When you have a cavity or a damaged tooth, restoring its strength and function is our top priority. We want you to feel confident in your smile and comfortable with your treatment. Understanding the different types of dental restorations can help you feel more at ease and informed about your care. The three most common options for repairing tooth decay or damage are composite fillings, inlays, and onlays.
Each of these treatments has a specific purpose, and the best choice depends on the extent of the damage to your tooth. Here at Implant Dentistry of Greater Lansing, we believe in guiding you through your options with clear, supportive information. In this guide, we'll walk you through the differences between these restorations, helping you understand how each one works to bring your smile back to health. Our goal is to ensure you have all the information you need to make the best decision for your dental well-being.
Understanding Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are perhaps the most well-known treatment for cavities. When tooth decay creates a small to medium-sized hole in your tooth, a filling is used to "fill" that space, restoring the tooth's shape and preventing further decay. This procedure is straightforward and is often completed in a single visit to our office.
What are Composite Fillings?
The most popular type of filling we use today is the composite filling. These are made from a tooth-colored resin material that is both durable and aesthetically pleasing. Unlike the silver amalgam fillings of the past, composite resin can be carefully matched to the natural shade of your teeth. This makes them virtually invisible, so you can smile, talk, and laugh without feeling self-conscious.
The process for placing a composite filling is simple and designed for your comfort. First, we gently remove the decayed portion of the tooth and clean the area thoroughly. Next, we apply the soft composite resin in layers, using a special light to harden, or cure, each layer. Once the cavity is filled, we shape and polish the material to match the contours of your tooth, ensuring a smooth and natural feel. One of the greatest advantages of composite fillings is that they bond directly to the tooth structure, which adds strength and support to the restored tooth.
When is a Filling the Right Choice?
A composite filling is an excellent choice for repairing minor to moderate tooth decay or small chips and cracks. They are ideal for situations where the damage has not weakened the overall structure of the tooth, particularly the cusps—the pointed parts on the top of your back teeth used for chewing. We often recommend fillings for:
- Small cavities: When decay is caught early, a filling is all that's needed.
- Anterior teeth: Their natural appearance makes them perfect for front teeth.
- Molars with minor decay: They can effectively restore back teeth when the damage is not extensive.
We always want you to feel confident in your treatment. A filling allows us to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible while providing a strong, long-lasting restoration.
Exploring Inlays and Onlays
Sometimes, the damage to a tooth is too large for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full dental crown. In these "in-between" cases, inlays and onlays are the perfect solution. Often called partial crowns, these restorations are custom-made in a dental laboratory from durable materials like porcelain or ceramic to precisely fit the damaged area of your tooth. This process ensures a perfect fit and a very strong restoration.
What is a Dental Inlay?
Think of an inlay as a custom-made filling. It is designed to fit within the cusps of a molar or premolar. When decay or damage is confined to the chewing surface of the tooth and doesn't affect the pointed cusps, an inlay is the ideal treatment.
The procedure for placing an inlay typically takes two appointments. During your first visit, we will prepare the tooth by removing the decay or old filling and then take a precise impression. This impression is sent to a dental lab where skilled technicians craft your custom inlay. We will place a temporary restoration to protect your tooth while your permanent one is being made. At your second visit, we will remove the temporary piece and bond the beautiful, custom-made inlay securely into place. Because it is crafted from a single, solid piece of porcelain or ceramic, an inlay adds significant strength to the tooth.
What is a Dental Onlay?
A dental onlay is similar to an inlay, but it is used for more extensive damage. An onlay is necessary when the decay or fracture extends over one or more of the tooth's cusps. It covers a larger portion of the tooth's chewing surface, not only filling the cavity but also restoring the damaged cusps.
The process for an onlay is the same as for an inlay, involving two comfortable visits. The onlay is also custom-fabricated in a lab to ensure a perfect fit that restores the tooth's original shape and strength. By covering the weakened cusps, an onlay protects the tooth from further fracture and distributes chewing forces evenly, which is something a large filling cannot always do. This makes it a more conservative option than a full crown, as it allows us to preserve more of your healthy tooth structure.
Making the Right Choice for Your Smile
Choosing between a composite filling, an inlay, or an onlay depends entirely on the health of your tooth. Our team is here to provide a thorough examination and offer our professional recommendation based on your unique needs. We want to help you select the treatment that will provide the most durable, functional, and beautiful result.
Key Factors in the Decision
Here is a simple way to think about the differences and help guide your conversation with us:
- Extent of Damage: This is the most important factor.
- Fillings: Best for small to medium-sized cavities where the tooth structure is still strong.
- Inlays: Ideal for larger cavities that are confined within the tooth's cusps.
- Onlays: Necessary when the damage extends to cover one or more of the tooth cusps.
- Durability and Strength: All three options are designed to last, but their strength varies.
- Fillings: Composite fillings are strong but may not be suitable for very large cavities in back teeth that endure heavy chewing forces.
- Inlays and Onlays: Made from high-strength porcelain or ceramic in a lab, these restorations are exceptionally durable and can strengthen the tooth by up to 75%. They are often a longer-lasting solution for larger restorations.
- Preservation of Tooth Structure: Our philosophy is always to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible.
- Fillings: This is the most conservative option, requiring minimal removal of tooth structure.
- Inlays and Onlays: These are also conservative treatments, especially when compared to a full dental crown, which requires significantly more of the tooth to be reshaped.
- Procedure: The time commitment can also be a factor.
- Fillings: Completed in a single, convenient visit.
- Inlays and Onlays: Typically require two visits to our office to allow for custom fabrication.
We are committed to providing you with the highest quality of care in a warm and comfortable environment. We will discuss all findings from your examination, explain our recommendations clearly, and answer any questions you may have. Your comfort and confidence are our primary goals.
Partnering with You for a Healthy Smile
At Implant Dentistry of Greater Lansing, we see our patients as part of our family. We are dedicated to providing personalized dental care that meets your individual needs and helps you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for a lifetime. Whether a simple filling or a more complex restoration like an inlay or onlay is needed, you can trust that you are in gentle, caring hands.
If you have a damaged tooth or think you may have a cavity, we encourage you to reach out to us. We are here to help you restore your oral health and feel great about your smile once again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do composite fillings, inlays, and onlays last?
With proper care, composite fillings can last for 5 to 7 years or even longer. Inlays and onlays, made from durable porcelain, are designed to be a longer-term solution and can last for 10 to 30 years. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene will help extend the life of any restoration.
Is the procedure for these restorations painful?
Your comfort is our priority. For all of these procedures, we will numb the area with a local anesthetic to ensure you do not feel any pain during the treatment. You may experience some mild sensitivity afterward, but this is temporary and typically subsides quickly.
This blog is provided for informational purposes only. For a personalized diagnosis and treatment plan, please consult with our dental professionals at Implant Dentistry of Greater Lansing. To find out which restorative option is right for you, schedule an appointment with our team today.