Inlays and Onlays

Dental inlays and onlays are used to restore the back teeth that have decay or teeth that are cracked, fractured, or too deep to place a filling. Inlays and onlays are also used to replace old metal fillings. Dental inlays are used to treat decay within the cusps (top of tooth). Dental onlays treat decay that extends to more than one cusp. Onlays also help to conserve more tooth structure because their use requires minimal removal of a tooth’s surface. Perhaps their most important benefit, however, is that, in saving damaged teeth, onlays help patients avoid the eventual need for more extensive treatment with dental crowns, bridges, and implants. In treating dental decay, inlays and onlays help to eliminate tooth sensitivity and eventual tooth loss.

Inlay or onlay procedures are completed by our dentists at Absolute Smile  in just two dental visits.

During your first visit, your dentist will prepare the damaged tooth. An impression of the tooth is taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where an inlay or onlay is fabricated. This procedure is performed by the dentist in such a way that the patient feels no pain during the procedure.

Inlays and onlays can be made from gold, porcelain or resin materials. The difference is in the appearance of the finished restoration. A fitted, temporary inlay or onlay will be placed to protect the tooth while the final restoration is being fabricated.

During your second visit, the temporary is removed and your inlay or onlay is placed.

To find out more information about Inlays and Onlays please feel free to call 1-800-SMILE-47 and our staff will be more than happy to have you meet our dentists for your free consultation.