They are essentially a laboratory made filling for situations when the tooth decay creates a cavity that is too big for a conventional filling.
Both inlays and onlays are made to fit the shape of your tooth. Inlays fit into the grooves of a tooth. An onlay is similar to a crown but does not extend all the way down to the gum line like a crown. Restoring teeth with inlays and onlays is less invasive and requires less filing of the tooth than a crown.
The tooth is prepared and shaped in readiness for the inlay or onlay. A mould or impression is taken so that an exact restoration can be created to match the tooth. A temporary filling will be placed to seal the cavity from further decay and prevent any sensitivity.
The fabrication of an inlay or crown will take at least two appointments. The first appointment involves preparation of the tooth, taking impressions. At the second appointment, the temporary inlay or onlay will be removed and we will check the bite, fit and appearance of the new inlay or onlay. Once you are happy, we will cement the inlay or onlay using local anaesthetic if required to ensure that you do not feel any pain.
Composite, ceramic and gold materials are used to create inlays and onlays