Day: October 12, 2023

Inlays and Onlays: What are They And When are They Needed?Inlays and Onlays: What are They And When are They Needed?

October 12, 2023| Meredith Fraire| 0 Comment| 12:00 am

You may have heard the terms “inlays” and “onlays” from your Dentist and wondered what they mean. Simply stated, they are a dental care treatment to repair cavities, tooth decay, wear from bite force, tooth trauma, and small fractures.

Inlays and onlays are similar to filings and crowns, but differ in the following ways:

Fillings are used for small cavities and are best for the sides of teeth.
Inlays are used in place of fillings when only a small amount of tooth structure has been lost to decay. Inlays are used when a cavity requires stronger materials to fortify the tooth.
Onlays are for substantial cavities that don’t cover the entire tooth surface.
Crowns are used when there is deeper decay or larger tooth fractures, and tooth reshaping is needed.

What is an inlay?

An inlay replaces decayed tooth enamel. Once your cavity is removed, your dentist places your inlay on the chewing surface of your tooth. Your inlay is custom designed to fit the area between tooth cusps. Inlays are created using an imprint of the affected areas and are manufactured in a dental lab. This means they provide greater strength because they fit your teeth perfectly. Inlays are also better at preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible.

Inlays are made from tooth colored ceramic, porcelain or a composite material that is stronger than traditional fillings. Porcelain in particular can be perfectly matched to the color of your teeth. Porcelain naturally bonds to teeth. This bonding process improves the strength of your tooth.

Inlays vs. fillings

There are many benefits of inlays compared to fillings:

Inlays preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible.
With natural tooth structure in place, it’s easier to clean your teeth.
Inlays work better than fillings for larger cavities in the center of the tooth.
Porcelain inlays are more stable than amalgam or composite fillings which can expand and contract, causing cracks. This makes fillings ideal for the sides of teeth, while inlays are more durable for chewing surfaces.
Porcelain inlays are a biocompatible material. They strengthen teeth and can handle 75% more chewing force.
Inlays are custom-made by using an impression to fit perfectly to your teeth.

Inlays have a few disadvantages in comparison to fillings. When choosing between the two, you and your dentist should take the following into account:

Fillings can be placed in one visit. Lab-manufactured inlays usually require two visits.
Fillings are less expensive.
In the event of damage, repairing an inlays is more difficult.

What is an onlay?

Onlays are recommended when a cavity is too big to fill, but too small for a crown. Onlays are also called partial crowns. This is because they cover a portion of the tooth. Onlays are placed to preserve natural tooth structure.

Onlays are custom manufactured in a lab. Our onlays are made of porcelain from an exact imprint of your teeth. The porcelain naturally bonds with your tooth to add strength. The porcelain used in both inlays and onlays is perfectly color-matched to your surrounding teeth.

Onlays vs. crowns

Onlays and crowns differ in size and location. Crowns are an excellent restorative solution when significant wear or decay has occurred. They either extend down the sides of your tooth or cover the tooth. Onlays are smalle. They fit over the biting surface of your tooth and extend to cover the cusps.

Dental professionals often recommend an onlay to:

Preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible.
provide additional strength to your tooth.

If you’re not sure whether you need inlays, onlays, crowns or fillings, we encourage you to reach out to a dental professional for a consultation! Alternatively, click the link below if you’d like to learn more about the services and procedures involving inlays and onlays!

Discover Inlays

2023’s blueprint: Behind The Scenes: The Real-life Challenges Of Our Nursing Protectors.2023’s blueprint: Behind The Scenes: The Real-life Challenges Of Our Nursing Protectors.

October 12, 2023| Meredith Fraire| 0 Comment| 12:00 am

Nursing is not just a job—it’s a vocation. Serving as the beating heart of healthcare, nurses are often heralded for their unwavering dedication to their patients and for their crucial role in patient care. Yet, behind this commitment lies a maze of challenges that many in the profession must navigate daily.

From the outset, the physical demands of the job are evident. Nurses are constantly on their feet, Moving from one patient to another, assisting with transfers, administering treatments, and managing a myriad of tasks. This non-stop momentum can strain their bodies, sometimes leading to fatigue and even injuries.

Yet, it isn’t just the physicality of the role that weighs heavily. The emotional spectrum that nurses experience is vast and intense. They are there in the most critical moments of a person’s life, from birth to sometimes the final breath. This means bearing witness to suffering, joy, grief, and recovery. Over time, the emotional toll can manifest in burnout, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed, especially when dealing with the loss of a patient or confronting traumatic scenarios.

Moreover, the modern healthcare environment is complex and often unpredictable. With institutions running 24/7, nurses find themselves working long hours, night shifts, and even through holidays. This not only disrupts their personal lives but can also lead to sleep disturbances and affect their overall well-being.

Understaffing has also become a significant concern in many healthcare settings. business. When there aren’t enough hands on deck, nurses invariably find themselves managing more than their usual patient loads. This overburden not only amplifies the physical and emotional strains but can sometimes risk compromising the quality of patient care

Staying updated is another pressure point. The world of medicine is in a constant state of evolution. With emerging technologies, treatments, and medical knowledge, nurses must be perennial learners. But amid their hectic schedules, carving out time for continuous learning becomes a challenge of its own.

Explore proactive measures to revive and rejuvenate nursing staff ensuring their long-term well-being and satisfaction

Interprofessional dynamics further add to the mix. A hospital or healthcare setting is a mosaic of professionals, each with their specific expertise and perspective. Disagreements, especially concerning patient care or treatment plans, can arise. Navigating these professional waters requires tact, patience, and clear communication.

Safety is a constant underpinning concern in nursing. organisation. Whether it’s potential exposure to infections, especially during times of health crises, or dealing with difficult patient situations, nurses often find themselves on the frontline of these challenges. Moreover, the use of various medical tools and drugs requires precision and care to ensure their safety and that of their patients

Empowering Nurses: Promoting Resilience and Preventing Burnout

An added layer is the administrative duties. The importance of accurate patient records, charts, and documentation cannot be overstated. However, the hours spent on paperwork can often feel like a diversion from their primary role—caring for patients.

Lastly, perception matters. While many people value and recognize the immense contributions of nurses, some tend to undervalue their skills, seeing them merely in adjunct roles rather than skilled professionals in their own right. Changing this narrative is essential for the morale and professional satisfaction of nurses.

Their roles, replete with challenges, demand recognition, support, and continuous learning opportunities. By addressing these challenges head-on and fostering a culture of respect and care, we can ensure the well-being of these frontline heroes and, in turn, the health of the communities they serve.