Inlays/Onlays in Fairfield VIC

At Sparkle Dental Care, we are dedicated to helping our patients realize their best smiles. This includes an emphasis on preventive dentistry to lower tooth decay risks and general dentistry to repair and restore teeth to optimal oral health.

If you have tooth damage, talking to your Fairfield dentist as soon as the incident occurs can often reveal more conservative treatment options than a dental crown, which is a tooth-shaped cap that covers your entire tooth.

Dental inlays and onlays are used for teeth that have been impacted by fractures or decay when the damage is too severe to be corrected by a tooth-coloured filling but not severe enough that a full-coverage crown is necessary.

If you would like more information about inlays and onlays, or if it’s time for your dental check-up and teeth clean, we invite you to contact our dental clinic on (03) 9481 4392 to arrange an appointment.

Also, to learn more about cavities, prevention, and treatments with inlays or onlays, continue reading.

Tooth Onlay in Hampton VICInlays and Onlays in Fairfield, VIC

Inlays and onlays are commonly referred to as ‘three-quarter crowns.’ That is, they function like a tooth crown while only covering up to three-quarters of the tooth’s surface. By choosing this tooth restoration method, we can maximise the amount of healthy tooth structure that is still present.

A tooth crown is a hollow tooth cover that is customised to match your smile. It provides support to a damaged or weak tooth to prevent future damage through fracture.

What Is a Tooth Inlay?

If you think of a cross between a filling and a dental crown, you will be on the right path.  A dental inlay repairs and seals the tooth between the cusps (points) of the teeth. Inlay procedures might be useful for patients who have decay on a posterior (back) tooth that needs a little extra support when chewing to prevent further damage.

We can colour our inlays to match your adjacent teeth, and we also offer gold options for back teeth.

What Is a Tooth Onlay?

An onlay covers one or more tooth cusps, but not the entire tooth like a dental crown. Like the inlay, the tooth onlay will add stability to those posterior teeth we use most often for grinding food while we eat.

Because the onlay can be shaded to match teeth, you will likely not notice this supportive restoration.

How Does the Inlay and Onlay Process Work?

It all starts with a dental exam and diagnosis. If you need cavity treatment, it means you have a decayed tooth. You may also be diagnosed with tooth damage due to fracture or infection.

Typically, you will not see decay because it starts small or can be between teeth, which is why regular dental visits are so important.

If you are diagnosed with a cavity, your Fairfield dentist plans your treatment, and we arrange your appointment.dentist in hampton vic

The treatment process involves two visits. We will remove all damaged tooth surfaces at the first appointment and then take an impression of the tooth before covering it with a temporary restoration. We always make sure you are relaxed and comfortable during this appointment—numbing the area and creating a pleasant and trusting atmosphere for your well-being.

This impression is sent off to our trusted lab, and they create a customised restoration for that specific tooth. Within two weeks, the permanent inlay or onlay is ready, and the patient returns to have the tooth cleaned and the inlay or onlay permanently bonded to the tooth.

You may experience tenderness following removal of damage or decay, but this is usually minor and remedied with a shop-bought pain reliever.

Porcelain and Gold Restorations

We offer both gold and porcelain inlays and onlays. Porcelain obviously allows more aesthetic benefits because of its natural tooth colour, making it useful for restoring teeth that are visible when smiling, laughing or talking. Gold is useful on back teeth that are not visible because of gold’s ability to withstand major chewing forces over time.

Alternatives to Inlays and Onlays

In some cases, if you have a dental cavity, we can treat it with a tooth-coloured filling. If you have damage or root infection, we may recommend a dental crown as an alternative.

A tooth-coloured filling is made of composite resin, which is shaded to match your teeth. A dental crown is a cap for your tooth, and it is typically recommended if a tooth is too damaged to function safely without maximum support.

The inlay and onlay meet in the middle—they are more than fillings but not as significant in coverage as the dental crown.

Your dentist discusses all options with you and makes a recommendation based on your specific needs.

At Sparkle Dental Care, our main concern is the longevity of your restoration. We want you to be able to enjoy meals and have optimal function with the option you’ve chosen.

Lowering Your Risks for Tooth Decay and Damage

Your dentist in Fairfield customises your dentistry to meet your needs, but typically you should visit our dental clinic twice each year for dental check-ups and teeth cleans.

Brushing and flossing daily between dental check-ups and teeth cleans is also vital for oral health longevity.

What we drink also has a huge effect on our teeth. After all, liquids can access all surface areas, making them one of the predominant causes of tooth decay. Although 'sugar-free' or 'diet' beverages may have artificial sweeteners and fewer calories, they are just as capable of causing tooth decay.

Drinking fluoridated water is one of the healthiest things we can do for our teeth. Not only does it rinse the teeth of acids and biofilm, but fluoride also aids in healthy tooth development.

Eating fresh, crispy fruits and vegetables are beneficial to the health of our teeth and gums. These firm, fibrous foods stimulate gum tissues, improve immunity and clean the teeth as we chew them. Produce is our go-to snack and a predominant portion of our meals.

fairfield vic dentistWe understand that some of our patients want help in making smart choices about their diets. We also understand that certain types of medical conditions may impact the types of food that you can consume. Our dentists and hygienists can help you balance your nutrition so that it is beneficial to you physically, as much as it is to your smile.

For more information on how to keep your teeth and gums healthy, speak to our friendly dental team at our Fairfield dental clinics to learn more.

We Invite You to Contact Our Fairfield Dentist

If you have been told that your tooth needs a crown, consider getting a second opinion at Sparkle Dental Care in Melbourne. Call us to learn more about whether or not a dental inlay or onlay is the right choice for your smile.

We present all treatment options, from the most conservative to the most comprehensive, and provide you with valuable information to help you make an informed choice for your smile. We welcome patients from Fairfield, Melbourne and the surrounding communities.