Onlays / Inlays

Gold Onlay / Gold Inlay

More conservative than a crown, inlays and onlays are two methods of restoring normal tooth structure after decay or other damage. Inlays and onlays are known as indirect fillings because unlike a standard filling that is done in a dentist's office, both are made in a laboratory and cemented or bonded to the surface of the tooth during a second visit to the dentist. Also, unlike standard fillings, inlays and onlays do not weaken the tooth structure, but actually strengthens it.

An inlay is done when the tooth structure replaced is within the cusp tips of the tooth. If the damage is more extensive and the new structure covers the entire chewing surface including one or more tooth cusps, the procedure is called an onlay

Advantages

• It is biocompatible, gold is well tolerated by the human body
• No known allergic reactions
• Durable and strong with no discolouration
• Decreases the possibility of cariosis because bacteria cannot settle on its surface
• It lasts as long as 25-30 years in the case of proper oral hygiene

 Disadvantages

•  It is more expensive than other materials
•  Its yellowish shade does not always meet the aesthetic expectations of the client
•  It conducts heat