Inlays and Onlays

A long-lasting restorative solution

Inlays and onlays are durable, indirect dental filling solutions used to restore significant tooth damage when traditional fillings are no longer effective. These custom restorations are crafted in a dental laboratory using durable materials such as porcelain or composite and are then bonded to the tooth. They provide a less invasive alternative to crowns while preserving more healthy tooth tissue.

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What to know before the procedure?

Before placing inlays or onlays, a general dental consultation is required. During this consultation, the dentist will diagnose your teeth through a visual examination of your oral cavity and necessary X-rays. After the diagnosis, the dentist will explain the findings in simple terms, answer your questions, and discuss treatment options. The procedure does not require any special preparation.

What happens during the procedure?

The dentist begins by removing decayed or soft tissue from the tooth cavity caused by bacterial activity.

After removing the damage, a dental impression is taken, which is sent to the dental laboratory to fabricate a precisely fitted inlay or onlay based on the tooth’s structure.

A temporary filling is placed to protect the cavity and maintain tooth functionality until the permanent inlay or onlay is ready.

Together with the patient, the dentist selects the shade of the inlay or onlay to match the surrounding teeth.

The dental laboratory creates a custom-fitted inlay or onlay tailored to the patient’s needs.

Once ready, the dentist removes the temporary filling, disinfects the cavity with a special gel, and prepares it for the final placement.

The inlay or onlay is carefully bonded into the cavity using specialized dental cement, providing a durable and secure solution.

Post-procedure recommendations and aftercare

Diet after the procedure
Avoid eating hard foods immediately after the procedure. Normal eating can resume the following day.

Oral hygiene
Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, attending preventive dental checkups, and visiting a dental hygienist every six months.

Durability and longevity
Inlays and onlays are highly durable and, with proper oral care and regular dental visits, can last up to 10 years or more.

FAQs

What are inlays and onlays?

Inlays and onlays are durable, indirect dental filling solutions designed to restore large tooth damages when traditional fillings are ineffective. These custom restorations are made in a dental laboratory from durable materials like porcelain or composite and bonded to the tooth. They offer a less invasive alternative to crowns while preserving more healthy tooth tissue.

What is the difference between inlays and onlays?

Inlays are placed within the inner part of the tooth, while onlays extend to cover the tooth’s chewing surface and may include multiple cusps.

How long do inlays and onlays last?

With proper oral care and regular checkups, inlays and onlays can last 10 years or longer, providing long-term protection and functionality.

Are inlays and onlays better than traditional fillings?

Yes, inlays and onlays are more durable and long-lasting than traditional fillings because they are precisely tailored to your tooth and made from high-quality materials like porcelain, zirconia, or composite. They are typically used for extensive damage where more than 50% of the tooth structure is lost due to decay or trauma.

Is the procedure painful?

Modern anesthesia methods ensure that the placement of inlays and onlays is painless. Our specialists will make every effort to ensure your comfort during the procedure. If you experience discomfort or pain, inform your dentist immediately. The dentist can adjust the anesthesia or its dosage to provide complete pain relief.

If lying in the chair for a long time feels uncomfortable, we can offer a pillow for head support. Additionally, if your jaw gets tired from staying open, the dentist can provide a special device to keep your mouth open, making the procedure easier.

Will my insurance policy cover the treatment costs?

Depending on your insurance policy terms, treatment costs may be partially or fully covered. Present your insurance policy during your visit, and our administrative team will provide you with all the necessary information.

Can I split the payments?

Yes, Dental Art offers several options to make treatment financially manageable and help you plan your expenses:

Payments per visit.
During the initial visit, the dentist will create a treatment plan outlining the number of visits and the cost for each session. This means you do not need to pay the entire amount upfront but can divide payments into manageable parts.
Insurance policy.
If you have health insurance, your insurer may cover the treatment costs partially or fully, depending on the policy terms.
Financing options.
You can enter into an agreement with one of the financing institutions partnered with Dental Art to cover the treatment costs. This allows you to spread out payments and plan your finances long-term.