A decayed tooth can quickly become a tooth with a cavity. Once healthy tooth structure is destroyed by decay, the disease can quickly progress, allowing the decay to reach the inner tissues of the tooth. This will continue until the decayed tissue is removed and the tooth is treated and restored. Although direct fillings are often used to treat teeth with cavities, our dentist may recommend an inlay or onlay in some cases.
Inlays and onlays are special restorations that provide dentists and patients with alternatives to traditional fillings and crowns. They cover more of the tooth’s structure than fillings, but require less preparation than dental crowns. Both are similar in nature, but an inlay restores the inner part of the tooth, while an onlay is made used when one or more of the cusps is involved in the damage.
The process can take two dental appointments, much like a dental crown. The tooth is first prepared, and because the restoration is made in a dental lab, an impression is taken. Once the inlay or onlay is finished, our dentist can bond it to the tooth. It will work like any other restoration and keep your tooth strong and healthy. Call our office to learn more about your restoration options or to schedule your appointment with our dentist in Santa Clara.
Dentistry 101 