Patients who suffer from mild to moderate tooth decay can benefit profoundly from dental inlays and onlays. This procedure will help restore eroded and cracked teeth. When part of your tooth is decayed, inlays and onlays can help restore its original structure. It’s a conservative approach to tooth restoration that offers lifelong benefits. This is mainly due to the durability, biocompatibility and safety of the materials used. Dr. Gerald Regni, Jr. uses inlay and onlays that are free of metal. Our clinic offers a wide range of tooth restoration treatments to help give you a beautiful and attractive smile.

What Are Inlays and Onlays?

There are different ways to treat tooth decay depending on the extent of the damage. When the cavities are still small usually your dentist will recommend a dental filling. However, when the damage has become so severe that it has already affected large areas of your teeth, your dentist will likely suggest a stronger treatment. Tooth decay on molars can be treated with inlays and onlays as well as teeth that incurred large cavities.

Inlays and Onlays That Are Metal-Free Are Made Of Biocompatible Materials

Inlays and onlays are manufactured using different kinds of materials including porcelain and resin. The color of the inlays and onlays are matched to the shade of your real teeth, thereby giving you a beautiful and natural-looking smile

How Are Inlays Different From Onlays?

Both inlays and onlays function to restore your tooth. Knowing whether you’ll need an inlay or an only will depend on your dentist’s evaluation. The two factors that will determine the type of treatment you need are the location and the size of the decay.

Inlays – an inlay is a filling that is used to restore the grooves of a decayed tooth for as long as the decay does not go beyond the cusps of the tooth. The inlay is placed in your tooth’s indentation and it only covers the portion of your tooth used for chewing.

Onlays – this is usually recommended for severe tooth decay. This type of filling covers the entire surface of your tooth used for chewing, which means it includes the cusps.

When you meet with Dr. Gerald Regni Jr. for a consultation he will first require a full examination and order X-rays to know what kind of treatment you need.

The Inlay or Onlay Process

Ideally, the placement of inlay or onlay fillings requires two dental appointments.

First Appointment

• Preparing the Tooth – before filling the cavity, your dentist must first remove the decay. Dr. Regni will use special tools and instruments to ensure that all traces of decay are stripped away.
• Obtaining an Impression – when the tooth is ready, a dental impression will be obtained for the fabrication of your new tooth restoration.
• Receiving Temporary Restoration – in order to protect your tooth while your filling is still being made you will be given temporary restoration.

Second Appointment

• Placing of the Final Restoration – when your custom restoration is done we will call you for a second appointment. Dr. Regni will skillfully remove the temporary restoration and place it on your tooth to see if it fits. If it does, a dental bonding agent will be used to permanently secure the filling in place.
• Adjustments – When the inlay or onlay is placed Dr. Regni will ask you to bite so he can check if further adjustments are needed. If the bite is uneven Dr. Regni will smoothen the edges.

How Do You Compare Inlays and Onlays To Other Treatments?

It is important to mention that not all dental cavities need an inlay or an onlay. However, an inlay or an onlay is a great treatment option for patients because of the following:

• It offers a stronger support than dental fillings
• It’s more conservative than dental crowns because it only removes a small portion of your tooth
• They can last up to three decades and even longer compared to traditional dental filling
• Inlays and onlays don’t contract or expand in various temperatures unlike metal fillings

Transform Your Smile

If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, tooth decay, swollen gums or bad breath the ideal treatment is an inlay or an only. If you want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Regni we encourage you to give us a call at 215-351-9399.