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Gorham Family Dentistry, PA
High-quality, comprehensive dental care in a warm, relaxed and friendly atmopshere
When decay develops in a tooth it is necessary to remove the decayed tooth structure and replace it with some type of restoration such as a filling, inlay or onlay. Resin (white) fillings: Resin or white fillings are made of a composite material which comes in different shades so that they can be designed to match the shading and color of your natural teeth. When resin fillings are placed, the decay is removed from the tooth and the material is bonded to the natural tooth and then shaped so it looks like your original healthy tooth. Resin fillings are always used on front teeth and are usually the preferred treatment for back teeth as well. Not only are they more cosmetically pleasing, but they also allow the dentist to retain more of your natural tooth structure. Amalgam (silver) fillings: Amalgam or silver fillings are made of an alloy of metals including mercury. Amalgam comes in only one color, silver, which with age & wear often looks black. When a tooth is restored with amalgam, the decay is removed and then grooves are carved in to the remaining tooth in order to mechanically hold the filling in place. Unfortunately, this means that there is loss of some good tooth structure when a tooth is restored with an amalgam filling. Inlays and onlays, sometimes called partial crowns, are a custom made dental restoration option for patients that have fractured a tooth or existing filling, have decayed teeth or have existing fillings that are large and have potential for breakage. These restorations are made in a laboratory by a dental technician and are permanently cemented to your tooth by your dentist. Inlay and onlays are typically made from gold, porcelain or a composite material. They are a great option for patients who want the strength, aesthetics and longevity these materials provide. Inlays and onlays are essentially the same type of restoration however an onlay typically covers one or more corners of the tooth. If a tooth needs a restoration that has more than two corners involved in the restoration, the patient will be better served with a full coverage crown. Inlays and onlays require two appointments. The first will include the conservative preparation of the affected tooth area. While the tooth is still numb, highly precise impressions will be taken and a temporary restoration will be placed and cemented. If porcelain is needed for your restoration the dentist will choose the right color combination to match your teeth. The impression will get sent to our select laboratory where your restoration will be fabricated. During this time your dentist will discuss your case with the laboratory and any fine details about your particular inlay or onlay. A second appointment will be scheduled to have your temporary restoration removed and your customized restoration cemented, adjusted and polished. Instruction for care will be given as well. Inlays and onlays are quite a bit more involved than a composite or amalgam restoration due to the materials used and the fact it needs to be sent to a professional dental laboratory. Good oral hygiene, a proper diet, and regular visits to the dentist will aid in the long life of your inlay or onlay. |
