General Dentistry London

Inlays and Onlays

At our Dental Practice in London, Dental Inlays and Onlays are used to repair rear teeth that have a mild to moderate amount of decay. They can also be used to restore teeth that are cracked or fractured if the damage is not severe enough to require a dental crown.

Inlays and onlays are made from porcelain or composite resin. Inlays and Onlays are often used to replace metal fillings for patients who desire a more natural looking smile.

How long do inlays and onlays last?

Dental inlays and onlays can last for decades. A key influence on how long they exist is the material that the inlay or onlay is made of and the actual teeth.

How dental inlays and onlays are applied?

At our London practice, we carry out the procedure in two dental appointments. This is because the inlays and onlays must be moulded perfectly to the size and shaped of the individual teeth that require the product.

At the first appointment, we will remove the damaged part of the tooth. Then the part of the tooth that is remaining will be carefully shaped to ensure that the inlay or onlay will be able to stick. This shaped tooth provides the model for an impression to be made. A gum will be put inside your mouth so the dentist can make a mould of the tooth shape as well as your bite. This mould is an exact replica of your mouth so the inlays and onlays can be perfectly constructed in the laboratory.

During the second appointment we will fix the inlay or only to the teeth. The inlay or onlay is carefully positioned so it matches the exact shape of the tooth. Once in position, your dentist will then work on permanently binding the inlay or onlay onto the tooth. This inlay/onlay is then polished to ensure you leave the clinic with a bright, shiny smile.

Does the procedure hurt?

There will be minimum discomfort while we work on the tooth. The dentist will inject a local anaesthetic to numb the area prior to carrying out any treatment.

In some rare occasions residual pain occurs after either the first, preparatory procedure or the subsequent fixing procedure. If there is pain, it tends to be rather dull and throbbing but can be relieved with over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or aspirin.

Benefits of Dental inlays and onlays

There are a number of positive points that are associated with dental inlays and onlays. Primarily they are very useful in the treatment of tooth decay as well as getting rid of sensitivity of the teeth and tooth loss.

Other benefits of dental inlays and onlays include

• They are matched to the colour of your teeth to make them "invisible" so your smile will not be made more unattractive.
• They will not change in shape or size if the teeth are subjected to changes in temperature.
• More of your tooth is maintained than with a traditional filling, which often makes the procedure more appealing and popular.
• Dental inlays and onlays can strengthen the tooth in question by around 75% thanks to the process that goes into producing them.

Potential risks of dental inlays and onlays

There are an extremely limited number of risks associated with dental inlays and onlays. In general, the risks are more associated with the local anaesthetic used to numb the area for the procedure. This is because some people are allergic to the anaesthetic and the reaction can be very serious. Alternatively, the patient may have an allergy to an ingredient that makes up the actual inlay or onlay, although this is rare.