Fillings, inlays, and onlays are dental restorations used to repair damaged or decayed teeth:
Fillings: Fillings are used to fill small to moderate cavities caused by decay. They can be made of various materials, including composite resin, amalgam, gold, or porcelain. The decayed portion of the tooth is removed, and the filling material is placed into the cavity to restore the tooth's shape and function.
Inlays: Inlays are custom-made restorations typically fabricated from porcelain, gold, or composite resin. They are used to repair larger cavities that cannot be adequately restored with a filling but do not require a full dental crown. Inlays are fabricated in a dental laboratory and then cemented into place onto the prepared tooth.
Onlays: Onlays, also known as partial crowns, are similar to inlays but cover a larger portion of the tooth's surface. They are used when the damage extends beyond the cusp of the tooth but does not require a full crown. Onlays are also custom-made in a dental laboratory and bonded onto the tooth.
These restorations aim to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible while restoring function and aesthetics to the tooth. Your dentist will determine the most appropriate option based on the extent of damage and the location of the tooth in the mouth.