Dental Inlays & Onlays

What Are Inlays & Onlays?

Dental inlays and onlays are restorations used to repair rear teeth (molars) that have a mild to moderate amount of tooth decay. They can also be used to restore teeth that are cracked or fractured if the damage is not severe enough to require a dental crown.

A dental inlay or onlay is bigger than a filling and smaller than a crown. It is bonded or cemented into place. An inlay is similar to a filling, but it lies within the cusps (bumps) on the chewing surface of your tooth. An onlay is larger than an inlay. It replaces one or more decayed cusps.

Inlays or onlays can be made of gold, composite resin (plastic), or ceramic. With proper care, they can last for 10 years or longer.

Preparation

Before the procedure, we’ll numb the treatment area with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. For patients who feel anxious or need extra relaxation, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or other sedation options may be offered.