Dental Fillings vs. Onlays and Inlays: What Are the Differences?

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Dental Fillings vs. Onlays and Inlays: What Are the Differences?


If you have ever found yourself wondering about the differences between dental filling vs. onlays and inlays, you have come to the right place. This article will explore the key differences between these types of dental restorations and explain the types of situations each is used for.

While these restorations have unique differences, they are all devices used by dentists to fix one of the most common dental issues people deal with: tooth decay.

Tooth decay is a result of a person's teeth being exposed to acids for prolonged periods. Some of these acids come from the things the person consumes, like sugars and citrus fruits, while others are excreted by bacteria that live off food particles left in the mouth after meals. The bacteria form a thin, sticky film known as plaque and eat away at teeth enamel.

The enamel is the first part of a tooth typically affected by tooth decay, then cavities begin to form on the tooth. When left untreated, these cavities will continue to expand until it eventually makes its way to the pulp chamber. Once it reaches the pulp chamber, serious procedures like a root canal or extraction need to be performed to save the tooth.

Dental fillings vs. onlays and inlays

1. Fillings

Fillings are the first line of defense when it comes to dealing with tooth decay. It can be used to stop cavities in their tracks and prevent them from getting bigger. Fillings are one of the most affordable treatments provided by dentists and are very effective when it comes to dealing with tooth decay.

When getting fillings, the dentist will give the patient a shot of anesthetic, then begin to remove any decayed material on the tooth. Once it is clean, the dentist will apply the putty-like filling to the tooth. The filling will fill up the hole created by the cavity and restore the tooth's function.

Fillings can be made from a variety of materials, like silver amalgam, gold and composite resins.

2. Inlays and onlays

Inlays and onlays are similar to fillings, but they cover different areas of a tooth. An inlay is more similar to a filling, since it sits in a tooth's cusps. Onlays tend to cover more area outside the tooth and can cover the entire biting surface of a tooth. Like fillings, onlays and inlays can be made from a variety of materials. Ceramic onlays and inlays are quite popular, since they are hard to distinguish from real teeth.

Another main difference is how onlays and inlays are installed. Unlike fillings that only require a single visit to the dentist, onlays and inlays require two visits. During the first visit, the dentist will prepare the tooth for the restoration and remove any decayed material. An impression of the tooth is then taken and is sent to a lab where the restoration is made. The dentist might decide to insert a temporary filling in the meantime. During the second visit, the onlay or inlay is cemented into place.

Need a filling, onlay or inlay? Talk to one of our dentists today!

Go to for more information about the differences between dental fillings vs. onlays and inlays or call Gilroy Dental Associates at (408) 842-2818.

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