Filling
Placed and shaped in the tooth during the appointment for a smaller repair.
Winnipeg North Dental Family Dentistry
Inlays & Onlays
A conservative custom restoration for teeth needing more than a filling.
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Custom partial-coverage restoration
More support than a filling. Less coverage than a crown.
Inlays and onlays are custom restorations for selected back teeth with moderate decay, fracture or failing dental work. They replace the damaged area while preserving healthy walls and cusps that do not require coverage.
Inlay or onlay
Made outside the mouth for precise replacement of a larger selected area.
Crown
Covers the visible tooth when broad reinforcement is required.
Inlay or onlay?
The chewing cusps define the difference.
Inlay
Restores the central chewing area without covering a cusp when the surrounding structure remains suitable.
Onlay
Extends over selected weakened cusps to provide additional coverage while preserving other tooth surfaces.
When it may fit
The tooth needs a stable foundation and a repairable pattern.
Your dentist evaluates cracks, remaining walls, decay, bite, root health and whether the tooth needs broader protection.
✓A direct filling may be too large or less predictable
✓Enough sound tooth remains to avoid full coverage
✓The damaged area can be prepared with suitable margins
✓Bite forces can be managed by the planned design
Custom fabrication
The restoration is created to fit a prepared space.
Unlike a direct filling, an inlay or onlay is designed from a scan or impression and bonded at a later stage or through an available same-day workflow.
Prepare
Remove damaged material and shape a clean, supportable design.
Record
Capture the tooth, contacts, bite and selected shade.
Create
Fabricate the custom restoration in the planned material.
Bond
Verify fit and bite, then adhesively secure and polish it.
After bonding
A precise fit still relies on a healthy tooth.
Clean the margins carefully and avoid using restored teeth as tools. Contact us if the bite feels high, sensitivity is not improving, or you notice movement or a rough edge.
Material is only part of longevity.
Remaining tooth structure, preparation, bonding, moisture control, bite, grinding, hygiene and new decay all affect how the restoration performs.
Inlay and onlay FAQs
Understand partial coverage.
Why not place a large filling?+
A custom restoration may provide more controlled shape, contact and support when a direct filling would be extensive. The best choice depends on the remaining tooth.
Is an onlay the same as a crown?+
No. An onlay covers selected cusps, while a crown generally covers the visible tooth around its circumference.
Will I need a temporary?+
A temporary may protect the tooth when fabrication occurs between visits. Follow instructions because temporary materials are less durable.
Does treatment hurt?+
Local anesthetic is usually used during preparation. Temporary sensitivity can occur and should improve.
How long does an inlay or onlay last?+
There is no guaranteed lifespan. Tooth structure, material, bite, bonding, hygiene and habits all matter.