In certain cases where a tooth has damage too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough for a full crown, inlays or onlays are an ideal option for restoration.
Both inlays and onlays are considered indirect fillings, meaning they are created outside the mouth (usually in a dental lab) and later bonded to the tooth. This contrasts with direct fillings, which are applied directly into the cavity in a single office visit.
An inlay fits within the cusps (the little points) of a back tooth (premolar or molar), while an onlay covers one or more of these cusps.
How It Works
The procedure for getting an inlay or onlay is similar to getting a crown but with less reshaping of the natural tooth. This makes inlays and onlays a more conservative treatment, as they preserve more of your tooth structure compared to a crown.
1
Preparation
The tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic, and any decay is removed.
2
Impression
After preparing the tooth, an impression is taken and sent to a dental lab, where the inlay or onlay is crafted. This can be made from materials such as gold tooth-colored ceramic or resin.
3
Temporary Filling
A temporary filling is placed to protect the tooth until the permanent restoration is ready.
4
Final Placement
During your follow-up visit, the inlay or onlay is attached using a resin that hardens with light or special permanent cement.
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