Inlays, Onlays, and Overlays

Inlays, Onlays, and Overlays: What Are They?

When your tooth is damaged or has a cavity that is too big for a regular filling but not damaged enough for a crown, inlays, onlays, and overlays are good options to fix it.

What is an Inlay?

An inlay is like a puzzle piece that fits into the grooves of your tooth. It repairs the area inside the cusps (the pointed parts) of your tooth. Inlays are used when a cavity or decay affects the center of the tooth, but the outer structure is still strong.

What is an Onlay?

An onlay is similar to an inlay, but it covers a larger area. It not only fills the center of the tooth but also extends over one or more of the cusps. This is helpful when part of your tooth’s outer structure is also damaged, but a full crown isn’t needed.

What is an Overlay?

An overlay is like a partial crown. It covers the entire biting surface of the tooth, including all of the cusps. It’s used when a large portion of the tooth is damaged or weakened, but the tooth can still be saved without a full crown.

Benefits of Inlays, Onlays, and Overlays

– They strengthen your tooth.
– They are more durable than regular fillings.
– They help preserve more of your natural tooth.

Talk to your dentist to find out which option is best for you!

Post-Operative Instructions for Crown Cementation (Dental)

After the placement of a dental crown, proper care is essential to ensure the restoration stays in place and the surrounding tissues heal properly. Below are the post-operative instructions following crown cementation:

Anesthesia Effects

Numbness : If local anesthesia is used, avoid chewing or biting down on your crown until the numbness wears off to prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
Avoid hot or cold drinks until the numbness fully subsides.

Avoid Chewing on the Restored Tooth

Wait 24-48 hours : Refrain from chewing on the side of your mouth where the crown was placed for the first 24-48 hours, especially if you have a temporary crown. This will allow the cement to be fully set and prevent damage or dislodgement.
Chew on the opposite side of your mouth until your dentist confirms that the crown is properly seated and stable

Sensitivity

Sensitivity : Some mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is common after crown placement, especially if the underlying tooth had previous treatment, such as a root canal. This usually improves within a few days to a week.
Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth if the sensitivity is bothersome. If it persists or is severe, contact your dentist.

Care with Temporary Crowns (if applicable)

If you were given a temporary crown before the permanent one was placed, be cautious:
Avoid sticky or hard foods : Sticky foods like caramel or chewing gum can pull off the temporary crown.
Avoid biting directly on the temporary crown : Try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth to prevent damaging it.
Keep it clean : Brush and floss gently around the temporary crown, but be careful not to dislodge it. If it comes off, contact your dentist immediately.

Oral Hygiene

Brush and floss carefully : After the cementation of the permanent crown, it is essential to continue brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing regularly. However, be gentle around the crown to avoid disturbing the restoration.
Avoid brushing the crown with excessive force : Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging the crown or the gum tissue around it.

Diet

Avoid sticky, hard, or crunchy foods : For the first 24-48 hours, avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods (e.g., ice, hard candy, popcorn) as they may stress the crown or disturb the cement.
Eat soft foods : During this period, focus on softer foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, soup, and cooked vegetables to protect the crown.

Pain or Discomfort

Mild discomfort : Some discomfort or mild pain after the cementation is normal and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen.Unusual pain or discomfort : If you experience significant pain, discomfort when biting, or a sensation that the crown doesn’t fit properly, contact your dentist. The crown may need to be adjusted.

Check for Proper Bite

Bite issues : You may notice an uncomfortable feeling when biting down, especially if the crown feels too high or uneven. Contact your dentist if you feel the crown is affecting your bite. Your dentist will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the crown fits properly.

Long-Term Care

Regular dental visits : Continue regular dental checkups (every 6 months) to ensure your crown stays in good condition and your overall oral health is maintained.
Avoid grinding or clenching : If you have a habit of grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw, consider discussing a night guard with your dentist to protect your crown and natural teeth.

Contact Your Dentist

Crown loosening or dislodgement : If the crown becomes loose or falls off, contact your dentist immediately. Do not try to re-cement it yourself.
Severe pain or discomfort : If you experience severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection, such as increased redness, pus, or tenderness around the crown, contact your dentist as soon as possible.

By following these post-operative instructions, you’ll help ensure that your crown stays in place, heals properly, and continues to function effectively for many years. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist.

Inlays, Onlays, and Overlays