How Amalgam Onlays and Inlays Help in Treating Tooth Decay

When treating tooth decay your dentist aims to remove the infection, improve tooth functionality, and appearance. Therefore, using a minimally invasive dental procedurecan still achieve the above goals. If you have large cavities, instead of using dental crowns, amalgam Onlays and inlays can be an efficient alternative.

Restorative dental procedures such as Onlays and inlays improve your dental function as well as your smile when you have tooth decay or damage.

What Are Dental Onlays and Inlays?

You can consider Inlays or Onlays to be advanced types of dental fillings. These types of fillings are solid materials that your general dentist in Westwood, MA, inserts in your tooth when you have suffered tooth decay or damage. The purpose of the inlays and Onlays is to preserve the tooth structure and prevent further tooth decay.

Inlays and Onlays have some differences. While an inlay is only visible on along the top of the tooth, Onlays can cover a part of the tooth or the entire cusp of your tooth. However, both dental filling options have internal components. Before proceeding with placing the fillings, your dentist will examine your teeth and determine which one suits your condition.

Apart from amalgam inlays and Onlays, there are composite resins ones. Amalgam fillings provide strength and are durable. Therefore, you don’t need regular replacements.

Amalgam fillings are metal alloys, and one can notice you have had a dental filling. If you want aesthetic fillings, our dentist in Westwood Ma can provide tooth-colored inlays.

The Procedure of Getting Amalgam Onlays and Inlays

At our office, which is formerly the dental clinic of Dr. Donald J. Mclellan DDS, we provide inlays and Onlays when you have tooth cavities due to decay or want a replacement. We also remove traditional fillings and replace them with Onlays or inlays for better protection of your tooth.

The procedure for both Onlays and inlays is virtually the same and requires two dental visits. When receiving inlays and Onlays in Westwood, MA, your dentist will begin by removing decayed and damaged parts of your tooth. Next, the dentist will clean the areas with antiseptics to eliminate bacteria that can encourage tooth decay.

Your dentist will then take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental lab for custom crafting. Since amalgam fillings are made of silver or gold alloys, your dentist will not need to choose a shade that matches your natural teeth.

As you wait for a permanent Onlay or inlay, your dentist will place a temporary one. When your dental restoration is ready, the dentist will schedule a second appointment. During the second appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary inlay or Onlay and replace it with a new one.

Your dentist can also check your bite and schedule regular appointments for maintenance and care.

Why Should I Consider Getting Amalgam Onlays or Inlays?

As an alternative for dental fillings and crowns,  amalgamOnlays and inlays possess the following benefits:

• Superior dental support. When you have a large tooth cavity, Onlays or inlays would be ideal than traditional fillings. Since they are metal alloys, they provide strong support and offer durability.
• Fit perfectly. When creating Onlays and inlays, your dentist takes impressions of your mouth and sends them to a dental lab to help in crafting. Therefore, your Onlays and inlays fit perfectly into your teeth.
• Preserve tissues. When you have big cavities, you can use dental crowns to restore tooth functionalities. Dental crowns require the shedding of some parts of your enamel. Unlike crowns, Onlays and inlays require removing only the decayed parts of your tooth.

Maintenance of Your Amalgam Inlays and Onlays

When you have amalgam inlays or inlays, you don’t require specialized care. At Westwood Dental Group, we recommend you follow your good oral hygiene routine. Good oral hygiene prevents the multiplication of bacteria that cause decay in your mouth.

A good oral hygiene routine should consist of the following.

• Brushing at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing once in a day
• Regular visits to your oral hygienist for dental cleanings

To ensure your toothbrush is effective in removing debris on your tooth surfaces, dentists recommend changing it every three months. You should also rinse your toothbrush and store it in a clean place.