Regular dental exams are extremely crucial for spotting early signs of teeth and gum problems. If one of your teeth has decay, your dentist will usually recommend a restoration, such as a filling, onlay, inlay, or crown. Each of these options is unique and serves different purposes. If your dentist in Wantagh, NY, has recommended an inlay, you should ask relevant questions. In this post, let’s discuss the procedure and beyond in more detail.
What is a dental inlay?
Inlays and inlays may sound similar but are used for different reasons. If you have a cavity around the center of a tooth, you will need an inlay. A dental inlay is pre-molded and often looks like a filling. Onlays, on the other hand, are used to fix damage around the cusp.
Procedure at a glance
Getting an inlay is a relatively simple process. Your dentist will first administer local anesthesia to numb the decayed tooth. The next step is about drilling into the tooth to remove the decay. The dentist will then take an impression of the tooth and send the mold to a lab to order the inlay. Inlays are usually made of composite resin or porcelain and have the same color as your teeth, making them almost invisible.
Comparing dental inlays, onlays, and fillings
If you have minor damage in the center of the tooth, a dental inlay is mostly the ideal restoration. However, if the damage is extensive and around the cusp, you will need an onlay, and the procedure is almost similar. Fillings are used to fill a cavity that has been cleaned. There are all kinds of fillings, such as amalgam and silver, but more dentists now recommend porcelain and composite fillings, which resemble natural teeth color. Unlike onlays and inlays, fillings can be done in one appointment and cost a lot less. Onlays and inlays are reserved for more extensive decay and damage to a tooth. 
After getting an inlay
Immediately after getting an inlay, you must avoid foods and drinks that are sticky, hard, too hot, or too cold. It is okay to experience some soreness or discomfort for the first 48 hours, but these effects should subside soon. Your dentist will usually offer suggestions and instructions after the treatment.
How are inlays different from crowns?
As we mentioned, inlays only fix a part of the damaged tooth, while crowns encase the entire tooth. Getting an inlay doesn’t require extensive preparation, but if your dentist recommends a crown, they will have to buff the tooth to make room for the cap. Crowns restore bite function and shape, and much like inlays and onlays, you will need two appointments. A crown is more necessary when a tooth is already weak or cannot be repaired with fillings and other restorations. For example, if your dentist performed root canal therapy, they will recommend getting a crown to restore the strength and integrity of the tooth.
Other things to know
No matter what kind of restoration you get, it is crucial to keep up with your oral hygiene habits. brush and floss twice a day, and keep up with your regular dental exams. You may also want to ask your dentist about periodic dental cleanings. Restorations aren’t forever, and inlays, crowns, and onlays must be replaced at some point. Before you agree to a treatment, ask about alternatives and costs. If your insurance doesn’t cover the costs, the clinic can help with flexible payment options. Inlays and onlays usually don’t cost as much as crowns, but getting an estimate is recommended.
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