An inlay or onlay is fashioned out of gold, porcelain or composite resin. Small pieces of these are cemented onto the part of the tooth which is infected or chipped. An inlay, in the true sense of what it is, is very much like a dental filling. It fits into the inside portion of the tooth, in between the cusp tips of the tooth. On onlay, on the other hand, is a big bigger. It covers even one or both the cusp tips of the tooth.

Which materials are used for these procedures?

Till sometime back, gold was the metal used for these structures. Lately, however, porcelain and zirconia have gained more popularity.

How is the procedure to place inlays and onlays carried out?

Inlay and onlay work is done in two seatings with the dentist. In the first visit, the filling which is to be removed is taken out. Or if the tooth is damaged or infected, that portion of it is removed. An impression of the tooth is taken and sent to the dental laboratory. A temporary filling is put inside the tooth till the next visit. During the second appointment, the temporary filling is removed. The inlay or onlay is placed inside the tooth in its position and checked for its correct dimensions and fitting. If it is proper, it is then bonded into place and then even polished to make it smooth and even.

Which factors does one consider when you go in for this treatment?

A normal filling in the tooth can even weaken the structure of the tooth by up to a resounding 50 per cent. However, in the case of inlay or onlay work, your tooth can become stronger by 75 percent, even. This, in turn, actually means that the inlay or onlay can make your tooth live for even up to thirty years more. Dental inlays and onlays are used when the tooth is not so badly off that it needs crowning. In crowning, the entire tooth or set of teeth are covered up or given a cap, so to say. This can be if one goes in for dental implants. The crown forms the upper portion of the tooth which is visible to the outside world. Dental crowding is also done when a tooth undergoes root canal treatment. The lower portion is the titanium screw which is drilled into the jaw bone. The jaw bone grows naturally around it to strengthen its hold on it and make it stand firmly in place. After the dental cavity is filled with gutta-percha, the dental crown is placed over the infected or damaged tooth. Dental crowding is also done when a tooth or teeth are badly stained or yellowed. In such instances, a protective dental crown is placed to hide the staining. Also, crowning helps if a tooth or teeth are misshapen and a crown will give a better appearance. For details, contact: 9136 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. Call: (239)494-4574.