Inlays and onlays are two types of dental restorations designed to restore large defects that have appeared in the posterior teeth because of caries or fracture. It is the best choice when the extent of the damage does not allow the fitting of a filling. Accordingly, full coverage of the tooth with a dental crown requires further preparation of tooth that is already overworked and in pain.
The dentist is following respectively the same steps with those for the preparation of a dental crown. The impression of patient’s dentition is sent to the dental laboratory for fabricating the restoration either of ceramic material (porcelain) or of composite resin. On the next appointment the inlay/onlay is checked for its integrity, fitting and color matching. Then the restoration is bonded to the tooth under absolute saliva control.
