Inlays and Onlays in Jackson, NJ

A cavity that is too big for a small filling but not serious enough for a crown can leave you stuck in the middle. You may be told a tooth needs more than a quick fix, yet the idea of capping it can feel like too much. Knowing the options between those two ends can help you feel more at ease about what comes next.

Artistic Dental offers inlays and onlays through our restorative dentistry services in Jackson, NJ, where Drs. Bookman, Goldberg, and Seto help patients repair damaged teeth while keeping as much natural tooth as possible. Below, we explain how inlays and onlays differ from each other, from fillings, and from crowns.

What Are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations that repair a tooth damaged by decay or a fracture. Both are made outside the mouth and then fitted onto the prepared tooth, which is why dentists call them indirect restorations.

According to a 2020 review in the National Library of Medicine’s PubMed Central archive, inlays sit within the raised points of a tooth, called cusps, while onlays cover at least one cusp. The same review described these partial restorations as a conservative alternative to full crowns.

How Fillings Compare With Inlays and Onlays

Fillings, inlays, and onlays all repair decay, but they are made and placed in different ways. Here is how they compare:

• Placement: a filling is shaped directly inside the tooth, while an inlay or onlay is made outside the mouth and fitted afterward.
• Damage size: fillings suit smaller cavities, while inlays and onlays are meant for damage too large for a filling but not extensive enough for a crown.
• Tooth structure: a filling preserves the most natural tooth, and inlays and onlays remove more than a filling but far less than a crown.
• Strength: an onlay can reinforce a weakened cusp, which a filling generally does not.
• Time and cost: inlays and onlays usually take more time and may cost more than a filling.

Our dentists look at how much healthy tooth remains, how you bite, and what you hope to achieve before recommending an option. Our blog also explains what dental fillings are if you would like more detail on direct restorations.

Choosing Between an Inlay and an Onlay

An inlay fits inside the cusps of the chewing surface and works well when those cusps are strong. An onlay extends over one or more cusps, so it can support a tooth with a cracked or weakened cusp.

Your dentist makes the final call after a close look at the tooth and digital x-rays to check what is happening beneath the surface. Every tooth is different, so the right choice depends on the amount of damage and your bite.

Inlays and Onlays vs. Crowns

A dental crown covers the entire tooth above the gum line, so the tooth has to be reshaped on all sides to make room for it. Inlays and onlays are partial restorations, so they keep more of your natural tooth.

When too little healthy tooth remains to support a partial restoration, a crown may be the safer option. We explain each choice during your visit so you can decide with confidence.

What to Expect From Treatment

Treatment starts with removing decay and preparing the tooth. The restoration is then made outside the mouth to match the shape of your tooth. Because every patient’s bite is different, we check and adjust the fit so it feels natural. Depending on how the restoration is made, the process may take more than one visit, and we explain each step before we begin.

Materials and Longevity

Inlays and onlays are commonly made from ceramic, composite resin, or gold. The 2020 review above reported a survival rate above 90 percent for onlays overall, though composite onlays did not last as long over time as ceramic and hybrid materials.

How long a restoration lasts depends on the material, your bite, and your daily care. We talk through the material options with you before treatment, and regular checkups help us watch how a restored tooth is holding up.

When Inlays and Onlays May Be Recommended

We may recommend an inlay or onlay when decay or a fracture has weakened a tooth but the tooth can still be saved without a crown. Pain when you bite or lingering sensitivity can be signs a tooth needs attention, so it helps to schedule a dental exam sooner rather than later.

Schedule an Inlay or Onlay Consultation at Artistic Dental

Dr. Miryam Bookman graduated at the top of her class at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and completed a general practice residency at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. She opened her own practice in Jackson in 2008, and in 2014 she and Dr. Goldberg merged their practices to form Artistic Dental. Today, Dr. Bookman, Dr. Goldberg, and Dr. Seto and our team provide compassionate, personalized restorative care to patients in Jackson and the surrounding communities.

If a damaged tooth has you weighing your options, contact our team to schedule an evaluation at our Jackson office. We can examine the tooth, explain whether a filling, inlay, onlay, or crown fits best, and help you plan your next steps.