Inlays and Onlays

Where a patient has decayed or damaged teeth that are beyond the point of a filling, inlays and onlays may be able to help.

A popular form of restorative dentistry, inlays and onlays can be used to repair teeth that are not yet at the point of requiring a crown.

What are inlays and onlays?

In contrast to a filling which is placed inside of a tooth, inlays and onlays work to restore teeth from the outside. They are therefore considered an ‘indirect’ restorative treatment.

An inlay is a single piece of solid material that is bonded to the outer part of a tooth. An onlay goes slightly further than an inlay, covering more of the tooth including the cusp.

When might I require inlays and onlays?

Sometimes teeth may be decayed or damaged beyond the point where a filling can be of use. Inlays and onlays restore the strength of a tooth when a cavity is too big to be filled but where a crown is not yet required.

Will I experience any pain during inlay or onlay treatment?

Local anaesthetic is used to fit inlays and onlays. This will numb the area being treated to minimise pain during the procedure. Mild discomfort may be experienced afterwards, though this will pass within a day or two.