When a tooth has damage beyond what a simple filling can repair but doesn’t yet need a full crown, inlays and onlays provide the perfect middle ground. These restorative dentistry solutions preserve more of your natural tooth structure while delivering lasting protection and a natural appearance.
Dr. Naylor and the team at Naylor Family Dental offer inlays and onlays as part of their comprehensive approach to preserving teeth. With personalized treatment plans crafted for Las Vegas patients, they help maintain healthy, functional smiles through conservative restorative options.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations that repair damaged or decayed teeth while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
Inlays
An inlay fits within the cusps (the raised points) of your tooth, similar to a filling but manufactured outside the mouth for a precise fit. This restoration works well for damage contained between the chewing surfaces of back teeth.
Onlays
An onlay extends over one or more cusps, covering a larger portion of the tooth’s chewing surface. Some dentists call these “partial crowns” because they protect more tooth structure than an inlay but less than a full dental crown.
Both restorations are typically made from porcelain, composite resin, or gold. Porcelain options are most popular because they match your natural tooth color and resist staining. Unlike traditional dental fillings placed directly into the prepared tooth, inlays and onlays are created in a dental lab from impressions of your teeth, then bonded into place during a second appointment.
When You Might Need an Inlay or Onlay
You might be a candidate for an inlay or onlay if you have a cavity too large for a standard filling but not extensive enough to warrant a full crown. These situations often arise when decay has compromised the structure between the cusps of a molar or premolar, or when an old filling has failed and needs replacement with a more durable material.
Your dentist will evaluate the following factors when recommending treatment:
- Extent of damage: The restoration must fit the size and location of the affected area, with inlays suited for damage between cusps and onlays better for damage extending over cusps.
- Tooth location: Back teeth handling heavy chewing forces are ideal candidates, while front teeth typically receive different treatments for aesthetic reasons.
- Remaining tooth structure: Sufficient healthy enamel must remain to support the restoration and maintain a strong bond.
- Oral health goals: If you prioritize preserving natural tooth structure and want a long-lasting solution, inlays and onlays align well with those objectives.
The choice between an inlay, onlay, or crown depends on how much tooth structure remains after removing decay.
The Inlay and Onlay Treatment Process
The process typically requires two appointments. During your first visit, your dentist numbs the area and removes any decay or damaged tooth structure. After cleaning and preparing the tooth, they take impressions for your custom restoration. A temporary filling protects the tooth while the lab creates your inlay or onlay, which usually takes one to two weeks.
At your second appointment, the temporary filling comes out, and your dentist checks the fit of your new restoration. Once satisfied with the fit and appearance, they permanently bond the inlay or onlay to your tooth using dental cement. The entire process feels similar to getting a filling, though it takes slightly longer due to the custom fabrication. Most patients report minimal discomfort during treatment, and the results can last 10 to 30 years with proper care.
Benefits Compared to Other Restorations
Inlays and onlays offer distinct advantages over both traditional fillings and full crowns. Unlike composite fillings, which can shrink over time and create gaps where bacteria can enter, inlays and onlays are fabricated outside the mouth and maintain their precise fit indefinitely.
Strength and Durability
Lab-fabricated porcelain can withstand years of chewing forces without wearing down or breaking, making these restorations ideal for back teeth. The strength means a lower risk of needing repairs or replacements in the future.
Tooth Preservation
Compared to crowns, inlays and onlays preserve significantly more healthy tooth structure. Since crowns require removing enamel from all sides of the tooth to accommodate the cap, they’re more invasive than necessary for teeth with moderate damage. Keeping more of your natural tooth typically leads to better long-term tooth health.
Natural Appearance
Porcelain inlays and onlays blend naturally with surrounding teeth, matching their color and translucency. This seamless appearance makes them virtually invisible in your smile, unlike metal fillings, which can create dark spots in your teeth.
Expert Restorative Care at Naylor Family Dental
Inlays and onlays represent a conservative, effective approach to repairing damaged teeth while preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible. These custom restorations combine durability with aesthetics, giving you a solution that protects your tooth and maintains the appearance of your smile for years to come.
The team at Naylor Family Dental brings years of experience to every restorative treatment, carefully evaluating each patient’s unique needs to recommend the most appropriate solution. Dr. Naylor completed his dental education at Indiana University in 2017 and continues to provide high-quality dentistry with a personalized approach. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about preserving your smile with restorative care.
