Have you found yourself wondering what the difference is between dental fillings versus Inlays and Onlays? Then, you are in the right place. This article will give the key differences between fillings and Inlays or Onlays. It’ll also explain how they are used in different types of situations. These types of dental restorations are offered at Dental Arts – St. Pete Beach and are used to treat tooth decay.
Tooth decay is a result of your teeth being exposed to acids in your mouth. The acids come from a person consuming citrus fruits and sugars. Another source of acid is the bacteria that comes from food particles left in the mouth. The bacteria form a plaque that erodes the enamel.
The first part that’s affected by tooth decay is the enamel. Cavities start forming on the teeth after the enamel has eroded. When the cavities are left untreated, they will expand and reach the pulp chamber. It affects the pulp chamber, and serious procedures like extraction and root canal are needed to be done to save the tooth.
Composite fillings are the best treatment option when it comes to patients with minor tooth decay. Our endodontist in St. Pete Beach will diagnose and treat the decay to prevent great damage from occurring. But what if the damage is extensive? Here Inlays and Onlays may be the best option. At our dental office in St Pete Beach, dentists have been perfectly crafting Inlays and Onlays to fit our patient’s teeth. The Inlays and Onlays also help in restoring the normal functionality of your teeth.
Here are some of the differences between Inlays and Onlays vs. fillings.
What are Fillings?
A filling is the most common kind of dental restoration. Fillings are small. When your tooth has a small hole like a cavity, a filling will be the best option to help seal everything out. Dr. Sausha Toghrenagar will remove the bacteria and any food particles found in the tooth hole. The removal will prevent the cavity from growing bigger. During the filling placement procedure, your dentist will expand the hole in your tooth. The expansion ensures that the hole has a smooth surface to help the filling reach every crevice. The filling material is fitted to the whole and hardened with a light.
Inlays
Inlays are a form of indirect restoration made outside the mouth as a single piece that fits the size shape of your cavity. When fillings have sufficed your problems, you won’t need Inlays to treat your decay. When a tooth is extremely damaged, a filling will not work well on the cavity. An Inlay is a better way, basically a giant filling, and will help with the damage. A major difference between the filing and Inlay is that the Inlay will need to be shaped to resemble the rough tooth-biting surface. Inlays should have the shape of chewing teeth surfaces. It would help if you got your Inlays and Onlays in St. Pete Beach, FL. We have qualified dentists who will shape the devices exactly right for your mouth.
Onlays
Dental Onlays are designed for teeth that are extremely damaged for an Inlay. When almost the whole top of the tooth is lost, you need an Inlay to replace that part. An on lay is applied when you have one or more cusps covered on the biting surface. When you have a cracked tooth, an Inlay is the right choice as well.
Inlays and Onlays vs Fillings
When you’re considering Onlays and Inlays vs. fillings, you should consider the extent of your damage. Visit an Inlay and Onlay dentist near you. They’ll recommend the right device for your tooth. If the tooth damage is extensive, a filling may be small to repair it. You’ll have to get Inlays or Onlays for that tooth. Sometimes the hole in your tooth might be small for a filling. But fillings are made of plastic and won’t last for long. So, you might consider an Inlay or Onlay because they last longer. Inlays and Onlays are made from porcelain which is durable and resists corrosion.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
The benefits of choosing to get your Inlays and Onlays in our dental office at St Pete Beach include:
- They preserve as much as the natural tooth as possible
- Long-lasting
- Inlays and Onlays fill difficult cavities perfectly
- They are stable and strong that allowing people to chew without fear of damaging the tooth
