Dentistry focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating conditions of the teeth, gums, and oral structures, supporting oral health and overall well-being.
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Recognizing the symptoms that indicate the need for dental inlays and onlays is essential to preventing further tooth deterioration. Often, these symptoms arise when a tooth has been weakened by previous dental work or when a new fracture occurs. Patients may not always feel sharp pain, but they might notice subtle changes in how the tooth feels during daily activities. At Liv Hospital, we educate patients to look for signs of structural failure, such as persistent sensitivity or the feeling of a tooth “giving way” under pressure. Identifying these symptoms early allows for a more conservative restoration, potentially saving the tooth from needing a more invasive full-coverage crown or root canal treatment.
The most common symptoms are often related to the tooth’s internal response to external changes.
Understanding Dentinal Sensitivity
When the enamel is compromised, the underlying dentin becomes exposed, leading to various sensations.
Oral health is a key component of general health. The mouth is the entry point to the digestive and respiratory tracts, and it is full of bacteria, most of which are harmless. However, poor oral hygiene can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, which can result in oral infections. This can lead to tooth decay (caries) and gum disease, which have been linked to other conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Many patients who require inlays and onlays dental work are those with large, aging silver or composite fillings. Over time, these materials can expand and contract, leading to micro-cracks in the surrounding tooth structure. Symptoms of a failing restoration include a metallic taste, visible gaps between the filling and the tooth, or a feeling of looseness. At Liv Hospital, we closely monitor these older restorations. If a filling occupies more than half the tooth’s width, it often puts the remaining walls at risk of fracturing, making a transition to an onlay a proactive and necessary step to preserve the tooth’s integrity.
A fractured cusp is a frequent reason for seeking inlay and onlay dental care. This often happens suddenly while chewing something complicated, but the underlying weakness may have been present for years. The symptoms include a sudden, sharp pain that resolves quickly, followed by pressure sensitivity. In some cases, the patient may even feel a piece of the tooth break off. Liv Hospital specialists emphasize that even if the pain is not constant, a fractured cusp leaves the tooth’s internal pulp vulnerable to bacteria. An onlay is specifically designed to “shoe” the tooth, covering the broken area and preventing the crack from spreading deeper into the root.
When decay or structural damage is left untreated, it can lead to chronic inflammation of the dental pulp, known as pulpitis. Symptoms include a dull, aching pain that may worsen at night or when lying down. While an inlay or onlay is used to restore the external structure, its primary biological function is to protect the internal pulp. At Liv Hospital, we assess whether the tooth’s symptoms are reversible. If the discomfort is caught early, placing a well-sealed ceramic restoration can often reduce inflammation and prevent the need for a root canal, underscoring the importance of timely intervention.
Sometimes the symptoms are not painful but are related to the gradual wear and tear of the teeth. Patients with bruxism (teeth grinding) may notice that their teeth are becoming shorter, flatter, or more translucent at the edges. This loss of tooth structure can lead to a collapsed bite and aesthetic concerns. Ceramic inlays and onlays can be used to restore the lost height and shape of the teeth. Liv Hospital clinicians look for these signs of attrition during routine exams, as restoring the occlusal surface can prevent the progression of wear and protect the patient’s overall jaw function.
Recurrent decay occurs when bacteria seep under an existing restoration. The symptoms are often silent until the decay is extensive, but some patients may notice a persistent bad breath or a localized bad taste. This is frequently caused by marginal leakage, where the seal of a filling has failed. Because dental inlays and onlays are fabricated with such high precision, they offer a much better marginal fit than direct fillings. At Liv Hospital, we use diagnostic tools to identify these leaks early, replacing the failed filling with a custom-fit inlay or onlay to provide a more durable and airtight seal.
Structural issues with a tooth can also manifest as symptoms in the surrounding gums. If a tooth has a large cavity or a broken wall at the gum line, it can cause chronic irritation, leading to redness, swelling, and bleeding in that specific area. This is often because the tooth’s natural contour, which usually protects the gums during chewing, has been lost. By placing an onlay, we can restore the tooth’s proper anatomical shape. Liv Hospital focuses on this periodontal aspect, ensuring that the new restoration supports healthy gum attachment and allows for easy cleaning.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Common signs include pain when biting, sensitivity to cold or sweets, and visible chips or cracks in your teeth.
Yes, pain during chewing is often a sign of a cracked cusp, which an onlay can stabilize and protect.
Old fillings can leak or crack over time, allowing bacteria to reach the sensitive inner parts of the tooth.
It can be; dark spots often indicate decay that has started under the surface and may require an inlay.
Yes, if a broken tooth has created a gap, an onlay can restore the proper shape and close that gap.
Most patients report mild to moderate discomfort rather than severe pain. The anesthesia wears off gently, and pain medication is provided for home use to manage any soreness.
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