A Large Cavity on the Biting Surface of a Tooth Might Be Repaired with an Inlay or Onlay Dental Filling

Sometimes residual food deposits and plaque buildup can become trapped in the deep textures along the biting surfaces of your molars and premolars. If they are not cleared away by your daily oral hygiene regimen, these deposits can encourage a cavity to form.

When this happens the area of tooth decay can sometimes be large. In some cases, the compromised area might be too large for Dr. Tammy Perison to repair the tooth with an amalgam or composite resin dental filling.

To effectively treat a tooth in this condition, Dr. Tammy Perison might recommend using a special inlay or onlay dental filling.

An inlay might only be needed if the area of tooth decay is limited to the biting surface of the tooth. However, if the cavity extends beyond the occlusal area, Dr. Tammy Perison might recommend repairing the tooth with an onlay dental filling.

Both these types of dental fillings need to be prepared in a dental lab. Once all traces of tooth decay have been removed, our dentist will protect the area with a temporary dental filling.

You will need to return for a follow-up appointment when your inlay or onlay is ready. Once Dr. Tammy Perison cements it in place, the dental filling will restore the full strength and integrity of the tooth for many years to come.

If you have a cavity on one of your teeth and you are in the West Seneca, New York, area, you should call 716-674-5256 to have it treated at our dental office.