FILLINGS

Fillings (Restorations)

Restorations (Also known as "Fillings") for teeth are used to repair cavities in the tooth from decay or trauma. Fillings now utilise a tooth coloured material made of resin and glass particles called composite. They are very aesthetic and are simple to place. After preparing the tooth, layers of composite are placed into the defect and hardened with a curing light. The filling is then shaped and polished smooth with the adjacent tooth. 

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Most fillings are suitable for composite, however, if larger fillings are needed or the space between the teeth is large a ceramic onlay may be the preferred treatment. 

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Ceramic Onlays

Ceramic Onlays are fillings that have been built in a laboratory out of ceramic to fit the tooth. Being constructed of much stronger ceramic materials they are better able to cope with biting force for large restorations. They are also much better at closing large gaps between teeth so that food doesn't get caught. Onlays have a greater initial cost than fillings but last much longer and, if done in time, are an excellent investment that can significantly extend the life of a tooth.

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Process and Appointments

Ceramic Onlays are completed over two appointments that are at least 2 weeks apart. 

 

Appointment 1 (Approx. Half an hour)

After the area is numbed with a local anaesthetic, the old filling or decayed area is removed. The surface of the tooth is prepared for the new filling. 

An impression (mould) of the tooth and the opposing teeth is taken. 

The impressions are sent to a dental technician (ceramist) who makes the Ceramic Onlay according to Dr. Logue's specifications. A temporary cover or filling is applied until the next visit. 

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Appointment 2 (Approx. Half an Hour)

At the second visit, the temporary cover or filling is removed and the new ceramic onlay is fitted. The onlay is the cemented/bonded with a powerful dental adhesive and polished. 

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Advantages of Onlays

• Strength is one of the major advantages of onlays. Filling usually weaken a tooth, but because onlays are bonded directly into the tooth, they can increase the overall strength of the tooth. 

• Ceramics can be made highly aesthetic and can be made to match the natural teeth. 

• They are durable. 

• They may prevent the need for a more complex crown. 

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Disadvantages of Onlays

• Onlays are more expensive due to the high-quality material used in their manufacture and the precision required in their fitting.

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