How are Inlays and Onlays Made?

Inlays and onlays are used when teeth have moderate decay or damage that cannot be restored with a filling but enables them to avoid a dental crown. The inlay or onlay restores the tooth’s strength and appearance while conserving the maximum amount of healthy tooth structure. The two restorations are similar: An onlay is used when the damage includes one or more cusp while an inlay can be used to restore a tooth that has damage within the cusps. If you are a candidate for an inlay or an onlay, you will need two or three dental appointments. Both restorations are placed in similar procedures.

At the initial appointment, the treatment site will be numbed with a local anesthetic so that we can prepare the tooth and remove the damaged or decayed tissue. We take a mold of the tooth and send the impression off to a dental lab, which creates a precise inlay or onlay to fit the tooth. The restoration is usually made of dental porcelain, which is well-tolerated by the oral tissues and closely matches the color or appearance of the tooth. At the next appointment, the inlay or onlay will be bonded securely to the tooth. Call our cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles today to find out more or to schedule an appointment with our team.