INLAYS AND ONLAYS

IN DANA POINT

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A row of teeth with different stages of whitening on a blue background.

Suppose your dentist or dental hygienist finds tooth decay or other damage to your teeth that need restoration. You're probably wondering what type of covering the tooth will receive. Three dental restorations are available to replace decayed, damaged tooth sections, including fillings, inlays, and onlays.


You may have questions about your different options, like: What is a dental inlay? How does it differ from a dental onlay? And which one will my dentist recommend for me? Let's go over why a dental inlay may suit you and how it differs from other tooth restoration forms.

What Is an Inlay?

A dental inlay is a filling for cavities limited to your teeth' interior.

A dental inlay is relatively straightforward. You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area, and then drilling will clean out the decay. Once cleaned out, your dentist will take an impression of the tooth's top crevice area and send it to a lab for material type selection. Some dentists have lab onsight. Others send the impression to a lab. While you wait for the permanent inlay, a temporary covering is applied. Dental inlays and onlays are made from porcelain or composite resin material matched to the color of your tooth. Inlays and onlays provide almost invisible dental restoration and are usually more durable than regular fillings.

A white tooth with a blue filling in it.
A white tooth with a blue spot on it on a blue background.

How an Onlay Differs from an Inlay

The dental onlay is a similar procedure to the inlay. An onlay covers the cusps or biting surfaces when they have been damaged or decayed. A local anesthetic numbs the area, and the decayed or damaged area of the tooth is removed and cleaned. Your dentist will make an impression of the teeth for a custom fit of the onlay. You can choose materials used to make the onlay, composite materials, or porcelain.

What Is Crowns

A crown replaces the tooth above the gums. Impressions of the teeth provide a custom fit to your crown, making it look like your own natural teeth.

A tooth with a blue filling on it on a blue background.
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