Inlay or Onlay Americas

There are two types of indirect fillings – inlays and onlays. * Inlays are similar to fillings but the entire work lies within the cusps (bumps) on the chewing surface of the tooth. * Onlays are more extensive than inlays, covering one or more cusps. Onlays are sometimes called partial crowns. Inlays and onlays are more durable and last much longer than traditional fillings – up to 30 years. They can be made of tooth-colored composite resin, porcelain or gold. Inlays and onlays weaken the tooth structure, but do so to a much lower extent than traditional fillings. Another type of inlay and onlay - direct inlays and onlays - follow the same processes and procedures as the indirect, the difference is that direct inlays and onlays are made in the dental office and can be placed in one visit. The type of inlay or onlay used depends on how much sound tooth structure remains and consideration of any cosmetic concerns.

crown (often called a cap) fits over and replaces the entire part of a decayed tooth above the gum line. It encases the tooth and becomes the tooth's new outer surface. You will typically need two or more visits to your dentist to repair a severely decayed tooth with a crown. Crowns may be made of porcelain or a metal base covered with a thin layer of ceramic that matches your teeth and looks like a normal, healthy tooth. Crowns for the teeth in the back of the mouth may be made of gold. During your first visit, your dentist will take out the decay and make an impression of your teeth to create a mold used for making the crown. Your dentist will: * Numb your teeth, gums, tongue, and surrounding skin. Your dentist will first put a substance that feels like jelly directly on the area to start the numbing process, and then inject an anesthetic to complete it. Many dentists will give you sedation to reduce your pain and help you relax. * Sometimes use a small sheet of rubber on a metal frame (rubber dam) to target the decayed tooth and stop liquid and tooth chips from entering the mouth and throat. * Drill out all the decay. * Take an impression of the decayed tooth. The mold will allow a technician to make a crown that perfectly matches the drilled tooth. * Cover the tooth with a temporary crown until your permanent crown is ready.

Town Centre Dental is proud to offer to all of its patients free consultations for any of the services offered at the clinic. As a new patient, whether you have a general question or need a second opinion, we are here to help and provide you with treatment recommendations and answers to all your questions.