When you experience pain in a tooth it probably means that germs and bacteria have caused an infection in the tooth and you need to visit a dentist near you to have it looked at. Depending on the extent and severity of the decay it can be determined which procedure should be followed to stop the spread and save the tooth. The most common restorative dental treatments are:
- Dental Fillings –
For conditions where the cavity is not deep or wide, a dental filling can be used to fill it and stop the further spread of the decay. This method is not recommended for severe decay.
- Dental Inlays –
This method of tooth restoration is used when the decay has spread to more than just the centre of the tooth but is still within the tooth cusps.
- Dental Onlays –
When the decay spreads beyond the cusps of a tooth, more intense treatment is required to repair the damage. Dental onlays are recommended for this type of condition.
- Dental Crowns –
For decay or infection that has spread deep into the root of a tooth, the treatment to remove the decay can result in a substantial part of the tooth structure being compromised. In such a case, a dental crown is needed to be placed over the tooth to restore its ideal size and shape.
Thus, as you can see, the type of restorative treatment that you will require depends on how much damage has been caused by the decay of the tooth. Inlays and onlays are intermediate options between slight decay and extensive decay of teeth. A dentist in Cranbrook that you usually visit can assess the decayed tooth and advise you on which treatment is best suited for your condition.
In general, a dental filling and dental inlay are similar to the extent that both treatments are contained within the cusp of the tooth. The difference between them is that, unlike a dental filling, a dental inlay is a single piece fabricated from porcelain that has to match the exact shape of the cavity to be filled. As such, it lasts longer than a filling and has fewer chances of further decay.
Coming to dental onlays and crowns, both are required when the decay has extended beyond the cusp of the tooth. Both of these dental restorations are fabricated in a dental laboratory, but while a crown requires a lot of tooth enamel to be filed away, a dental onlay preserves most of the tooth structure. When you go to a dentist who performs dental onlays near you, they will first ascertain the extent of tooth decay and how much of the tooth structure will be lost in removing the decay. A dental onlay is a more preferred option than a dental crown due to the fact that a crown is more like a prosthesis, while a dental onlay will preserve the real tooth.
Benefits of inlays and onlays
- Restoration –
Both dental inlays and onlays are an intermediate forms of dental restoration procedures, that help provide strength and structure to the tooth that has been compromised due to decay.
- Lasting –
Compared with dental fillings, inlays and onlays last much longer and provide a stronger chewing surface.
- Preservation –
Unlike a dental crown, where a major part of the tooth enamel is cleared away to make room for the crown, dental inlays and onlays preserve most parts of the tooth.
- Faster process –
Dental inlays and onlays can be completed in two, or sometimes one, visit. Also, the time needed to make the inlay or onlay is significantly less than when making a crown.
- Natural look –
If you are worried about your dental inlay or onlay standing out in your mouth, then you have nothing to worry about. These match the colour and texture of your natural teeth and hence blend into them.
If you might require a tooth restoration and are looking for clinics providing services for onlays in Cranbrook, consider Symmetry Dental for reliable services for dental inlays and onlays.