Inlay/Onlay Restoration & Fillings
Webster NY
In need of a dental restoration procedure to fix a painful cavity? Most people are familiar with dental fillings but may not be aware of inlay and onlay restoration. Dr. Tehila Cohen of Empire Dental Care in Webster can help you choose which procedure is right for you.
Fillings in Webster
Fillings are the traditional method for treating cavities. During a cavity filling appointment, Dr. Cohen begins by numbing the surrounding area of the mouth. Then she will remove any areas of decay and fill the space with a composite filling material that fits the cavity precisely.
Most people are familiar with silver amalgam fillings which contrast with the color of your teeth and can be seen if you open your mouth widely. We utilize composite fillings that we color match to your natural tooth which blend in with your teeth and will not stand out for an unnoticeable restoration.
Your Cavity Filling Appointment
Fillings are what are known as a direct dental restoration. That means you can come in for your appointment and have the dentist complete the procedure in the office on that same day.
While fillings are a simpler option than inlays or onlays, they are also not as durable and may need to be replaced again in the future.
Inlay and Onlay Restoration in Webster
An inlay is a dental restoration where the dentist fills your cavity with a pre-formed material that has been customized to fit your tooth. Onlays follow the same principle, but extend onto the surface or over the cusps of your tooth. Both are great options for cavity repairs. Which one you need will depend on the size of your cavity and how much of the tooth has decayed.
Inlays and onlays can last up to 30 years depending on the materials used. In fact, modern inlays and onlays actually reinforce and add strength to the remaining tooth material, reducing the risk of further damage. Many people prefer inlays or onlays over fillings for the sheer durability and convenience of not having to worry about cracking your dental work.
Your Inlay/Onlay Restoration Appointment
Because inlays and onlays are both custom-molded to fit your teeth, they cannot be done in a single appointment as a filling would be. They are indirect dental restorations that require a second visit.
Your mouth will be numb, so you should not experience pain during the process. Like fillings, inlays and onlays require the decayed area of tooth to be removed and replaced by a stronger material such as ceramic, porcelain, or composite.
The dentist will take a mold of your tooth and send it to a lab to be cast or milled into the perfect shape to fill in your cavity. When you return for your second appointment, that custom-made restoration will be bonded onto your tooth.
Schedule Your Appointment Today at Empire Dental Care in Webster
Call Empire Dental Care at 585.671.1650 and let us help you choose the dental restoration that is right for you.