You already know that your dentist can fix your cavities. What you may not know is that there’s more than one option for that. Specifically, you can get fillings, inlays, or onlays. Depending on the nature of your cavities, one solution may be more appropriate than the other. To help you prepare for an appointment, here are the differences between them.

Fillings

As the most well-known solution, fillings are ideal for most cavities. After removing the decayed parts of your tooth and cleaning it out, the dentist will fill the empty space with a substance typically made from metal, porcelain, glass, resin, or some combination of these items. This effectively seals the tooth, shielding it from further infection while restoring its structure so you can use it normally again.

Inlays

Sometimes, cavities are too big for a typical filling, so the dentist suggests an inlay instead. Like fillings, an inlay can be fashioned out of a variety of materials, most commonly metal or porcelain. It’s molded to fit the shape of your affected tooth, including its grooves. Then, the dentist bonds it to the tooth with an adherent. This way, it accomplishes the same purpose as a regular filling: guarding your tooth against more harm while recreating its original shape.

Onlays

There are many similarities between inlays and onlays. For example, they’re often created from the same materials, and they both offer the same protection that fillings do. The main difference is that onlays are more effective for cavities that are large or broad enough to affect the cusps—the pointy parts—of a tooth rather than the inside. An onlay would be sculpted to look just like your tooth and be bonded to its surface.

To find a dentist who can provide these solutions for you, visit Family Dental Center in Chillicothe, Circleville or Jackson Ohio. Having provided general and cosmetic dentistry to the community for nearly four decades, they’re extensively trained in knowing what would work well for your situation. They also offer root canal and tooth extractions, along with dental implants and veneers to replace lost teeth. For more details call (740) 773-4066 or visit their website.