Benefits of CAD/CAM Inlays and Onlays

CAD/CAM technology, or computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing, is now commonly used in many professional fields, including dentistry. This tech is used in many different procedures that take place in the dentist’s chair, one of which is the placement of inlays and onlays. These are typically used to replace old fillings. Inlays are similar to fillings placed on the inside of the tooth cusps, while onlays are placed on the surfaces. CAD/CAM tech used in conjunction with the placement of inlays and onlays means your restorative procedure will be a speedier, safer, and more efficient process.

Three Main Benefits

There are three main advantages of using CAD/CAM technology when getting an inlay or onlay. The process previously took more than one appointment. Your San Francisco dentist would need to take an impression of the area in question, which would then need to be sent to a lab for the restoration to be made. Now your inlays and onlays can be made right in the office and the procedure completed in just one appointment.

The outcome of the process is much more predictable than it used to be, thanks to these new resources. Your new restoration will likely require less modification both when first placed and later on as you are getting used to the filling. This means even fewer visits to the dental office overall.

The material used in CAD/CAM inlays and onlays also offers benefits. Your new restoration will be made of porcelain, typically safer than the previously used metal amalgam. This lessens the possibility of exposure to mercury, and best recreates the natural tooth.