INLAYS & ONLAYS - MELROSE, MA DENTIST
Inlays and onlays are a type of indirect restoration, where your Melrose dentist fabricates the restoration outside of your mouth and cements it into place. A direct restoration, most commonly fillings, are placed immediately into a prepared cavity in a single visit.
Inlays and onlays are often referred to as partial crowns. They use the existing tooth as a base and fit the inlay or onlay onto the tooth. This is done to strengthen the tooth, restore its shape, and prevent further damage. An inlay is done when there is no damage to the cusps of the tooth and the inlay can be placed right on the tooth. An onlay is used when the damage is a little more extensive. A crown replaces the entire outside area of the tooth above the gum line.
The decayed area of the tooth is first removed during the procedure. A mold of the tooth is then taken and sent to a dental lab. They create a restoration made from porcelain, gold, or a composite resin. The restoration takes about 2-3 weeks to make, so a temporary inlay or onlay will be placed on the tooth for that time. During your next visit, the inlay or onlay will be placed into your mouth and set with cement. Your tooth will look natural and neither you nor anyone else will be able to tell the difference.