Dental Inlay and Onlay
Dental inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used to repair moderately damaged or decayed teeth when the area is too large for a filling but not severe enough to require a full crown.
Definition
Dental inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used to repair moderately damaged or decayed teeth when the area is too large for a filling but not severe enough to require a full crown.
In-Depth
What You Need to Know
Inlays fit within the cusps (bumps) on the chewing surface of a tooth, while onlays extend over one or more cusps. They are fabricated in a dental lab from porcelain, composite resin, or gold, and then bonded to the tooth. Inlays and onlays preserve more natural tooth structure than crowns (which require removing enamel from the entire tooth), making them a more conservative option. They are extremely durable, lasting 10-30 years. The procedure typically requires two visits — one for preparation and impressions, and one for placement — though same-day CAD/CAM fabrication is available in some offices.
Calls & Questions
What Patients Ask
Common phone questions about dental inlay and onlay — and how Front Desk handles scheduling and call routing automatically.
Common Patient Questions
- 1What is the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
- 2Is an inlay better than a filling?
- 3How long do inlays and onlays last?
- 4How much does an inlay cost?
How Front Desk Helps Your Practice
Front Desk answers questions about inlays and onlays as a conservative alternative to crowns, provides cost estimates, discusses material options, and schedules restorative appointments.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about dental inlay and onlay.
Dental inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used to repair moderately damaged or decayed teeth when the area is too large for a filling but not severe enough to require a full crown. Inlays fit within the cusps (bumps) on the chewing surface of a tooth, while onlays extend over one or more cusps. They are fabricated in a dental lab from porcelain, composite resin, or gold, and then bonded to the tooth.
Your dental provider can answer this during your appointment. Front Desk answers questions about inlays and onlays as a conservative alternative to crowns, provides cost estimates, discusses material options, and schedules restorative appointments.
Your dental provider can answer this during your appointment. Front Desk answers questions about inlays and onlays as a conservative alternative to crowns, provides cost estimates, discusses material options, and schedules restorative appointments.
Your dental provider can answer this during your appointment. Front Desk answers questions about inlays and onlays as a conservative alternative to crowns, provides cost estimates, discusses material options, and schedules restorative appointments.
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