Inlays and Onlays

Dental inlays and onlays are an option when a sizeable portion of a tooth's biting surface is damaged or decayed.

Dental inlays fit inside the tooth. They are recommended when tooth damage or decay is relatively small. Inlays resemble fillings because they fit into a space in the tooth. However, they are created in a dental laboratory, whereas fillings are done in the dentist’s office.

Onlays cover the tooth’s outer surface and are called for when the damage or decay is more extensive. Onlays also are created in a dental lab, but they replace a greater portion of the surface area than inlays. Onlays sometimes are referred to as partial crowns.

When it comes to restoring a damaged or decayed tooth, inlays and onlays sometimes are preferable over dental fillings because they protect the tooth from fracturing and increase tooth strength. These dental options require less altering of the natural tooth’s structure. Therefore, they are popular among patients seeking a natural look.

The Procedure

It takes two or more appointments to make an inlay or onlay. The first appointment consists of numbing the tooth and shaping it to the proper proportion. An impression is taken to make a working model for the dental laboratory that will create the inlay or onlay.

While the inlay or onlay is created at the lab, the patient is fitted with a temporary restoration.

The following appointment is when the new inlay or onlay is fitted. The patient’s bite is checked to ensure the bite pattern does not change and that proper oral hygiene, such as flossing, can be performed. The restoration is then bonded or cemented in place. The end result is a restoration that fits perfectly into the prepared surface, which reduces the size of the seam between the tooth and the inlay or onlay. This helps keep decay from eventually occurring under the restoration.