How Do Dental Inlays And Onlays Differ?

One of the many dental services that we offer at Stony Brook Family and Laser Dentistry is inlays and onlays. The need for either of this is usually determined by the dental issue or problem that the patient needs to correct. However, it is important to note the differences between these two dental procedures as well as the circumstances that require them. Here are a couple of factors that we consider.

Sometimes a tooth has not been damaged enough to set a crown in place yet the damage is so severe, that there is not enough of the tooth left to support a filling. Basically, you’re stuck somewhere in between. Placing a crown on a tooth unnecessarily requires removing more of the structure than what is required. However, putting in larger fillings can severely weaken the remaining portion of the tooth and the tooth may eventually break, crack, or make it necessary for the patient to undergo an unwanted procedure.

In cases such as these, dental onlays oftentimes prove to be the most viable solution for treating either issue mentioned above. Just like dental inlays, these eliminate the need for a crown but larger cavities can still be restored. Despite the fact that they are both the same type of dental restoration, inlays and onlays cover different areas of the tooth. The inlay typically fills the central portion of the surface area and the space in between the rounded edges of the tooth or “cusps.”

On the other hand, onlays work in similar fashion to inlays. The key difference is that they are used to cover one of more of the cusps of the tooth’s entire biting surface. Because of the extent of the coverage that onlays provide, they are oftentimes called “partial crowns.” Unlike fillings, dental onlays are considerably more durable and have a longer lifespan. Just keep in mind that it is a type of dental restoration that can weaken the structure of the tooth.

If you would like more information on dental inlays and onlays or any of the other services that we provide at Stony Brook Family and Laser Dentistry of Long Island, please contact us today. One of our professional staff will be happy to assist you.