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inlays/onlays

Like other types of fillings, inlays and onlays are used to repair damaged or decayed teeth.

 
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Inlay vs. Onlay: What’s The Difference?

When it comes to restoring teeth with some wear and tear, inlays and onlays are the heroes. The main difference between the two lies in the extent of the damage and the area of the tooth they cover. Inlays are used when the damage is more central, while onlays cover a larger area, including one or more of the tooth’s cusps. Your Smile Generation-trusted dentist will determine the most suitable option based on the extent of the damage and the location on the tooth.

Three broken teeth with construction crane
 

The Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

 

Discover the benefits of inlays and onlays: preserving natural tooth structure, providing exceptional durability, and enhancing your smile. 

 

Repair Chewing Surface

straight teeth

Prevent Gum Disease

sparkly tooth

Low Maintenance

cog and mouth

Prevent Further Decay

Decaying tooth
 
Smiling elderly couple posing for photo
 

Why You Might Need a Dental Inlay or Onlay

Dental inlays and onlays are used to repair or restore teeth. Your dentist may recommend an indirect filling when a tooth is significantly damaged or decayed beyond the scope of a standard filling, but doesn’t yet require a full crown. This damage can stem from various causes including cavities, cracked teeth, and clenching and grinding. 

Dentist with woman in dental chair
 
 

Dental Inlay/Onlay Procedure: Step by Step

Here’s what to expect during an inlay or onlay procedure. 

Cavity or Filling Removal

Your dentist will examine the damaged tooth and take impressions. The damaged area is then prepared by removing any decay or old fillings.

Impression

A mold is created of your tooth using digital scans or a putty-like material. Together with your dentist, you’ll choose gold, ceramic, or composite for your restoration.  

Temporary Filling

While the inlay or onlay is being prepared, a temporary filling is placed to prevent the teeth from shifting and protect from further decay. 

Inlay/Onlay Placement

When your new inlay or onlay is ready, you’ll set up one more appointment to have the inlay or onlay placed. After removing the temporary filling, your dentist will assess the fit of the inlay or onlay and securely place it onto your tooth for a permanent solution. 

 
 

Are dental inlays and onlays painful?

Rest assured, the process of getting inlays and onlays is not considered painful. Your Smile Generation-trusted dentist will ensure you’re numb with local anesthesia, which minimizes any discomfort. While you might feel some gentle pressure and sensations, it's nothing to worry about. Afterward, you might experience slight sensitivity, but that’s normal and temporary. Your dentist will guide you through post-procedure care to keep you feeling like your healthy, happy self. 

 

Cost of Dental Inlays and Onlays

The cost of dental inlays and onlays varies widely. Factors such as your location, the material used, and the complexity of the restoration all play a role in determining the cost. Since inlays and onlays treat cavities, insurance will cover part of the procedure. Composite resin inlays are usually on the lower end of the price range, around $800 to $900. Gold inlays tend to average between $800 and $1,000, while porcelain inalys typically range from $900 to $1,200 per tooth.

 

Tooth and Inlay in pain
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Book an Appointment Today

 

If you’re looking for dental restorations to repair damaged teeth, talk with a Smile Generation-trusted dentist today.

 

 
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Dental Onlay vs. Dental Crown

Dental onlays and dental crowns are both restorative treatments used to repair damaged teeth. Onlays are used to repair a specific portion of a tooth. Crowns, on the other hand, encompass the entire tooth and is often recommended when you need extensive repairs.

 

Dental Inlay vs Filling

The difference between an inlay and a filling lies in the size and location of the restoration. Fillings are used to repair smaller areas of tooth decay while inlays are for more extensive damage that may extend to the tooth’s cusps. 

Confused tooth
 
 

Got questions?

 

If you have questions about dental cleaning, we saved you the trouble and provided answers to commonly asked questions. Find your answers just a click away.

 
SEE ALL FAQS
 

Dental inlays are fillings. It is the part that fits inside the tooth's pit and fissures. The main difference between the inlay and onlay is that it does not cover the tooth's cusps. A dental onlay is a partial crown covering at least one or all of the tooth's cusps. You can think of inlays and onlays as such: Both repair the tooth's surface that is meant for chewing, but each is responsible for covering a different part of that surface. For example, the inlay covers the pits and fissures between cusps while onlays cover the cusps themselves. Also, onlays are usually more expensive than an inlay because they cover more area. Learn more in our blog article, "Dental Inlays and Onlays: Restorative Dentistry." 

 

Learn more in our blog article, "Why Poor Oral Health Can Affect Your Ability to Learn."

Getting a dental inlay or onlay is like getting a regular filling. However, the dental inlay/onlay procedure can take one (1) or two (2) visits.

Inlays and onlays are generally charged based on the number of tooth surfaces they involve, plus a lab fee, as well as the type of material used.

 

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Sources

Inlays and Onlays: American College of prosthodontists (no date) GoToAPro. Available at: https://www.gotoapro.org/inlays-onlays/ (Accessed: 30 October 2023).  

When a dental inlay is your best option - colgate (no date) When a Dental Inlay Is Your Best Option. Available at: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/fillings/when-a-dental-inlay-is-your-best-option (Accessed: 30 October 2023).  

Porcelain dental inlays & Onlays in Long Island, NY: Kate Brayman DDS (2023) Kate Brayman, DDS. Available at: https://www.katebraymandds.com/services/porcelain-onlays-inlays/ (Accessed: 30 October 2023).  

Barlett, D. (no date) Dental inlay, Dental Inlay - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/dental-inlay (Accessed: 30 October 2023).