Inlays & Onlays

When more than half of the tooth’s biting surface is damaged, a dentist will often use an inlay or onlay.

What are dental inlays and onlays?

Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin. These pieces are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth. An inlay, which is similar to a dental filling is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth. An onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay but extending out over one or more of the cusps of the tooth.

Traditionally, gold has been the material of choice for inlays and onlays. In recent years, however, porcelain has become increasingly popular due to its strength and color, which can potentially match the natural color of your teeth.

How are inlays and onlays applied?

Inlays and onlays require two appointments to complete the procedure. During the first visit, the filling being replaced or the damaged or decaying area of the tooth is removed, and the tooth is prepared for the inlay or onlay. To ensure proper fit and bite, an impression of the tooth is made by the dentist and sent to a lab for fabrication. The dentist will then apply a temporary sealant on the tooth and schedule the next appointment.

At the second appointment, the temporary sealant is removed. Dr. Jacobs, Dr. Finkel, Dr. Kase, Dr. Katz, Dr. Moeller, Dr. Okamoto, Dr. Schwartz or Dr. Tokowitz will then make sure that the inlay or onlay fits correctly. If the fit is satisfactory, the inlay or onlay will be bonded to the tooth with a strong resin and polished to a smooth finish.

Considerations for Inlays and Onlays

Traditional fillings can reduce the strength of a natural tooth by up to 50 percent. As an alternative, inlays and onlays, which are bonded directly onto the tooth using special high-strength resins, can actually increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75 percent. As a result, they can last from 10 to 30 years. In some cases, where the damage to the tooth is not extensive enough to merit an entire dental crown, onlays can provide a very good alternative.

Dental Professionals

5 out of 5 stars based on 66 Inlays & Onlays reviews

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Fast and easy!

- Rachel H

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It was good.

- Nazanin S

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Dr Finkel was excellent. Spent a lot of time and very honest not telling me I need some unnecessary procedure. Glad I found him!

- Teresa V

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Just moved from New York and am so happy with this practice! Everyone is so nice, thoughtful, and quick. Even brought my 1 year old with me who was very entertained with the toy tooth they gave her.

- Lindsey R

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Nice staff

- Shirley F

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I love the hygienists here and the efficiency of the whole staff and process. Good cookies too

- Sherri k

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As good an experience as one can have at the dentist

- James N

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N/a

- Brett B

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Very professional

- Robert Z

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Excellent care highly recommend

- Mehdi L

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Great

- Richard J

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Had great dental care from teeth cleaning to dental fixing/whitening over the several years I have been a customer here.

- Jacob L

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Best dentist office and staff I have ever been to. Great work.

- Mark M

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I am deathly afraid of the dentist and have major PTSD. Everyone has been FANTASTIC!!! Everyone is so pleasant and makes you feel at ease. Would highly recommended this place!!

- Diana T

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Very good experience each time

- Sarah M

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The best!

- Jessica C

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Great experience

- Alex G

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Whether it’s for a general cleaning or crown work, Dr. Katz and his staff are friendly and provide professional services.

- Donna M

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If I have to go to the dentist, there is no other practice or dentist I would be as comfortable as Dental Professionals or Dr. Kase.

- Alan L

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Always a pleasant experience!!!!!

- Joel M

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