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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Inlays and Onlays in Silver Hill
Too big for a filling, too small for a crown? Inlays and onlays restore damaged back teeth. Silver Hill patients can learn when they fit and how they are made.
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Silver Hill patients are cared for at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for Silver HillA middle path for back teeth
Some teeth need more than a filling but less than a crown.
Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations, usually of porcelain, composite or gold, that fit precisely into or over damaged parts of a tooth. An inlay sits within the cusps of a back tooth, while an onlay extends over one or more cusps. They can preserve more natural tooth than a crown while offering more strength than a large filling.
Patients from Silver Hill can find out at our Port Dover office whether an inlay or onlay suits a damaged tooth. The dentist will assess the extent of the damage, explain how this option compares with a filling or crown and outline the steps involved in making and fitting it.
When they help
The amount and location of damage guide the choice.
Damage that suits inlays or onlays
Moderate decay, a broken cusp, or a large old filling that needs replacing in a back tooth can be good reasons for an inlay or onlay. They are made outside the mouth, which allows a precise fit and strong materials. Onlays can help protect weakened cusps from breaking.
When a crown or filling is better
Small cavities are usually best treated with a direct filling, while teeth with extensive damage or after root canal treatment may need a full crown. The dentist will explain why one option is recommended over another, considering your bite and the health of the remaining tooth.
Materials
Material choice depends on location, strength and appearance.
Tooth-coloured materials
Porcelain and composite inlays and onlays can be matched to the colour of your natural tooth and bonded in place, which can help reinforce the remaining structure. They are often chosen for teeth that are visible when you smile or for patients who prefer tooth-coloured restorations.
Gold restorations
Gold is very durable and gentle on opposing teeth, and it requires less tooth removal in some situations. Its colour makes it less popular for visible areas. The dentist can discuss the advantages and considerations of each material for your tooth, including how each looks over time and how it wears against the teeth it bites on.
The process
Inlays and onlays usually require two visits.
Preparing the tooth
After freezing, decay or old filling material is removed and the tooth is shaped. Impressions or digital scans are taken and the shade is chosen. A temporary filling protects the tooth while the restoration is made in a laboratory. Avoid sticky foods on the temporary.
Fitting the restoration
At the second visit, the temporary is removed and the inlay or onlay is tried in. The dentist checks the fit, contact with neighbouring teeth and bite. Once everything is right, it is bonded or cemented in place and polished. Your bite is checked again before you leave.
Long-term care
With good care, inlays and onlays can last for many years.
The first few days
Some sensitivity after placement is common and usually settles. If the bite feels high or pain persists, contact the office for an adjustment. Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated side until the numbness has worn off and you feel comfortable. Some people notice the new restoration with their tongue for a few days, which is normal and tends to fade quickly.
Protecting the restoration
Brush twice daily, clean between teeth and keep regular checkups. The edges of the restoration can develop decay if plaque builds up. If you grind, a night guard may protect the restoration. Report any chipping or looseness promptly so it can be assessed before the tooth underneath is affected.
Planning your appointment
Planning your restoration from Silver Hill
Contact our Port Dover office and mention the tooth that is concerning you or whether a restoration was recommended elsewhere. Plan for two appointments spaced about a couple of weeks apart.
Bring any recent X-rays or treatment plans from other offices. Eat before your first visit, as numbness may last for a few hours.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Inlay and onlay questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
What is the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
An inlay fits within the grooves between the cusps of a tooth, while an onlay covers one or more cusps. Both are custom-made and fitted to the prepared tooth, usually over two visits.
Are inlays and onlays stronger than fillings?
Because they are made outside the mouth from durable materials, they can be stronger and more precise than large direct fillings, especially when cusps need protection. The dentist will compare options for your tooth.
Will I need freezing?
Freezing is usually used during the preparation visit. The fitting visit may or may not require it, depending on sensitivity. The dentist will discuss this with you, so you know what to expect on each day.
How long do they last?
Many inlays and onlays last for years, depending on the material, your bite and oral hygiene. Regular checkups help monitor them and the surrounding tooth, so any wear is caught early.
Can an onlay replace a crown?
Sometimes an onlay can protect a tooth while preserving more natural structure than a crown. Whether it is suitable depends on the extent of damage, which the dentist will evaluate.
Other restorations to consider
General Dentistry →Composite Fillings →
Composite fillings repair decay with a resin shaded to match your tooth. Silver Hill patients can learn when they suit a cavity and how to make them last.
Dental Crowns →
A crown caps a weakened tooth to protect it and restore its shape. Silver Hill patients can learn when crowns are advised and how to care for one.