When a cavity, cracked or chipped tooth is too large for a standard filling, inlays and onlays are designed to restore and maintain existing tooth structure. Similar to dental crowns, inlays and onlays are created from an impression of the patient’s tooth but cover more of the tooth’s surface than a dental filling. This helps the material support at least 50 percent more chewing force.
Has your dentist recommended an inlay or onlay after a cavity or superficial tooth damage? Here’s what you should know about this minimally-invasive dental procedure.
What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?
If your dentist notices surface-level tooth damage, they may consider you a candidate for an inlay or onlay. While both are pre-molded fittings designed specifically for the shape of your tooth, they are recommended for different reasons.
Inlays
Inlays are intended for damage that partially affects the cusp or tip of the tooth. They fit over the grooved end but won’t cover the full chewing surface.
Dentists often recommend inlays for larger cavities on the edges of teeth that have yet to develop more serious decay, as well as tooth fractures.
Onlays
Also called “partial crowns”, onlays target more visible damage and cover the tooth’s full chewing surface. Especially if more than one tooth is affected, your dentist may recommend multiple onlays. This restoration covers most, if not all edges of the tooth.
Materials for Inlays and Onlays
Materials include porcelain, composite resin or gold alloy. Due to their larger size, onlays are generally made of a more durable material and can last up to 30 years with proper care.
Indirect vs. Direct Fillings
Both indirect and direct fillings are types of dental restorations used to preserve a tooth that has started to decay or has visible damage:
- Direct Fillings: These restorations are created using CAD/CAM technology, right in our office. Your dentist applies the filling material directly into the cavity, then shapes and polishes it for a smooth, natural look. Direct fillings usually require just one visit.
- Indirect Fillings: These custom restorations require two or more appointments. During the first visit, your dentist takes an impression of your tooth, which is sent to an external lab for the inlay or onlay to be created. In the meantime, a temporary filling is placed on the tooth. Once the custom restoration is ready, it’s bonded to the tooth and polished for a precise fit and finish.
During the Procedure
The procedures for inlays and onlays follow a similar method:
- After your dentist assesses the damage, they take an impression of your tooth.
- The benefits of each material type and at-home maintenance will be explained.
- The tooth is prepared to receive the filling, which involves removing any decay or old filling material and cleaning all bacteria from the area.
- For indirect fillings, you will receive a temporary filling to protect the tooth and prevent further decay as you wait for the restoration to be created.
- Once the restoration is ready, your dentist assesses the fit before cementing it in place and making minor adjustments. Lastly, they will polish the filling to smooth any sharp or hard edges.
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