7DENTAL Findlay Creek
Inlays & Onlays in Ottawa
Restore Your Smile with Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are custom-made dental restorations designed to repair moderately damaged back teeth. They offer a durable and conservative approach, helping to preserve more of your natural tooth structure compared to traditional fillings or full crowns.
Understanding Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are specialized dental restorations that provide a strong, long-lasting solution for teeth with moderate decay or damage. Unlike traditional fillings that are molded directly into your tooth during a single visit, inlays and onlays are custom-fabricated in a dental lab. This allows for a precise fit and exceptional strength.
An inlay is designed to fit within the cusps (the raised points) on the chewing surface of your tooth. It’s often used when the decay or damage is contained within these boundaries. On the other hand, an onlay is a more extensive restoration that covers one or more of the tooth’s cusps. It’s chosen when the damage extends beyond the cusps but isn’t severe enough to require a full dental crown. Both options are considered a conservative alternative, helping to save more of your natural tooth structure.
Benefits and Candidacy
Many patients find inlays and onlays to be an excellent choice for restoring their smiles. You might be a good candidate if you have a tooth with moderate decay, a fracture, or an old, failing filling that needs replacement. These restorations are particularly beneficial when the damage is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to warrant a full crown.
The advantages of choosing an inlay or onlay include their remarkable durability and strength, often lasting for many years with proper care. Their custom-made nature ensures a highly precise fit, which helps to protect the tooth from further decay and reinforces its structure. Additionally, they are crafted from materials like porcelain or composite resin, which can be matched to the natural shade of your teeth, providing a discreet and aesthetically pleasing result.
The Treatment Process
Receiving an inlay or onlay typically involves two visits to our 7Dental Findlay Creek office. During your first appointment, our dentist will carefully prepare the affected tooth by removing any decay or old filling material. We will then take a precise impression of your tooth, which will be sent to a dental lab where your custom inlay or onlay will be crafted. To protect your tooth in the interim, a temporary restoration will be placed.
Once your permanent inlay or onlay is ready, you’ll return for your second visit. The temporary restoration will be removed, and our team will meticulously bond the new, custom-made restoration to your tooth. We will ensure it fits perfectly and that your bite feels comfortable before you leave. This careful, multi-step process ensures the best possible outcome for your long-term oral health.
Your Comfort and Care
At 7Dental Findlay Creek, your comfort is always a top priority throughout any dental procedure. When you receive an inlay or onlay, we use local anesthesia to completely numb the area around the tooth, ensuring you feel no pain during the preparation and placement process. Our compassionate team is dedicated to making your experience as relaxed and stress-free as possible.
We are happy to answer any questions you may have and can provide blankets or other comfort aids if desired. The materials used for inlays and onlays, such as high-quality porcelain or composite resin, are biocompatible and safe for use in your mouth, designed to integrate seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Aftercare and Longevity
After your inlay or onlay is placed, caring for it is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene practices, including brushing twice a day and flossing daily, is crucial for its longevity. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings at 7Dental Findlay Creek will also help us monitor your restoration and overall oral health.
With proper care, your inlay or onlay can provide a durable and effective restoration for many years, helping you maintain a healthy and functional smile. If you have any questions about caring for your new restoration, our team is always here to provide guidance and support.
New Patients Welcome