An inlay fits inside the tooth’s cusps, while an onlay extends over one or more cusps for more coverage.
Dental Inlays and Onlays
Repair and protect damaged teeth with long-lasting, natural-looking inlays and onlays at Dove Dental Group.
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Cost
The cost of inlays and onlays depends on the material used and the extent of the restoration—pricing details are provided during your consultation.
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Procedure Duration
Typically completed in two visits—one for impressions and one for placement—with each visit lasting about 60 to 90 minutes.
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Pain Level
You can expect minimal discomfort—local anesthesia ensures a painless procedure, and most patients report little to no sensitivity after.
Sedation Dentistry
Inlays and Onlays in Springfield, MO
Inlays and onlays are custom restorations used when a tooth is too damaged for a filling but doesn’t need a full crown. At Dove Dental Group, we offer precise, minimally invasive solutions that blend seamlessly with your smile. Our expert team designs and places these restorations to fit perfectly and restore strength, function, and aesthetics to your tooth while preserving as much of your natural structure as possible.
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What is the process?
1. Initial Consultation and Evaluation
Your journey begins with a comprehensive dental exam. Our team will assess the extent of damage or decay to determine whether an inlay or onlay is the best restorative option for your tooth. We’ll discuss your treatment options and answer any questions, so you feel confident in your care plan.
2. Tooth Preparation
Once we confirm that an inlay or onlay is right for you, we prepare the tooth by gently removing any decay or weakened structure. We’ll then take precise digital impressions to ensure your restoration is custom-fitted for a seamless result. A temporary filling is placed to protect your tooth between visits.
3. Custom Fabrication
Your inlay or onlay is crafted in a dental lab using durable, tooth-colored materials such as porcelain or composite resin. This step typically takes about 1–2 weeks. The result is a long-lasting restoration designed to mimic your natural tooth’s shape, color, and strength.
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What are the next steps?
4. Placement and Bonding
During your follow-up visit, we’ll remove the temporary restoration and bond your custom inlay or onlay into place. Our team ensures a snug fit, checks your bite, and polishes the restoration for a smooth finish. This bonding process strengthens the tooth and restores its full function.
5. Post-Treatment Care
We’ll provide care instructions to help you maintain your new restoration. With regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, inlays and onlays can last many years while preserving your natural smile.
FAQ
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What’s the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
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Are inlays and onlays better than fillings?
They’re stronger and more durable, especially for large cavities or damaged back teeth.
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How long do inlays and onlays last?
With proper care, inlays and onlays can last 10–20 years or longer.
Related Services
Dental Veneers
Veneers are custom-crafted, tooth-colored coverings for the front of visible teeth. We design and shape each veneer to make every tooth—and whole rows of teeth—look exactly the way you want.
Dental Veneers
Fillings and Sealants
We use filling techniques and materials that offer less leakage and last longer. Rather than traditional silver fillings, we use a composite resin that is dependable and research-tested. They blend in seamlessly with the tooth to give a natural, healthy-looking smile.
Fillings and Sealants