Your dentist will evaluate the damage. Inlays are for damage between cusps, onlays for damage including one or more cusps, and crowns for more extensive tooth loss.
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When a tooth is too damaged for a simple filling but doesn’t require a full crown, inlays and onlays can offer the ideal solution. At Bella Dental in Camarillo, we provide custom-crafted inlays and onlays to restore function, protect against further wear, and blend in beautifully with your natural teeth.
Our approach focuses on long-term protection, comfort, and aesthetics—so your tooth not only works better, but looks great too.
Inlays and onlays are custom restorations designed to repair the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They are often used to treat moderate decay, worn-down enamel, or fractures that are too large for a filling but don’t require the full coverage of a crown.
Inlays sit within the grooves of the tooth and do not cover the cusps (the raised edges).
Onlays extend over one or more cusps to reinforce and protect weakened or damaged areas.
These restorations are made outside of the mouth—usually in a dental lab—and then bonded to the tooth for a secure, long-lasting result. They offer more strength than fillings and are less invasive than crowns, making them a smart choice for many patients.
Your Bella Dental dentist in Camarillo may recommend an inlay or onlay when a standard filling won’t provide enough support. Common reasons for this treatment include:
During your exam, we’ll evaluate the condition of your tooth and explain the best treatment option to restore strength and stability while preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible.
We offer several high-quality materials for inlays and onlays, each with its own benefits. Your dentist will help you decide which is most suitable for your tooth based on durability, visibility, and comfort.
This tooth-colored option is ideal for blending in naturally with your smile. Porcelain is highly durable and resists staining, making it a popular choice for visible areas.
Also, tooth-colored resin offers good aesthetics and is often used for areas under less chewing stress. It’s a more affordable option, though slightly less durable than porcelain.
An extremely strong and long-lasting material, gold is great for molars where strength is most important. Though more visible, gold restorations can last the longest of all material types.
We’ll walk you through your options so you can make a choice that fits your smile, budget, and long-term needs.
Ignoring a damaged or decaying tooth can lead to more serious complications. If left untreated, small cracks or cavities can spread deeper into the tooth, eventually requiring a crown, root canal, or extraction.
An inlay or onlay placed early can stabilize the tooth, prevent future issues, and help you avoid more extensive procedures. It also allows us to preserve more of your natural tooth structure, which is always the preferred approach.
At Bella Dental in Camarillo, we provide inlays and onlays in two simple, well-organized visits.
We begin by numbing the area and removing any decay or damaged structure. Once the tooth is clean and shaped, we take detailed impressions. These impressions are sent to a lab where your custom inlay or onlay is crafted. A temporary filling is placed to protect the area in the meantime.
When your restoration is ready, you’ll return for placement. We remove the temporary material, fit the inlay or onlay, and check the bite and shape for accuracy. Once everything feels right, we bond it securely to the tooth using a strong dental adhesive.
This restoration restores full chewing function, looks natural, and supports the surrounding tooth structure.
Caring for your inlay or onlay is much like caring for a natural tooth. Follow these simple steps to protect your restoration:
With proper care, your inlay or onlay can last 10 to 15 years—or even longer.
This treatment offers a great combination of function, strength, and aesthetics—without the need for a full crown. Advantages of inlays and onlays include:
They’re an excellent option for restoring moderate damage while keeping as much of your tooth intact as possible.
If you’ve been told you need more than a filling, an inlay or onlay could be the perfect in-between option. At Bella Dental in Camarillo, we’re here to help you restore your tooth with comfort, precision, and results that last.
Your dentist will evaluate the damage. Inlays are for damage between cusps, onlays for damage including one or more cusps, and crowns for more extensive tooth loss.
Not at all. We numb the area thoroughly, and most patients report minimal sensitivity after treatment.
No. We use materials that match your natural tooth color, so the restoration blends in seamlessly.
Yes, which is why good oral hygiene is essential. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups help prevent this.
You can eat normally once the numbness wears off. We recommend avoiding sticky or hard foods for the first day.
No. In fact, they help strengthen the remaining structure by distributing pressure more evenly across the surface.
Typically, these are used in adults, but older teens with permanent teeth may be candidates in certain cases.
Yes. A temporary filling will protect the tooth until your final inlay or onlay is placed.
They are generally more affordable than full crowns because they require less material and tooth preparation.
Most insurance plans cover part of the cost. We’ll help you review your benefits and provide a clear cost estimate before treatment.
Call Bella Dental at (805) 394-3000 for more information on booking an appointment, or fill out the form below and we will reach out to you!
