Inlays and Onlays in Clovis, CA

Restore Damaged Teeth with Dental Inlays and Onlays

When a tooth has moderate decay, damage, or a weakened area that is too extensive for a traditional filling but does not require a full crown, dental inlays and onlays may be an excellent restorative option.

At Clovis Country Dental, we provide customized inlays and onlays in Clovis, CA, designed to restore the strength, shape, and function of damaged teeth while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible

What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. Unlike traditional fillings, they are fabricated to fit the prepared area of your tooth and then bonded into place.

A dental inlay is generally used when the damage is located within the biting surface of the tooth and does not involve the cusps.

A dental onlay is used when the damage is more extensive and involves one or more cusps. An onlay can restore a larger portion of the tooth while preserving more natural tooth structure than a full crown when appropriate.

Inlay vs. Onlay: What Is the Difference?

The main difference between an inlay and an onlay is the amount and location of tooth structure that needs to be restored.

Inlay: Repairs damage within the grooves or center of the tooth without covering the cusps.
Onlay: Covers one or more cusps when the tooth has more extensive damage.
Dental crown: Covers the entire visible portion of the tooth and may be recommended when the tooth requires more extensive protection.

Your dentist will examine the tooth and recommend the restoration that best fits your condition.

When Are Inlays and Onlays Recommended?

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

Moderate tooth decay
A large or failing filling
A cracked or damaged area
A weakened chewing surface
Damage that is too extensive for a traditional filling
Enough healthy tooth structure to avoid a full dental crown

For smaller areas of decay or damage, white and silver fillings may be appropriate. For a more extensively damaged tooth, a dental crown may provide better protection.

The Dental Inlay and Onlay Procedure

Getting an inlay or onlay typically involves two appointments.

First Appointment

During your first visit, our dentist examines the tooth and removes any decay or damaged tooth structure. The tooth is carefully shaped to receive the restoration, and an impression or digital scan is taken.

The information is sent to a dental laboratory where your custom inlay or onlay is fabricated. A temporary restoration may be placed to protect the tooth while your permanent restoration is being made.

Second Appointment

Once your custom restoration is ready, you will return to our Clovis dental office. The dentist will check the fit, shape, and bite before bonding the inlay or onlay securely to your tooth.

Any necessary adjustments are made to ensure that the restoration feels comfortable and functions naturally.

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

Depending on your individual needs, dental inlays and onlays can offer several advantages:

Preserve more natural tooth structure
Restore damaged or decayed teeth
Provide a strong and durable restoration
Improve the tooth’s shape and function
Provide a more precise fit than a large traditional filling
Help protect a weakened tooth from further damage
Provide a natural-looking appearance

An onlay can also be a conservative alternative when a tooth does not yet require a full crown. Our dentist will determine which option is appropriate after examining your tooth.

Are Inlays and Onlays Right for You?

Every tooth is different. An inlay or onlay may be appropriate when the tooth has moderate damage but still has enough healthy structure to support the restoration.

If the tooth has deep infection or damage affecting the pulp, root canal treatment may be necessary before restoring it. If the tooth is severely compromised and cannot be adequately protected with an inlay or onlay, a dental crown may be recommended.

The best treatment depends on the location and extent of the damage, your bite, and the overall health of the tooth.