Monthly Archives: April 2016

What Is The Difference Between an Inlay/Onlay and a Filling?

Restorative Dentistry, , , ,

Smiling woman with perfect teethTraditional fillings and dental crowns are two of the most common choices to help treat damaged teeth. The former for slightly damaged teeth, and the latter for heavily damaged ones.

Fillings and crowns, however, are not always the best options.

For example, fillings will only weaken the remaining structure of heavily damaged teeth. This may lead to the damaged teeth to break or crack, eventually needing a root canal treatment. Meanwhile, the capping of teeth that are not good candidates for fillings, but at the same time are also not good candidates for crowns, may lead to the unnecessary removal of tooth structure.

In such cases of structural damage, dentists can use inlays and onlays as an alternative to crowns and traditional dental fillings.

The main difference between inlays/onlays and fillings is that these dental appliances are fabricated in a dental lab before they’re fitted and bonded to the damaged tooth. This is unlike in fillings where they’re molded into place inside the mouth during a dental visit.

Inlays and Onlays

It’s important to take note that inlays and onlays are different. Although the difference is not huge, you’ll still want to know what makes one different from the other.

For dental inlays, they’re used to fill the space in between the cusps, or the area found at the center of the tooth’s surface. However, dental onlays may be used to cover more than one cusp or even the entire biting surface of the tooth.

Of the two, dental onlays are mainly used for teeth with extensive damage.

Materials

Inlays and onlays can be made either from porcelain or composite resin materials, or gold.

Of the said materials, gold inlays and onlays are considered the most durable, although they’re not exactly the most aesthetically pleasing. If aesthetics is a major concern, you’re better off with porcelain inlays and onlays.

Composite inlays and onlays may be a better choice for those who grind their teeth or those who suffer from a misaligned bite.

Advantages

  • Porcelain inlays and onlays are less likely to suffer from discoloration over the years when compared to porcelain fillings.
  • Inlays and onlays help preserve as much of the healthy tooth as possible and at the same time, the decayed and damaged areas are also restored.
  • Fillings may shrink during the curing process. However, inlays and onlays will not, which helps ensure an accurate and tight fit.
  • Inlays and onlays are dental restorations that typically last longer than fillings. Even better is that onlays help protect the weak areas of the tooth, further strengthening the weakened tooth.
  • When compared to fillings, inlays are easier to clean, stain-proof and are more durable. Inlays are also better at sealing teeth and keeping out bacteria.

Disadvantages

  • Since they have to be created in a dental lab, inlays and onlays will require much more time to complete. The typical procedure can take more than two weeks, which is a lot more when compared to the single appointment that the placement of a dental filling requires.
  • Inlays and onlays are also considered much more expensive compared to direct dental fillings.

 

Whether you need a tooth filling, a dental crown, or a dental inlay or onlay, what is important is that you do not delay treatment. Besides, regardless of which treatment you end up going for, your teeth will still thank you for it.

If you need to have a damaged tooth repaired, contact Dr. Clive Rosenbusch, DDS at 561-394-7888 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.cliverosenbuschdds.com for additional information regarding restorative dentistry.

Why Are My Teeth Sensitive To Hot and Cold?

General Dentistry, , ,

Professional dental brushingIf you’ve been avoiding cold and hot foods or beverages because of sensitivity in your teeth, it may be time that you try and find out the underlying cause for the pain.

Why Does It Happen?

Dentin, the primary material found inside each tooth, contains microscopic tubules full of tiny nerve endings. Then, on the outside, a much harder material considered as the hardest substance found in the human body known as enamel, covers pretty much the whole tooth.

Durable as the enamel may be, it is still possible for teeth to lose its protective covering, exposing dentin or the nerve endings to hot and cold food or beverages, resulting in pain.

What Causes It?

Why someone may have sensitive teeth can be narrowed down to the following causes:

  • The excessive use of a hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing too aggressively, resulting into the enamel wearing out prematurely.
  • Frequent exposure to highly acidic beverages and acidic foods resulting to tooth erosion.
  • Tooth decay, broken teeth and worn-out fillings that may expose dentin.
  • Exposed roots of the teeth due to gum recession.
  • Bruxism or the habitual grinding of teeth, especially when asleep.
  • A possibleside effect of certain dental treatments such as tooth bleaching, crowns, fillings and so on.

What You Can Do About It

The first step in getting rid of the pain that comes with tooth sensitivity is to talk to your dentist and have your teeth checked.

During your visit, it is best to describe when you first remembered feeling the pain, as well as what caused or triggered it. Also, tell your dentist about certain measures you’ve taken, such as applying a warm compress that had a positive effect.

Your dentist will have to check your mouth thoroughly to determine the reason behind your tooth sensitivity. Then, after a brief discussion, you can then choose the type of treatment you want to have to treat underlying cause.

Treatment may be something as simple as filling in a cavity, or having a worn filling replaced. However, it can also be as complex as having a gum graft conducted to help protect the exposed root surface or periodontal treatment to treat tooth decay, as well as to prevent it from reoccurring.

Other forms of treatment may be the application of an in-office fluoride gel that can help strengthen the tooth enamel. This may help reduce, or even eliminate, painful sensations.

You may also want to consider using desensitizing toothpastes instead of what you regularly use. Since they’re specially designed for sensitive teeth, you should feel less or even no pain at all with regular use. Also, you’ll want to use a toothbrush with soft-bristles and change it every time it’s worn out, or every two to three months, whichever comes first.

Still, the best thing that you can do, as mentioned earlier, is to set an appointment with your dentist today. Who knows, one visit may be all that it takes for you to be able to enjoy ice cream as you once did!

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your oral health, contact Dr. Clive Rosenbusch, DDS at 561-394-7888 to schedule an appointment today. Or visit www.cliverosenbuschdds.com for additional information regarding oral health.