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A Conservative Alternative to a Full Crown
When a tooth has more damage than a standard filling can address, but not enough to require a full crown, an inlay or onlay offers a precise, conservative middle-ground solution. These custom-made restorations fit directly into or onto the damaged area of the tooth, preserving significantly more of your natural, healthy tooth structure than a crown would require while still providing the strength and durability needed to restore full function.
At Rollstone Family Dental, we provide inlays and onlays for patients across Fitchburg, Leominster, Lunenburg, Townsend, Ashburnham, and Ayer dealing with moderate tooth decay, fractured fillings, or teeth that have more damage than a filling alone can repair. Our team will evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most conservative, effective option to restore your tooth.
Inlay vs. Onlay: What's the Difference?
Both inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used to repair a tooth with more damage than a filling can address, but they differ in how much of the tooth they cover.
- An inlay fits within the grooves of the tooth's chewing surface, between the cusps (the raised points of the tooth).
- An onlay, sometimes called a partial crown, covers one or more of those cusps as well, providing additional coverage and support for a tooth with more extensive damage.
The right choice depends entirely on the extent and location of the damage to your tooth. During your exam, we'll determine which option provides the right balance of conservative tooth preservation and structural support for your specific situation.
What to Expect When Getting an Inlay or Onlay
Here's what you can expect when getting an inlay or onlay at Rollstone Family Dental. Our precise, two-visit process is designed to restore your tooth while preserving as much of your natural tooth structure as possible.
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Why Patients Choose Inlays & Onlays
- Preserves More Natural Tooth Structure - Unlike a crown, which requires reshaping the entire visible portion of the tooth, an inlay or onlay only addresses the specific damaged area, preserving significantly more healthy tooth structure.
- Highly Durable - Made from strong materials like porcelain or gold, inlays and onlays are built to withstand the same chewing forces as natural teeth and resist wear well over time.
- Natural Appearance - Porcelain and composite inlays and onlays can be shade-matched to your surrounding teeth, blending in seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
- A Precise Fit - Because inlays and onlays are custom-fabricated outside the mouth before being bonded into place, they offer an exceptionally precise, well-sealed fit compared to a direct filling.
Have a Damaged Tooth That Needs More Than a Filling?
If a cavity or fracture is too extensive for a standard filling but doesn't require a full crown, an inlay or onlay may be the right solution. Schedule a consultation today and our team will evaluate your tooth and recommend the most conservative, effective option.
