Inlays/Onlays
For teeth that have too much damage for normal fillings, we can provide porcelain or gold restorations that protect the teeth. There are several terms that are used for these types of restorations. Each restoration is intended to protect and strengthen the weakened or broken tooth.
Conservative cast gold has been considered the standard that all other restorations are compared to. The design must be such that the gold is hidden by the design of the preparation. Conservative Cast Gold techniques are not commonly taught in dental schools today. This leaves these skills to be taught in formal Study Clubs such as the clubs in The Academy of R. V. Tucker Study Clubs. When properly designed, placed, and cared for, the life expectancy of these restorations should be measured in decades.
Porcelain inlays and onlays have been developed to address the high demand for esthetic restorations when the damage to the tooth is beyond the scope of a white filling and there is enough remaining tooth structure that a full coverage crown is not indicated. Porcelain restorations must be bonded to the tooth. The success of the restoration depends significantly on the ability to isolate the tooth from contamination that would weaken the bond between the tooth and the restoration. Technique is very critical.
These types of restorations are for teeth that are too weak to hold a conventional fillings inside of the tooth. These are two appointment procedures. The initial appointment is to shape the remaining tooth and remove any decay that may be present. An impression of the tooth is made and forwarded to a Certified Dental Laboratory Technician. A temporary restoration is placed to protect the tooth. The technician will fabricate the restorations to the specifications of our doctor and return them to our office for seating approximately 3-4 weeks following the preparation. These restorations may be made of gold or a ceramic material depending on the location and the functional stress that the restoration will be subjected to.
The second office visit will be to seat the inlay or onlay. The temporary is removed and the restoration is adjusted and seated with a specific type of cement or bonding agent.