Inlays and Onlays

In some circumstances, traditional fillings aren’t sufficient for repairing a tooth that has endured decay or damage.

This is where inlays and onlays come in.

Inlays and onlays are designed to cover a larger surface than that which fillings occupy. Once the decayed material has been removed and the tooth has been disinfected, an inlay will fill the tooth cavity, before it is bonded into place, preventing further damage. Meanwhile, an onlay is an external restoration that sits on top of the cusp of a tooth, used for teeth with larger chewing surfaces.

A conservative treatment, inlays and onlays preserve your healthy natural tooth structure. We will always explore the possibility of saving as much of your natural tooth as possible before considering more involved treatments, such as crowns.

When is an inlay or an onlay suitable?

• When there is evidence of moderate tooth decay.
• If an individual tooth has sustained a mild to moderate fracture.
• Inlays and onlays are most often used for teeth that do most of the hard work when you chew, such as molars and premolars.
• Old amalgam fillings can be replaced with an inlay or onlay.

In cases where decay is extensive or a fracture is severe, a crown is the appropriate choice for restoration. Once we have examined your tooth, we can decide on the most suitable restoration to restore it to health.

Are inlays and onlays conspicuous?

We can match your inlay or onlay to your natural tooth shade, so that it blends in with your teeth when you open your mouth to laugh or chew.