Dental Inlays & Onlays
Restoring a damaged or weakened tooth doesn’t always require a full crown. But sometimes a filling is not sufficient. Inlays and onlays mark the middle ground, restoring a damaged tooth while preserving its natural structure. At TruGLO Modern Dental La Jolla, we offer dental inlays and onlays to repair moderate tooth damage with a durable, natural-looking solution.
What Are Dental Inlays & Onlays?
Dental inlays and onlays are restorations used when a tooth is too damaged for a filling but not damaged enough for a dental crown. Each inlay or onlay is made specifically for your tooth for a perfect fit. Patients can use inlays and onlays to address:
- Moderate decay
- Cracked or fractured teeth
- Worn or weakened enamel
- Old or failing fillings
Inlays: An inlay fits within the grooves of a tooth, staying within the perimeter.
Onlays: An onlay extends over the cusp of the tooth, restoring more extensive damage.
Why Choose Our La Jolla Practice
- Experienced restorative dentists focused on conserving healthy tooth material
- Custom-made restorations that fit perfectly and blend seamlessly with your smile
- Premium materials that can withstand years of daily wear
- Patient-centric care in a modern environment where you feel welcome
Getting a Dental Inlay or Onlay: Step by Step
Full Evaluation
We begin with a thorough exam and discussion of your expectations. Choosing the right restoration will depend on your oral health, the extent of damage to the tooth, and personal preferences.
Tooth Preparation & Impressions
Preparing the tooth can involve treating decay and polishing damaged parts. We always use a conservative approach focused on preserving as much healthy structure as possible. With the tooth ready, we take impressions to create full digital renderings of the tooth’s structure. These are used by our partner lab to fabricate an inlay or onlay to exact specifications.
Final Placement & Polishing
Once your inlay or onlay is ready, we bond it securely to your tooth. Before permanently affixing it, we ensure the fit is perfect with no gaps for bacteria to get into. The finished result is a durable restoration that feels comfortable and blends in seamlessly with your natural tooth material.
Quick Facts
- Procedure Duration: Two visits in most cases
- Treatment Type: Restorative dentistry
- How Long Results Last: 10–20+ years with proper care
- Material Used: Porcelain or ceramic, most commonly
Testimonials
Ready to Start?
Timely treatment of a damaged or weakened tooth can help you avoid more extensive procedures in the future. Our conservative approach to dental inlays and onlays can prove ideal for restoring dental stability before it is too late. TruGLO Modern Dental is a top-rated office for advanced restorative dentistry in La Jolla, providing a full suite of care options. Call our office or use our form to schedule your consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are inlays and onlays right for me?
Inlays and onlays are ideal for patients with moderate tooth damage who want to avoid a full crown. Earlier stages of decay can be solved with fillings, but moderate damage may require something more durable. Inlays and onlays offer greater strength than fillings while still preserving natural tooth structure.
How much do inlays and onlays cost?
Dental inlays and onlays in La Jolla typically range from $700–$1,200 per tooth. But the chosen material and complexity of each case affect the total cost. While this solution costs more than fillings, inlays and onlays often last significantly longer.
Our TruGLO Membership plans provide patients with discounted treatments, making restorative care more accessible. Additionally, our plans come with benefits like free cleanings and exams for sustained oral health.
How long does the treatment take?
Most inlays and onlays require two visits. The first one involves preparation and taking impressions. The second covers the final placement. Each appointment usually lasts about 60–90 minutes.
Are inlays and onlays permanent?
Well-made inlays and onlays can last for decades, but they still need replacing eventually. Most patients get about 10–20 years out of each inlay or onlay with good oral hygiene and routine dental care.
Can I eat normally after getting an inlay or onlay?
Yes! From the moment your inlay or onlay is placed, that tooth is ready for daily life. Still, you will want to wait for any anesthesia to wear off to avoid accidentally biting yourself!
Are inlays and onlays good for sensitive teeth?
Inlays and onlays seal and reinforce the tooth, so they can reduce sensitivity. Continued sensitivity after treatment could be a sign of a poorly fitted restoration, which is why precise fabrication and placement are so important.
