Inlays Vs. Onlays How to know if it is what you need?

Inlays Vs. Onlays

How to know if it is what you need?

As a patient you will not be able to distinguish if you need inlays or onlays, but it is important that you know the different alternatives that exist to recover a tooth that has cavities.

When a cavity is created in one of your teeth, it affects different surfaces. According to the number of surfaces that it affects, the dentist chooses if what you need is inlays or onlays.

But first of all, how is a cavity created?

Tooth decay, also known as cavities, consists in the destruction of tooth tissue caused by the presence of acids produced by plaque bacteria deposited on tooth surfaces.

This deterioration of teeth is influenced by different factors, including oral and dental hygiene habits, smoking, eating too many foods with sugar, and the type of toothpaste you use. Heredity also plays a role in how susceptible your teeth are to cavities.

Cavities mostly appear in children, adolescents or older adults, however, any person, according to their lifestyle and the factors mentioned above, can suffer from tooth decay.

Now going back, an inlay works to cover the deterioration that happens in an area within the tooth surface, while onlay covers a  larger area of the surface.

They are very similar to crowns, however a crown covers the entire tooth.

Inlays and onlays are alternatives to save a tooth that does not have as much damage on its different surfaces.

Remember that oral and dental care and hygiene is the best way to prevent cavities.

Contact us today to make an appointment, and let us start working on the smile of your dreams.

And the most important step – schedule regular dental checkups! You should come to see your hygienist at least twice a year and or 3 times a year depending on your periodontal conditions.

Very Truly Yours