Mary R. Isaacs, D.M.D., P.A.

Article  

The Golf Rule

"Play it as it lies" may be a good rule for a game of golf, but not for dental care. Today, you needn't settle for anything less than the best condition for your pearly whites.

For decayed, damaged, or worn teeth, several solutions are available, ranging from fillings to inlays, onlays, or crowns. If the tooth is too damaged for a filling, but not so damaged that it requires a crown, an inlay or onlay may be the best solution.

Inlays and onlays Image

Similar to a filling, an inlay fits in the groove between the cusps of your tooth. The cusp is the pointed part on the top of the tooth. An onlay covers more of the tooth's biting surface, including the groove and at least one cusp.

Depending on the tooth, we select different materials to create the inlay or onlay, including gold, metal alloys, porcelain, or composite resin. For example, molars need chewing strength, so durable gold or metal alloy materials may be a better choice. For teeth that show when you flash that smile, a natural-looking, tooth-colored porcelain material may be a better choice. The image shows an inlay being placed in the tooth.

Inlays and onlays are custom-crafted to fit your tooth. That is why we schedule two or more appointments for this process.

Benefits of an inlay or onlay Image

  • More of the original tooth material can be retained.
  • An inlay and an onlay actually make a tooth stronger because they are bonded to the tooth.
  • They help to hold your tooth together, which may keep the tooth from splitting or fracturing.
  • Inlays and onlays last longer than a filling.

The image shows an onlay being placed in the tooth.

During your first appointment

The first appointment accomplishes several steps, including:

  • removing decay and shaping the area to be fitted with an inlay or onlay
  • taking impressions of your teeth and your bite so that the lab can build a model of your mouth and create a precise inlay or onlay
  • placing a temporary inlay or onlay

Between appointments

It may take a week or more for the dental lab to create your final inlay or onlay. During this time, be sure to take good care of your temporary restoration. For example:

  1. Immediately after the procedure, wait at least 30 minutes before eating to ensure that the temporary inlay or onlay is secure. Then, avoid chewing until your mouth no longer feels numb.
  2. Avoid ice, hard or sticky foods, and chewing gum. If possible, chew only on the opposite side of your mouth.
  3. Continue to brush and floss your teeth, but use a desensitizing toothpaste if your teeth feel sensitive to hot, cold, or pressure.
  4. To reduce any discomfort, rinse your mouth three times a day, using a salt water mixture of 1 tsp. salt in a glass of warm water.
  5. Follow instructions about taking antibiotics or other medications.

During your second appointment Image

During your second appointment the temporary inlay or onlay is removed. Next, we place and check the fit of your final inlay or onlay. We also check that your teeth come together properly when you bite. Last, we cement or bond your new inlay or onlay into place. The image shows an onlay after it is placed in the tooth.

You will be given instructions similar to the ones above to care for your final inlay or onlay. After the first few days, it should feel like a natural part of your tooth, and you may eat and chew normally again.

Removing decay promptly is critical for your dental health. You can rest assured that we will recommend the best solution for your situation in order to restore and maintain your teeth.

If you are experiencing any dental discomfort, call and schedule an appointment so we can locate the source of the discomfort and develop a treatment plan especially for you.