Inlays and onlays

Inlays and onlays are similar to fillings. An inlay is placed within the biting surface of the tooth while an onlay covers a larger area of the tooth. However, like crowns, they are made in a laboratory and then cemented to the tooth with special adhesive. You will probably need two visits to the dentist.

During the first visit, the dentist removes the old filling or decay and makes a mould of the tooth in a putty-like material. A temporary filling is placed to protect the tooth while the dental technician uses the mould to make the inlay or onlay. On the second visit, the temporary filling is removed and the inlay or onlay cemented in place.

Inlays and onlays are very strong and, in some circumstances, may be more durable than ordinary fillings. They are suitable for the grinding surfaces of the molar teeth and can be made from porcelain or composite material as well as gold.