Inlays and Onlays in Coquitlam
Inlays and onlays are used to fill larger cavities in the teeth that have come about as a result of tooth decay. Unlike fillings, where the amalgam or composite material is soft and must be hardened within the cavity of the tooth, inlays and onlays are formed as a single solid piece created in a dental lab. They are formed to fit perfectly inside the gap.
The Difference Between Inlays and Onlays
An inlay is used to fill the area between the cusps of the teeth while an onlay is used to cover just a single cusp. They are also different from a crown because they only cover a small portion of the tooth whereas a crown will cover more of the tooth. The process of inserting the inlay is also similar to the process of inserting a dental filling, whereas fixing a crown is more intensive.
Should I Get a Crown or an Onlay?
If most of the tooth is intact, an onlay is preferable to fitting a crown. Crowns tend to be more expensive to fit, and the fitting procedure is much more aggressive as a sizable portion of the tooth structure must be removed. Your dentist can assess the extent of the decay by taking an x-ray and then suggest the restorative option that will work best for you.
