Porcelain Fillings - Inlays and Onlays
Serving Patients from Medford, Klamath Falls, Ashland, Yreka and Central Point
Due to recent advances in ceramics and dental adhesives, porcelain has replaced amalgam and other metal fillers as the material of choice for most cavity repairs. This is great news for people who are prone to cavities. Not only is porcelain more aesthetically pleasing than metal, but it can also add structural integrity to a decayed tooth and prevent further decay in ways metal fillings are not able to do. In fact, many patients with old metal fillings are choosing to replace them with porcelain due to porcelain’s numerous aesthetic and functional advantages.
Inlays vs. onlays
Both inlays and onlays are used to treat cavities and decay of the rear teeth. The difference between the two terms lies in how much of the surface of the tooth needs filled or replaced.
Generally speaking, an inlay is used to repair cavities that lie within the top rim or cusp of the tooth. Cavities and decay that extend beyond the crevices of the top of the tooth are treated with onlays. Onlays are a more conservative option than crowns for more advanced decay, but if your cosmetic dentist determines that the decay is too significant for onlays, then a crown will likely be your best option.
The procedure
Expect your inlay or onlay procedure to involve at least two visits to the dentist’s office. Your dentist will take a mold of your tooth during the first visit. This mold will be sent to the manufacturing lab where they will make your permanent inlay or onlay. A temporary inlay/onlay will be applied until your permanent inlay/onlay is prepared. It typically takes the lab 2 to 3 weeks to create your permanent filling. Your second office visit will involve removal of the temporary and placement of the permanent filling.
You will leave the dentist’s office with a much more natural, healthy-looking smile than you would with traditional metal fillings. With proper care, you can expect your new porcelain to last many years, with the additional peace of mind of knowing that your treated teeth are stronger than they were before.
If you live in Southern Oregon and are in need of fillings, or if you want to replace your unsightly metal fillings with porcelain, please contact us today to arrange an appointment.
800.899.6990
Contact Us
Eagle Point Dental Center for Advanced Dentistry
217 W. Main St
Eagle Point, OR 97524
