Inlays & Onlays Bundoora
At Radiant Smiles Dental Bundoora, we offer custom inlays and onlays to restore teeth with moderate damage when a standard filling may not provide enough support but a full crown may not be required. They are commonly used for back teeth exposed to stronger chewing forces.
Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations designed to strengthen and restore selected damaged teeth. Schedule an appointment to discuss whether they may be suitable for you.
Tooth Restoration with Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations designed to repair the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. They may be made from materials such as porcelain or composite resin and can preserve more natural tooth structure than a full crown in suitable cases.
Whether you’re dealing with a cracked tooth, worn enamel or an old filling that needs replacing, inlays and onlays may provide a restorative option that supports the remaining tooth structure while maintaining the appearance and function of the tooth.
Whether you’re dealing with a cracked tooth, worn-down enamel, or an old filling that needs replacing, inlays and onlays offer a long-lasting, minimally invasive solution that supports your tooth structure while maintaining aesthetics.
When Inlays or Onlays May Be Suitable
Inlays and onlays may be considered for patients who:
- Have moderate decay or damage that may not be suitable for a standard filling
- Need to replace a large or worn filling
- Require additional support for a tooth without necessarily needing a full crown
- Prefer a tooth-coloured restorative option where clinically appropriate
If you’re unsure whether an inlay or onlay is suitable for you, our Bundoora dentists can assess the tooth and discuss the available treatment options.
Inlays and onlays aftercare
Looking after an inlay or onlay with regular oral hygiene and dental care can help maintain the restoration over time.
The existing aftercare tips can remain:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily
- Avoid chewing very hard items such as ice, pens or hard nuts
- Attend dental check-ups and professional cleans as recommended
How long an inlay or onlay lasts varies between patients and depends on factors such as the tooth involved, bite forces, oral hygiene, diet and ongoing dental care.
When to Consider Getting Inlays or Onlays
Inlays and onlays may be considered for moderate tooth damage or decay where a standard filling may not provide sufficient support but a full crown may not be necessary.
They may also be considered for larger cavities in molars or premolars, replacing worn or failing fillings, or restoring selected cracked or worn teeth. Whether an inlay, onlay, filling or crown is appropriate depends on the condition and remaining structure of the tooth.
Treat Larger Cavities or Damage with Inlays and Onlays
If a standard filling may not provide enough support, a custom inlay or onlay can be considered to restore the tooth while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as reasonably possible.
Inlays and Onlays vs Fillings
Standard fillings are commonly used for smaller areas of decay or damage. For larger areas, particularly on back teeth exposed to heavier chewing forces, an inlay or onlay may be considered depending on the remaining tooth structure.
Inlays and onlays are custom-made outside the mouth from materials such as porcelain or composite resin. Inlays sit within the cusps of the tooth, while onlays extend over one or more cusps and may be used where a larger area requires restoration.
In suitable cases, inlays and onlays can preserve more natural tooth structure than a full crown. Your Bundoora dentist can assess the tooth and discuss whether a filling, inlay, onlay or crown may be appropriate.
What to Expect During Treatment
1. Assessment and Tooth Preparation
We begin with a dental examination and X-rays. Damaged or decayed portions of the tooth are removed, and impressions are taken for your custom restoration.
2. Temporary Protection
A temporary filling may be placed while your inlay or onlay is being fabricated in a lab.
3. Final Placement
At your follow-up visit, we’ll check the fit, bite and colour before bonding the restoration to the tooth. The restoration is then finished and polished, with adjustments made where required.
The lifespan of an inlay or onlay varies between patients. Factors such as the tooth being treated, bite forces, oral hygiene, diet and ongoing dental care can influence how long the restoration remains serviceable.
Local anaesthetic is commonly used during tooth preparation. Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity or discomfort after treatment, and the level of discomfort can vary depending on the tooth and treatment required.
Tooth-coloured inlays and onlays can be shade-matched to the surrounding tooth structure. The final appearance varies depending on the material, tooth colour and individual clinical circumstances.
Your dentist will provide instructions about eating after treatment. Once the restoration has been bonded and the anaesthetic has worn off, most patients can gradually return to their usual diet, although avoiding very hard or sticky foods may be recommended initially.
It depends on the tooth and the amount of remaining healthy tooth structure. A standard filling may be appropriate for smaller areas of damage, while an inlay or onlay may be considered where a larger area requires restoration. Your dentist can recommend an option after assessing the tooth.
