When individual back teeth are broken down but some good healthy tooth structure remains, porcelain inlays and onlays are the material of choice. There are many different tooth colored materials today. This is a beautiful and conservative lab fabricated procedure. Only the unstable and decayed areas of the tooth are removed. An impression is made and sent to the laboratory. The temporary filling is in place for about two weeks. Then the inlay or onlay is bonded into the remaining tooth with the curing light.
Treatment Time
Usually two appointments of approximately one to two hours for up to four teeth. Expect to spend more time as additional teeth or more extensive treatment is included.
Patient Maintenance
Care in biting hard objects to avoid fracturing. Fluoride treatments once yearly along with the use of fluoride toothpaste and flossing every day.
Results of Treatment
Porcelain inlays and onlays provide a conservative, natural looking restoration.
Average Range of Treatment Life Expectancy
Ten to fifteen years. Life expectancy is directly proportional to problems with tissue, fracture, and the danger of decay.
Cost
Approximately $1400 to $1800 per tooth.
Advantages
- Less tooth structure removed than with crowns
- Most natural of all restorations
- Longer life than composite resin
- Offers latitude in improving tooth form
- Takes less time than a crown
- Feels most natural of all restorations
Disadvantages
- Can fracture
- Requires anesthesia
- Altered tooth form
- Is irreversible
- May trigger pulp irritation
- May induce tooth sensitivity for a short time