Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays work to repair damaged or decayed teeth in similar ways to fillings and crowns.

Designed to fulfil a similar function as a crown or a filling, inlays and onlays can be used to restore function to teeth that have been damaged in some way. Onlays can be used as a more minimally invasive alternative to a crown, while inlays are useful in situations where a simple filling won’t suffice.

What is an inlay?

Inlays are used in situations where, otherwise, a filling might potentially be used or have been used. Like fillings, inlays repair a hole or cavity in a tooth, but can be used on teeth with a much larger surface area such as those at the back of the mouth. They are also often used to replace a larger filling that may have failed.

What is an onlay?

Onlays work in a more similar way to a crown. They are designed to sit over the top of the tooth and repair any damage to the ‘cusp’ of the tooth – this is the part of the tooth that is raised and most visible. Unlike a crown, onlays are bonded to the tooth, so less of the natural tooth has to be removed during the treatment process, while also serving to further strengthen and protect the tooth from any future damage.

What is the treatment process like?

Application of both inlays and onlays usually requires two appointments, as the restorations themselves are made off-site at a dental laboratory. Application of an inlay is similar to that of a filling:

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

• We’ll numb the area being treated so you don’t feel a thing.
• We’ll remove the damaged and decayed parts of the tooth or teeth.
• We’ll take a digital scan of the mouth and tooth which will then be sent off to the lab.
• Once your personal inlay or onlay has been made, you’ll come back to the practice to have it fitted and placed.

How can gum disease be prevented?

Gum disease is prevented through rigorous and proper oral hygiene routines. This means both your at-home oral hygiene and visits to us here for dental examinations and dental hygiene appointments.

What happens during a dental hygiene appointment?

Our gentle and highly trained dental hygienists will exam and inspect the mouth for signs of tooth decay and gum disease before performing a thorough clean that will leave the teeth looking and feeling super fresh and polished. Our expert hygienists can also recommend and build bespoke at-home cleaning routines for each individual patient. These will be tailored around your specific needs and oral health history.

• Interested in learning more? Our team can answer any questions you might have about inlays or onlays or can simply book you in for an appointment.