Have you been told that you might need to have inlays or onlays for your teeth? There is a chance that you do not know much about this type of dental procedure, but you will find that they are quite simple to understand. Take some time to check out these inlays and onlays FAQs to get a better understanding of what they are and how they work. Then, you can talk with our dentists in Turlock if you find you have more questions about them and want to see if they are right for you.

What Are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are a type of restorative dentistry procedure. These are used for those who have teeth that have developed signs of decay.

What Is the Difference?

An inlay is typically going to be smaller, and it will fit into the area between the cusps on the biting surface of a tooth. The onlays are larger, and they can go over several cusps, as well as the full biting surface of the tooth and even the sides of the tooth.

How Are They Different from Fillings and Crowns?

One of the benefits of inlays and onlays is the fact that they are stronger and longer lasting than fillings. In addition, they can be used for areas that have larger amounts of decay. Because they are smaller than crowns, they tend to be less expensive. In addition, adding the inlays and onlays requires less enamel removal than getting a crown.

How Are They Applied?

The dentist will remove the decayed area of the teeth by drilling. They will then make a mold of your tooth and use that mold to create the inlay or the onlay. Once it has been made, they will apply and bond it to the tooth.