What is a porcelain inlay/onlay?

Porcelain inlays and onlays are restorations used to repair back teeth that have suffered damage or decay.

What is the procedure for porcelain dental inlays/onlays? 

During your first visit, Dr. Krasowski will take an impression of your affected tooth and place the temporary inlay/onlay.  The impression will be sent off to the dental lab to create a porcelain inlay/onlay matching your other teeth.  When the permanent porcelain inlay/onlay is completed and returned, Dr. Krasowski will remove the temporary inlay/onlay and place the permanent inlay/onlay over the tooth.  Dr. Krasowski will then bond the permanent porcelain inlay/onlay to your tooth with high strength dental resins.

Will the procedure for placing porcelain inlays/onlays hurt?

No.  While you may experience mild tenderness in the affected area, the placement of porcelain inlays/onlays is generally a pain-free procedure.  However, Dr. Krasowski can always offer you the option of conscious sedation to assist and relax you during the procedure if you require.

What are the benefits of porcelain inlays/onlays?

Porcelain inlays and onlays have many benefits, including:

  • Helping to reduce or eliminate tooth sensitivity and eventual tooth loss
  • The use of porcelain makes the inlays/onlays virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth
  • By saving decayed or damages teeth, inlays/onlays prevent more extensive dental work later on down the road
  • The structure of porcelain inlays/onlays strengthens teeth by up to 75%
  • Porcelain inlays/onlays are more durable than conventional fillings
  • Porcelain inlays/onlays do not expand or contract in response to temperature changes the way metal fillings do.  This makes porcelain inlays/onlays less likely to weaken or fracture
  • Porcelain inlays/onlays require less tooth reduction in the placement procedure than conventional metal fillings
  • Porcelain inlays/onlays offer a much brighter, healthier, and natural smile than metal fillings

What kind of care do porcelain inlays/onlays require?

You can take care of your porcelain inlays/onlays the same as your other teeth by simply following good dental hygiene practices.  With regular brushing and flossing, your inlays/onlays should last just as long as your natural teeth.
For information on porcelain fillings in Wausau, Rhinelander, or Stevens Point, Wisconsin, contact our Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. John Krasowski.