Examine the Tooth
Your dentist evaluates the extent of decay or damage to determine whether an inlay or onlay is appropriate.
Inlays & Onlays inevansville, IN
Repair damaged or decayed teeth with custom dental inlays and onlays at TriState Family Dental Centers. These conservative restorations rebuild strength and function while preserving more of your natural tooth.
The Right Repair for a Damaged Tooth
MORE THAN A FILLING. LESS THAN A CROWN.
Sometimes a tooth has too much damage for a traditional filling but doesn’t require the full coverage of a dental crown. Inlays and onlays provide a conservative solution for restoring these teeth.
At TriState Family Dental Centers, each restoration is customized to rebuild the damaged portion of your tooth while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
Repairs moderate decay or damage
Preserves healthy tooth structure
Restores strength and comfortable function
What to Expect With an Inlay or Onlay
more than Just Repairing Tooth Damage
PRESERVE MORE. RESTORE STRENGTH.
Inlays and onlays provide targeted restoration for teeth that need more support than a filling without requiring a full dental crown.
When a Filling
Isn't Enough
TARGETED REPAIR FOR A STRONGER SMILE.
Moderate
DECAY
Cracked
TEETH
Large
FILLINGS
Worn
TEETH
Damaged
CUSPS
Weakened
TEETH
A large filling may not provide enough support for a moderately damaged tooth, while a full crown may remove more healthy structure than necessary. Inlays and onlays offer a middle-ground solution designed to restore only the areas that need treatment.
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Moderate
DECAY
Cracked
TEETH
Large
FILLINGS
Worn
TEETH
Damaged
CUSPS
Weakened
TEETH
Signs You May Need an Inlay or Onlay
An inlay or onlay may be recommended if you:
- Have moderate tooth decay
- Have a damaged or fractured tooth
- Have an old or failing large filling
- Experience discomfort when chewing
- Have damage to one or more tooth cusps
- Need more support than a filling can provide
- Have enough healthy tooth structure to avoid a full crown
Inlay, Onlay,
or Crown?
Dental Inlay
An inlay restores damage within the grooves of a tooth without covering its outer cusps.
Dental Onlay
An onlay restores a larger area and may extend over one or more of the tooth’s cusps.
Dental Crown
A crown covers most or all of the visible tooth and is generally used when more extensive damage or weakness requires greater protection.
Frequently Asked questions
Have questions about our services, locations, or what to expect at your first appointment?
We have answers
What are dental inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage when a filling may not provide enough support but a full crown isn’t necessary.
What's the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
An inlay fits within the grooves of the tooth, while an onlay covers a larger portion of the tooth and may extend over one or more cusps.
When would I need an inlay or onlay instead of a filling?
An inlay or onlay may be recommended when the damaged area is too large for a traditional filling but enough healthy tooth remains that a crown isn’t required.
Do inlays and onlays look natural?
Yes. Tooth-colored restorations can be customized to blend with the shade and shape of your natural teeth.
Does getting an inlay or onlay hurt?
The treatment area is typically numbed to help keep you comfortable. Mild temporary sensitivity may occur after treatment.
How long do inlays and onlays last?
Their lifespan depends on the material, location, bite forces, oral hygiene, and everyday habits. With proper care, they can provide durable restoration for many years.
Can an inlay or onlay repair a cracked tooth?
In some cases, yes. Whether an inlay, onlay, or crown is appropriate depends on the location and extent of the crack.
How do I care for an inlay or onlay?
Brush twice daily, floss regularly, avoid habits that can damage your teeth, and maintain routine dental exams and professional cleanings.
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