Inlays & Onlays

When more than half of the tooth’s biting surface is damaged, a dentist can use an inlay or onlay restoration to repair your tooth.

What are dental inlays and onlays?

Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin. These pieces are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth. An inlay, which is similar to a dental filling is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth. An onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay but extending out over one or more of the cusps of the tooth.

How are inlays and onlays applied?

Generally, these restorations are done with our CAD/CAM technology in one visit and bonded to your tooth. CAD/CAM restorations allow for very accurate control of the fit to the tooth being treated and also the adjacent and opposing teeth in contact.

Considerations for Inlays and Onlays

Tooth colored fillings have become so esthetic and durable that most inlays are no longer needed. Rather, Dr. Pisciotta has had great success with direct filling materials. Onlays are still commonly used to restore damage to a single cusp as a more conservative repair to a broken tooth. Our CAD/CAM technology allows for these restorations to be easily created and bonded in one visit with amazing accuracy.