What are Inlay and Onlay Filling?

Inlay and onlay fillings can be applied in cases where the tooth is too large to be treated with a simple filling or too small to be covered with a crown. It is also known as the treatment method applied in advanced dental caries. It can be used instead of dental fillings. It is easily applied in large material losses in the teeth. The choice of filling material is usually all ceramic and is also called porcelain filling.

Inlay and onlay fillings are fillings that are prepared and produced on the model in the laboratory environment and bonded to the tooth by the dentist. They are made with appropriate materials in teeth that have undergone root canal treatment, allowing the tooth to be restored without further loss of material.

What are the Differences between Inlay and Onlay Filling?

Inlays and onlays differ according to the area they are applied as filling and the size of the caries. The difference between them can be listed as follows:

Inlay Filling: It is applied in tissue losses that do not include the upper parts of the teeth called tubercles. It is produced depending on the structure of the tooth and the size of the decay and is adhered to the inside of the tooth. 

Onley Filling: These fillings, which are applied for cavities on the upper part of the teeth, are usually large. They are produced depending on the structure of the tooth and the size of the decay.

How to do Inlay and Onlay Filling

Some procedures are performed before inlay and onlay fillings are applied. The main purpose of inlay and onlay fillings is to protect and preserve the natural tooth structure. Inlay and Onlay filling procedures include the following steps: 

Examination and Planning: The dentist examines the teeth and identifies damaged or decayed areas. Inlay and onlay fillings are used as aesthetic fillings that correct the inner or outer surfaces of the teeth.

Anesthesia Application: Local anesthesia is applied to prevent pain or discomfort during the procedure.

Preparation of the Damaged Area: The area around the damaged tooth is cleaned and its shape is corrected. Inlay filling is applied on the inner surface of the tooth and onlay filling is applied on the outer surface.

Measurement: Measurements of the teeth are taken and a special model is created in the laboratory.

Preparation of Fillings: The dentist chooses the type of inlay or onlay filling based on the specific model and these fillings are prepared in the laboratory. A temporary filling can also be applied at this stage.

Permanent Filling Placement: Specially prepared inlay or onlay filling is placed permanently by the dentist. The filling is placed in accordance with the shape and color of the tooth.

Finishing and Polishing: After the filling is placed, the dentist will finish and polish the filling surface properly. Thus, it becomes compatible with natural teeth.

Final Check and Adjustments: The dentist checks the results of the procedure and, if necessary, makes adjustments to suit the structure of the mouth.

Advantages of Inlay and Onlay Filling

The advantages of inlay and onlay filling can be listed as follows:

• It is prepared and produced on the model in the laboratory environment and is compatible with the teeth.
• Their contact with the side teeth is very good, their durability is high.
• The risk of discoloration is low and they are aesthetic. 
• Only the damaged part of the tooth is treated and the natural tooth tissue is preserved. 
• Because it completely envelops the tooth, the possibility of caries is very low.
• Compared to other fillers, hard-to-reach parts can be reached more easily and effective results are obtained.