Restorative Dentistry – A Guide to Dental Inlays and Onlays

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Dental inlays and onlays are dental restorations that many patients find preferable to traditional fillings and crowns. Those who favor them feel that they provide a more secure, precise, and longer-lasting solution to cavities, tooth decay, and chipped teeth.

The difference between an inlay and an onlay versus a traditional filling is how it is shaped and fitted into the tooth. Whereas a filling is molded directly into the tooth cavity where it subsequently solidifies, inlays and onlays are molded into shape in a dental lab and then fitted to the damaged tooth by family dentists or cosmetic dentists.

When the restoration is made to the middle of the tooth, it is classified as an "inlay," as opposed to an "onlay" which is used to repair tooth damage that involves a "cusp," or protruding point.

Therefore, inlays are most often used in place of dental fillings for cavities, and onlays are an alternative to dental crowns.

Why choose dental inlays and onlays over their more traditional and common alternatives? There are several reasons:

Preserving Your Teeth: Because all the work on an inlay or onlay is done in a lab and the result is inserted into the tooth only after it is completed, as much as possible of your natural tooth material is preserved. When you have a filling or get a crown made, the dentist has to sand down and chip away at even more of your tooth before he even gets to work on the restorative process.

More Durable Material: Resin-based tooth fillings and traditional crowns are known for wearing away, breaking down, chipping, and cracking over time. How many times have you known someone who had to go in for an unexpected dental procedure because his crown popped off or broke? It happens constantly. Inlays and onlays often fit better and require less material, and the material that is used is stronger and more durable.

A Better Fit: Traditional fillings that harden after the procedure have a reputation for shrinking over time. This can open up new cavities which will necessitate additional filling material. Likewise, full crowns can be bulky and uncomfortable when fitted onto your tooth. Inlays and onlays use the minimum amount of material necessary, and that material is immutable in shape and size, meaning it won't wear away or erode and leave you open for new decay.

Less Discoloration: It should be noted that fillings have come a long way from the ostentatious, shiny gold material that was used for decades. The resin used in modern fillings is formulated to be the same color as your tooth, so after the filling is inserted and it solidifies, no one will notice it is there unless they look extremely closely. However, over time, this material is much more susceptible to discoloration than is your natural tooth enamel. Inlays and onlays, on the other hand, possess the same protective qualities against discoloration that your teeth do. That means as long as you take the proper measures to keep your teeth white and free from stains, your inlays or onlays will uphold their white coloring as well.

If you are seeking professional dental advice, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care. Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal. Call today for an appointment. Visit http://shumwaydental.com/.

Dental X-Rays Are Safer Than They Used to Be

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One of the most important tools family dentists use is the dental x-ray. X-rays allow dentists to determine conditions that may not be evident during visual examination. Hidden conditions, such as root disease, impacted teeth and problems of the jaw can be found. Problems that may affect successful rejuvenation of teeth can be detected by cosmetic dentists. Today, both x-ray equipment and techniques have been refined to a high level of precision that makes them safer than ever.

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How Does a Dentist Determine if Someone is a Dental Implant Candidate?

Dental implants have revolutionized tooth replacement for those who have lost teeth due to disease or injury. However, a number of factors affect whether dental implants are recommended for your individual needs. Family dentists can do a preliminary assessment of whether you would be a good candidate for dental implants.

General Health

Cosmetic dentists generally assess the overall health of patients before they begin any kind of dental procedure. These questions allow the dental professional to ascertain whether any issue exists that could affect tooth health, gum condition or the treatment itself. Getting dental implants require that you be in good general health and not have any medical problem that might affect the procedures necessary to place the implants and heal gum tissues.

Condition of the Bones

The condition of the bones that make up the tooth socket also has an important bearing on the ability to hold an implant. Bone density can be reduced by age or tooth loss. If you do not have enough bone to hold an implant, your dentist may have to graft on new bone. This process can add additional time to the implant process, but it will ensure that the implant holds securely.

Gum Disease

If you have long-standing, untreated gum disease, you should not get dental implants. Implants require healthy tissue to form around the implant after placement. You should first get the gum condition treated, and then talk to your dental professional about receiving implants.

Existing Systemic Disease

If you have been diagnosed with certain systemic diseases, they may affect your ability to achieve success with dental implants. Family dentists may inquire whether you have diabetes, leukemia or cancer, which can all affect the ability of the tissues to heal around the implant. If you have received radiation for cancer, it may also affect healing. Also, individuals with connective tissue disease, hemophilia and immune system disorders are not good candidates for dental implants.

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Pregnancy

Most dental experts believe that it is better to wait until after the birth before doing implant treatment. Diagnostic and antibiotic treatments that normally occur during implant procedures may have a detrimental impact on the fetus. It is much safer to wait until after the birth before proceeding with implant treatment.

Smoking and Alcoholism

People who smoke have reduced circulation to the mouth tissues, which can affect healing when placing implants. You can help to ensure success with your implants by quitting smoking before your treatments begin. Similarly, excessive use of alcohol or drugscan also affect the ability of tissues to heal properly. Getting treatment for this condition before treatment will help to achieve a successful outcome with the implants.

Motivated To Care For the Implants

In many ways, the same care the patient must do to preserve their natural teeth is required to care for dental implants. Daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular visits to the dentists, are required to ensure that the gums remain healthy and the implants remain stable. If implants become damaged, the patient must have them repaired or replaced.

Most patients find that dental implants are good replacements for natural teeth. Your dentist will provide a thorough evaluation of your dental and overall health to ensure a successful implant experience.

If you are seeking professional dental advice, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care. Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal. Call today for an appointment. Visit http://shumwaydental.com/.