Dental Inlays and Onlays

At Pacific Coast Dental, we've devoted significant resources to the most practical and effective dental technology available. One of our most popular options is same-day dental crowns made using our CEREC in-office design and fabrication tools.

But this process can make more than just one type of restoration. For example, in addition to crowns, our dental team can use this technology to create high-quality dental inlays and onlays to ensure you receive the proper restoration to solve tooth damage challenges.

The Differences between an Inlay and an Onlay

A dental inlay is a custom ceramic piece that fits into your tooth's grooves. An inlay may be superior to a composite filling if you have a tooth cavity in the center of a front-facing tooth. This tooth repair option works better on the outer edges or cusps of your teeth where more tooth structure exists to which your dental filling may bond.

In contrast, a dental onlay is best for restoring tooth damage that encompasses the cusps or biting surfaces of your tooth. So while an inlay 'lies in' the central grooves of a tooth, an onlay 'lays on' the top teeth surfaces, wrapping over the higher points around the edges of your tooth.

To create either restoration, Dr. Acosta will take a digital impression of the tooth to be repaired to fit your particular tooth shape and size. Then, we will numb the affected area with a local anesthetic and prepare the tooth by removing any decay or damaged tooth enamel before adhering to your CEREC restoration.

Is an Inlay or Onlay Appropriate for You?

Because dental onlays and inlays are more specialized, Dr. Acosta will assess your tooth condition and determine which solution works best for your unique needs. For example, in many cases, you may prefer a dental crown as a complete restoration, but an onlay may provide enough protection to render a crown unnecessary. Our goal is to supply the type of tooth restoration that simultaneously fits your needs and budget.

CEREC Dental Inlays and Onlays for Rapid Tooth Restorations

You may be upset or disappointed that one of your precious teeth needs to be repaired, but the Pacific Coast Dental team wants you to know about your restorative care options. In addition, we can discuss how dental onlays and inlays can fit into an overall plan for improving your smile.

For example, If your tooth cusp is too damaged to support a filling, but you'd rather not use a full dental crown, an onlay is an ideal alternative because it combines the strength and structure of a dental crown with the less invasive and more conservative approach of a tooth filling.

Our Pacifica Dental Team Loves to Restore Damaged Teeth

Whether you'd benefit most from a tooth-colored filling, a CEREC inlay or only, or a full dental crown, the dentists at Pacific Coast Dental can provide the right option for your smile. If you want to learn more, don't hesitate to contact our dental office for a consultation and to schedule an appointment.