Fillings, Inlays and Onlays
A filling is placed into a tooth by removing the area of decay and placing a material back into the tooth to fill the hole. This material can be placed directly
using white plastic (composite or glass ionomer) or Amalgam (silver mercury).
Fillings that are made in the laboratory are stronger and longer lasting. These types of restorations called inlays when they are within the confines of the walls of the tooth, or onlays when the material covers the tooth cusps. The modern porcealain materials in the form of Lithium disilicate or zirconia are very strong and aesthetic. The option for gold inlays and onlays remain as a strong, long lasting restoration that is kind to the opposing tooth however the costs and colour often cause patients to choose the white porcelain restoration instead.
Dr. Shasha and the team at Smiles Dental in Aurora will prepare your tooth by removing the old filling and the decay, and will determine if the tooth is best restored by an in the lab fabrcated restoration. If lab fabricated a temporary filling will be placed and the inlay/onlay is bonded to place a few days later. Having an in house dental lab often allows the restorations to be custom fabricated quickly with on site adjustments in both the bite, fit and the colour!
