Dental Inlays & Onlays Near You
When a tooth has damage or decay that is too large for a standard filling but not severe enough for a full crown, your dentist may recommend an inlay or onlay. At our clinic, we provide dental Inlays & Onlays in Vancouver to help restore damaged teeth while preserving as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. This treatment can also improve strength for everyday activities, such as chewing.
Looking for dental Inlays & Onlays near you? At our clinic, you can learn about this restorative treatment and receive care in a comfortable setting. Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations that fit over the damaged part of a tooth to help restore its shape and strength. They are usually made from porcelain or composite resin, giving them a natural appearance that blends well with your smile.
What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?
Learning the difference between dental inlays and onlays can help you better understand your treatment options. Both are used to repair teeth with moderate damage or decay, but each is designed for a different type of repair depending on how much of the tooth is affected.
Dental Inlays
A dental inlay is used when the damage is limited to the center of the tooth. It fits within the grooves of the chewing surface and does not cover the tooth’s raised edges. The inlay is custom-made to match your tooth and is then placed during your appointment. It can provide more strength than a regular filling when the damaged area is larger.
Dental Onlays
A dental onlay is used when damage extends to one or more of the tooth’s raised edges. It covers the chewing surface and part of the tooth’s sides for added protection. An onlay is often called a partial crown because it covers more of the tooth than an inlay but less than a full crown. It helps protect the tooth while keeping as much of your natural tooth as possible.
When Are These Restorations Recommended?
A dentist may recommend these options for several reasons. Most commonly, they are used when:
- A cavity is too large for a standard filling to adequately support the tooth.
- The tooth has a fracture or a crack that does not yet require a full crown.
- An old, large filling has failed or needs to be replaced.
- The tooth structure is still mostly healthy, making a crown unnecessary.
Getting dental Inlays & Onlays in Cambie can help treat damaged teeth before more serious dental problems develop. In some cases, this may help avoid treatments such as root canals or tooth extractions.
What to Expect During Your Treatment
The process for receiving an inlay or onlay usually involves two separate visits to our dental clinic in Vancouver. This ensures that the restoration is crafted precisely to fit your tooth.
- Initial Examination: Our dentist will examine the affected tooth and take X-rays to determine if an inlay or onlay is the right choice for you.
- Tooth Preparation: We remove the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth. The area is cleaned thoroughly to prepare for the new restoration.
- Taking Impressions: A digital scan or a physical mould of the tooth is taken. These impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where technicians create the custom inlay or onlay.
- Temporary Placement: While the laboratory prepares your final restoration, a temporary piece is placed on the tooth to protect it from sensitivity and further damage.
- Final Bonding: Once the custom piece is ready, you return to the clinic. Our dentist removes the temporary and checks the fit and bite of the new inlay or onlay. If everything is correct, it is bonded securely to the tooth.
- Polishing: The restoration is polished to feel smooth and look natural alongside your other teeth.
Benefits of General Dental Care
Regular dental care offers several advantages for your long-term health. While results cannot be guaranteed, staying consistent with appointments is recognized as a way to support oral longevity.
- Early Detection: Catching a small cavity early may prevent the need for a more complex procedure later.
- Gum Support: Professional cleanings may reduce the risk of gum inflammation.
- Education: You receive personalized tips on how to brush and floss more effectively at home.
- Fresh Breath: Removing bacteria and buildup can help your breath stay fresh.
- Function: Ensuring your bite is correct can make eating and speaking more comfortable.
Benefits of Choosing Inlays and Onlays
- Tooth Preservation: One of the primary goals of modern dentistry is to save as much of the natural tooth as possible. Onlays allow the dentist to preserve healthy parts of the tooth.
- Durability: Because these pieces are made from tough materials like porcelain, they can withstand significant chewing pressure.
- Easy Cleaning: The custom fit ensures smooth edges, making it easier to brush and floss around the restoration.
- Stability: Unlike some large fillings that may shrink or expand over time, inlays and onlays are stable and help strengthen the tooth structure.
- Natural Appearance: Materials can be matched to your tooth shade, making the restoration hard to notice.
Comparing Inlays and Fillings
Many patients ask why they cannot just get a regular filling. Fillings work well for small cavities, but they may not be strong enough when a larger area of the tooth is damaged. In those cases, your dentist may recommend an inlay or onlay to help protect the tooth and improve its strength.
If you are looking for dental Inlays & Onlays in Vancouver, a dentist can explain the differences between these options and help you understand what to expect. Fillings are placed directly into the tooth while the material is soft and then hardened with a special light. Inlays are custom-made outside the mouth and then bonded to the tooth for a secure fit.
Comparing Onlays and Crowns
A dental crown covers the entire tooth down to the gum line. It is often used when a tooth has extensive damage, but placing a crown usually requires reshaping a larger portion of the natural tooth. An onlay covers only the damaged area, which helps preserve more of your natural tooth when appropriate. Our clinic offers dental Inlays & Onlays near you and can explain how each restoration works.
Caring for Your New Restoration
Maintaining your dental work is essential for long-term success. While inlays and onlays are durable, the tooth beneath them remains susceptible to decay.
- Brush and Floss Regularly: Clean your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque from the areas around the restoration.
- Visit the Dentist: Regular checkups at a dental clinic near you allow the dentist to monitor the restoration and ensure the bond remains strong.
- Avoid Hard Objects: Just as natural teeth can chip when you chew on ice, pens, or hard candies, porcelain restorations can chip as well.
- Wear a Mouthguard: If you grind your teeth at night, a custom nightguard may help protect your restorations from excessive wear.
What Makes Our Dental Team Different
We understand that dental treatments are an investment in your health. Our team focuses on providing clear information so you feel comfortable with your care plan.
- Direct Billing: We offer direct billing to most insurance companies to help make your visits more convenient.
- Transparent Pricing: Our clinic follows the provincial fee guide to ensure you receive treatment at a fair and standard price.
- Flexible Hours: We are open on evenings and weekends to accommodate your busy schedule.
- Consultations: Our team offer complimentary Invisalign consultations if you are interested in straightening your teeth alongside restorative work.
Our staff is dedicated to creating a professional and calm environment for every patient. Whether you need a simple checkup or a complex restoration, we are here to support your journey toward better oral health.
Let Us Help Restore Your Smile
If you need to repair a damaged tooth or it has been some time since your last dental visit, we are here to help. Booking an appointment is a simple way to care for your teeth and help prevent more damage.
Contact Cambie Broadway Dental today to learn more or schedule your consultation.
FAQ'S
How long do dental inlays and onlays typically last?
These restorations are designed for durability and can last many years with proper care. Their lifespan depends on your oral hygiene habits, the material used, and the amount of chewing pressure they endure. Regular dental visits are important to check their condition.
Is the procedure for getting an inlay or onlay painful?
The area is typically numbed with a local anesthetic during the preparation phase, similar to getting a filling. You may feel some mild sensitivity after the temporary or final restoration is placed, but this usually subsides quickly.
Can an inlay be replaced if it gets damaged?
Yes, if an inlay or onlay chips or becomes loose, a dentist can often replace it. It is important to see a dental professional as soon as possible if you notice any changes to your restoration to protect the underlying tooth.
What materials are used to make these restorations?
Most modern inlays and onlays are made from porcelain or composite resin because these materials are strong and can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth. In some cases, gold may be used for back teeth because of its exceptional strength.
How do I know if I need an onlay instead of a filling?
Your dentist will examine your tooth and recommend the most suitable option. If the damage or decay is too extensive for a filling and affects the raised parts of the tooth, an onlay may be recommended to provide greater strength and support.
Are there any restrictions on what I can eat after the procedure?
While you have a temporary restoration, you should avoid sticky or very hard foods that might dislodge it. Once the final inlay or onlay is bonded, you can usually return to your normal diet, though it is always wise to be cautious with extremely hard objects.
