They are often recommended when a filling would not provide enough strength. Inlays and onlays are more durable and cover a larger area of the tooth.
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Dental inlays and onlays can be a reliable middle-ground solution when a tooth has more damage than a filling can handle, but doesn’t need a full crown. At Bella Dental in Oxnard, we offer custom inlays and onlays that repair strength, protect against further damage, and blend in beautifully with your natural teeth.
Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used to repair teeth that are cracked, decayed, or worn down. They are often used on molars and premolars where chewing pressure is greatest.
Both are made in a dental lab from durable materials and are bonded securely to the tooth. They offer a more conservative alternative to full crowns while providing excellent protection and support.
Inlays and onlays are recommended when a tooth is too damaged for a standard filling but not enough to require a crown. You might need one if you have:
Your Bella Dental dentist will examine your tooth and explain whether an inlay or onlay is the right option for restoring its function and stability.
Several materials can be used to create inlays and onlays. The best choice depends on the tooth’s location, how much force it handles, and your preferences for appearance and durability.
Porcelain: A popular choice for its natural look and strong performance. Porcelain inlays and onlays are colour-matched to your teeth and are resistant to staining.
Composite resin: Tooth-coloured and ideal for areas that don’t bear heavy chewing force. These blend in well with natural enamel.
Gold: Extremely durable and long-lasting. Gold inlays and onlays are usually used for molars where strength is most important, though they are more noticeable.
Your Bella Dental dentist will help you weigh the pros and cons of each material and recommend the one that best suits your tooth and lifestyle.
Leaving a damaged or decayed tooth untreated can lead to more serious issues. Small cracks can spread, cavities can grow deeper, and weakened teeth can break under pressure.
You may need a full crown, root canal, or even extraction if the damage progresses. Treating a problem early with an inlay or onlay helps preserve more of your natural tooth and avoids more complex treatments later.
At Bella Dental, we use inlays and onlays to provide strong, lasting solutions for damaged teeth. Our team focuses on quality craftsmanship and a smooth, stress-free experience from start to finish.
Your visit starts with a complete dental exam. Your Bella Dental dentist will assess your tooth using X-rays and visual inspection. If an inlay or onlay is appropriate, we’ll explain the process and discuss the available material options.
We’ll also answer any questions you have about cost, timing, or aftercare, and make sure you feel comfortable before moving ahead.
This treatment usually involves two visits to the Bella Dental office.
At your first appointment, the tooth is prepared by removing any decay or damaged material. We then take impressions of the area and place a temporary filling to protect the tooth. Your impressions are sent to a dental lab where your custom inlay or onlay is made.
At your second visit, the temporary material is removed and the inlay or onlay is fitted. We check the shape and bite to make sure everything feels comfortable and natural. The restoration is then bonded securely to the tooth using a strong dental adhesive.
The result is a smooth, solid surface that strengthens your tooth and restores normal chewing.
After the procedure, feeling slight sensitivity for a day or two is normal. Most patients resume eating and brushing normally very quickly.
To care for your inlay or onlay:
With good care, inlays and onlays can last for many years and help protect your tooth from further damage.
Inlays and onlays offer many advantages, especially for back teeth that need strength and precision. Benefits include:
If you need more than a filling but less than a crown, an inlay or onlay may be the perfect solution. At Bella Dental, we’re here to restore your tooth with care, precision, and long-lasting results.
They are often recommended when a filling would not provide enough strength. Inlays and onlays are more durable and cover a larger area of the tooth.
Yes. Porcelain and composite resin inlays and onlays are matched to your tooth colour and shaped to blend in with your smile.
No. The tooth is numbed during treatment, so you should feel no pain. Any post-treatment sensitivity is usually mild and temporary.
With good care, they can last 10 to 15 years or more. Their longevity depends on the material used and how well you maintain your oral health.
Yes. Once the final restoration is placed, you can eat as you normally would. Avoid very hard or sticky foods at first.
Most inlays and onlays require two visits. The first is for preparation and impressions, and the second is for placement.
Many insurance plans offer partial coverage. We’ll help you understand your benefits and give you a clear outline of any costs.
It’s rare, but possible. If an inlay or onlay comes loose, contact us and we’ll refit or replace it as needed.
Avoid very hot, cold, or sticky foods for the first day. After that, resume your normal brushing and eating habits.
Anyone with moderate tooth damage or decay that doesn’t require a crown. Your dentist will determine if this option is suitable for your needs.
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!
