Porcelain fillings can be referred to as inlays or onlays depending on which part of the tooth is being restored. Inlays are generally performed when there is no damage to the cusps of the tooth and the porcelain can be placed into the center, or inner aspects of the tooth structure. Onlays are performed when there is more significant damage to the tooth, requiring porcelain to cover and/or replace a larger portion of tooth structure including the cusp or pointy aspect of the tooth.

Porcelain fillings are a stronger and more reliable type of filling than a bonding procedure. Porcelain fillings are created in a lab and are made from the very same porcelain that a porcelain crown is made from. These fillings are designed to cover a portion of your tooth rather than covering the entire tooth, as a crown would. A porcelain inlay or onlay is bonded into/onto the tooth having already been contoured perfectly in the dental lab, whereas a bonded filling is free-formed directly in the mouth so it has it’s limitations. The process composite material that begins as a viscous material and is turned into a hard material with a curing light in the dental office.

Procedure

Once treatment has been discussed and accepted, two appointments are made to start and finish the procedure

The first visit will include removal of decay and/or any old filling material from the tooth, followed by an impression that is taken of the tooth. The impression will be sent to our laboratory where your new restoration will be created. Your restoration will be returned to our office within approximately three weeks time. While your permanent restoration is being fabricated, a temporary restoration will be created in-office during your first appointment so that you leave the office smiling with your tooth looking as it did before the procedure was started.

Your second appointment is for the try-in of your porcelain filling. If it fits perfectly and you are satisfied with the color, it will be bonded into the tooth permanently. After the porcelain filling is bonded into the tooth, any excess bonding resin will be removed and the bite will be checked using carbon paper to determine if you are biting high on your new restoration. Any high spots will be removed and polished until the bite is perfect. Smile, you now have a beautiful dental restoration built to last for years.