise, considering how we started this procedure. However, dental inlays/onlays are not usually a one-day procedure. Hence, a temporary measure to prevent further tooth decay and protect the tooth from hot/cold sensitivities is needed. Dental fillings fill this void.
After the inlay is made, placement follows. This procedure is done in the dental office under local anesthesia to help with the pain. You will not be put under; local anesthesia works for the site of operation only. The temporary filling is removed and immediately replaced with the onlay.
It may interest you to know that Computer-Aided Design/Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) has made it possible for people to get their inlays/onlays in one day.
What Next After Getting Your Inlay?
You may be a little sore for a day or two. Your dentist can prescribe pain relievers to help with this. In rare cases, improper onlay placement may cause dislodgement. Dental inlays/onlays do not protect against plaque and you can still develop cavities on the treated tooth. This is why oral hygiene remains important. Brush twice daily with a good toothbrush and toothpaste and do not forget to floss regularly. Cleaning inlays and onlays are a little bit tricky as toothbrushes may not get into the nooks and crannies. A floss or an interdental toothbrush should solve this problem easily.
Your diet should include little to no sugar and acidic foods/drinks. Examples include coffee, milk, dark fruits, and processed foods. Regular visits to your dentists are also important for an objective and professional assessment of your dental health.
Dr. Mitchell A. Josephs offers the best treatment for cosmetic dentistry in Palm Beach, FL. Book an appointment today!