Fillings, Inlays, Onlays, and Crowns: What’s the Difference?

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Sat, 22 Jun 2024 08:01:00 +0000
Dental Crown, Dental Filling, Dental Health

Chances are you have heard that it is important to visit your dentist for regular checkups. However, when they inform you that restorative work needs to be done, you may be left wondering how all the different procedures differ from each other — and why whatever is recommended is right for you. In this blog, we’ll break down some of the most common dental procedures when it comes to cavities and tooth restoration, including fillings, inlays, onlays, and crowns.

Fillings

Cavities are easy to fill using composite filling material that is available to match the color of your tooth. The dentist numbs the tooth, drills out the decayed area, and “fills” the hole created with the aptly-named filling; a putty-like material that cures quickly in your mouth. Composite fillings are done in the dentist’s office and only take one visit.

Once the material is used to fill your cavity, chances are you won’t even see where the cavity was to begin with! Since they are one of the most basic dental restoration options out there, fillings are one of the most common procedures at Bloom Dental of Arlington. To put it in perspective, research shows that the average American has three fillings; around one-fourth of Americans have 11 or more.

Inlays and Onlays

When a cavity has gotten too big for a filling, then an inlay may be used instead — provided the cavity is not located in the corner of the tooth, which is a situation better suited for an onlay. Inlays and onlays fill the hole that is created when the decayed part of your tooth is removed. These pieces are custom-made using porcelain or composite resin and based on impressions your dentist takes and sends to a lab. While waiting for the inlay or onlay to be created, you will be given a temporary cover for the affected tooth. A second appointment is necessary to set the inlay or onlay into position.

Dental Crowns

When a cavity is too big for filling, inlay, or onlay treatment, then a dental crown may be recommended. As its name implies, a crown is essentially a cap that fits over your tooth, covering the old tooth completely. The dentist removes all decay and some soft tissue, takes impressions of the tooth, and sends them off to a lab for creation. A temporary crown covers the affected tooth until the actual crown comes back from the lab. Much like an inlay and only process, a second appointment is needed to set the crown permanently over your tooth — protecting it just like its natural enamel would.

Which Dental Procedure Is Right for Me?

Your dental professional will consult you on the various available options and consider several factors, including the restoration’s extent and which type of filling material is best suited for you. For further information about these procedures or any of our other dental services, reach out to the expert team at Bloom Dental of Arlington today.