Dental Inlays and Onlays in Clovis, CA

Some damaged teeth need more restoration than a traditional filling can provide but may not require a full dental crown.

In these situations, a dental inlay or onlay may be an option.

At Clovis Country Dental, we evaluate the amount and location of tooth damage and consider the remaining healthy tooth structure before recommending an appropriate restoration.

If you are looking for dental inlays and onlays in Clovis, CA, schedule an appointment to determine which restorative option may be right for your tooth.

What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are custom restorations designed to repair damaged portions of a tooth.

Dental Inlay

An inlay is placed within the prepared portion of a tooth and generally does not extend over the tooth’s cusps.

Dental Onlay

An onlay can cover one or more cusps and may be appropriate when damage extends beyond the central portion of the tooth.

Both restorations can provide a more extensive restoration than a traditional filling while preserving healthy tooth structure when appropriate.

When Is an Inlay or Onlay Recommended?

Your dentist may consider an inlay or onlay when a tooth has:

Moderate decay
A damaged filling
A fractured portion
Damage affecting the biting surface
Damage involving one or more cusps

The appropriate restoration depends on the location and extent of the damage.

Inlays and Onlays vs. Dental Fillings

A traditional filling is often appropriate for smaller areas of tooth decay or damage.

When more tooth structure is affected, an inlay or onlay may provide a more suitable restoration.

Learn more about White and Silver Fillings.

Your dentist can evaluate the tooth and determine whether a filling, inlay, onlay, or another restoration is appropriate.

Inlays and Onlays vs. Dental Crowns

A dental crown covers the visible portion of a tooth.

An inlay or onlay can preserve more of the natural tooth when the tooth does not require full-coverage restoration.

However, if a tooth has extensive structural damage, a crown may provide more appropriate protection.

Learn more about Dental Crowns.

How Are Inlays and Onlays Made?

The process depends on the restoration and dental workflow used.

Generally, treatment includes:

Examination of the damaged tooth
Removal of decay or damaged material
Preparation of the tooth
Digital scanning or another appropriate impression
Fabrication of the restoration
Fitting and placement
Follow-up evaluation

Clovis Country Dental may use digital dental scanning technology when appropriate.

Learn more about Impressionless Dentistry.

Are Inlays and Onlays Strong?

Inlays and onlays are designed to restore teeth affected by specific types of damage.

Their suitability depends on the amount of remaining tooth structure, bite forces, location of the tooth, and overall oral health.

Your dentist will determine whether an inlay or onlay is appropriate.

What Happens After an Inlay or Onlay?

Some temporary sensitivity or mild discomfort may occur after restorative treatment.

Follow your dentist’s instructions for caring for the treated tooth.

Continue regular brushing and interdental cleaning and attend recommended dental examinations.

Professional Dental Hygiene Care can help maintain the health of the treated tooth and surrounding gums.

Can an Inlay or Onlay Replace a Crown?

Not always.

An inlay or onlay may be an appropriate alternative when enough healthy tooth structure remains and the damage does not require full-coverage protection.

A crown may be more appropriate when the tooth is significantly weakened or structurally compromised.

Your dentist should evaluate the tooth before deciding between these options.

What If the Tooth Is Painful?

Tooth pain can have many causes.

A painful tooth may have decay, a crack, infection, or another condition that requires treatment beyond a restoration.

If you have severe or persistent tooth pain, learn more about our Dental Emergencies.

If the inner portion of the tooth is infected, Root Canal Treatment may be considered.