Ashburton Dental Inlays and Onlays
If you have a tooth that’s been weakened by damage, inlays and onlays might be the ideal solution. Used when a filling isn’t appropriate, they can rebuild teeth that have lost their structure from trauma or decay. Instead of being placed onto your tooth as a filling would be, the inlay or onlay is created in Cambridge Dental’s dental laboratory, then cemented into place.
An inlay fits into the tooth, whereas an onlay sits right on top of the tooth structure. Both can be made out of different materials including porcelain, composite or gold. To determine what’s most appropriate for you, our dentist will evaluate your situation and discuss your best option.
Getting Your Inlay or Onlay
Two appointments are required once you’ve decided to move forward. During the first, your tooth is prepared, while the second involves fitting the inlay or onlay.
Preparation
You’ll receive a local anaesthetic to numb the area. Any decay will be removed, and the tooth prepared to receive the restoration. Moulds will be taken from putty placed into trays to make an impression of the teeth and your bite. A temporary restoration is placed to protect your tooth, while the trays are sent to our dental laboratory. There, our technicians custom-create your restoration and then send it to our practice, taking up to two weeks.
Fitting
A local anaesthetic can be given to numb the area. Then, we’ll remove your temporary restoration and put your new one on, ensuring a perfect fit, comfortable bite and that you’re satisfied with your appearance. Finally, the inlay or onlay is cemented into place.
If you’d like to learn whether inlays and onlays in Ashburton are right for you, contact us today!
