Dental inlays and onlays are durable restorations designed to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay, fractures, or wear without removing more healthy structure than necessary. They sit between a simple filling and a full crown in terms of coverage: an inlay fits within the cusps of a back tooth, while an onlay extends over one or more cusps and may cover a larger portion of the biting surface. Both are custom-made to match your tooth’s shape and color, offering a conservative yet long-lasting solution.
These restorations are typically crafted from strong, tooth-colored materials such as porcelain or composite resin, and in some cases from metal alloys. Because they are fabricated outside the mouth—either in a dental laboratory or with in-office CAD/CAM systems—they can achieve a very precise fit and excellent contours that blend with your natural dentition. That precision helps reduce the risk of recurrent decay around the margin and supports the remaining tooth structure.
At Suezaki Family Dentistry we recommend inlays and onlays when a tooth needs more than a simple filling but doesn’t yet require a full-coverage crown. This middle-ground approach preserves more of the original tooth, which is often better for long-term oral health and function. For patients who want a durable, discreet restoration that maintains natural tooth anatomy, inlays and onlays are a highly effective option.
Choosing between a filling, an inlay/onlay, or a crown depends on the extent of damage, the location of the tooth, and how much healthy enamel and dentin remain. Inlays are typically chosen when the damage is confined to the central chewing surface, whereas onlays are indicated when one or more cusps are weakened or fractured. If the tooth still has substantial intact structure, an onlay can often restore strength without resorting to a crown.
Other factors that influence the decision include the patient’s bite, the presence of large old restorations, and esthetic concerns. For back teeth where chewing forces are high, the superior strength of indirect restorations can be advantageous. Likewise, for visible teeth, opting for a tooth-colored material helps maintain a natural appearance without compromising durability.
Your dentist will evaluate your tooth with a clinical exam and radiographs to determine the most appropriate treatment. Conservation of tooth structure is a guiding principle in modern restorative dentistry, and when feasible, an inlay or onlay preserves more healthy tissue than a crown while still providing excellent protection and function.
The process of receiving an inlay or onlay generally involves two appointments when a laboratory is used, or a single visit when completed with same-day CAD/CAM technology. At the initial appointment, the tooth is gently anesthetized and any decay or compromised material is removed. The cavity is shaped to create a stable, retentive form while preserving as much natural tooth as possible.
After preparation, an impression or digital scan is taken to capture the exact contours of the tooth and bite. If a lab-fabricated restoration is chosen, a temporary protective restoration may be placed while the final piece is made. For CAD/CAM cases, the permanent restoration can often be milled and seated during the same visit. Either way, the final restoration is tried in to confirm fit and occlusion before being permanently bonded.
The bonding step uses advanced adhesive resins that create a strong chemical and mechanical connection between the restoration and the tooth. Proper bonding not only secures the inlay or onlay in place but also helps distribute chewing forces across the tooth, which can restore much of the tooth’s original strength and reduce the likelihood of future fracture.
Today’s inlays and onlays are available in a range of materials, each with its own balance of strength, wear resistance, and esthetic qualities. Porcelain and ceramic restorations are prized for their lifelike translucency and color-matching capabilities, making them an excellent choice when appearance matters. Composite resin inlays can be more conservative in tooth preparation and are easier to adjust, while gold or metal alloys remain an option where maximum durability is required.
Porcelain in particular offers superior resistance to staining and a surface finish that resembles natural enamel. When bonded correctly, ceramic inlays and onlays can restore a significant proportion of a tooth’s original strength—commonly cited figures indicate substantial reinforcement compared with large direct fillings. The durability of these restorations, combined with proper oral hygiene and routine dental care, means many patients enjoy reliable function for many years.
It’s important to discuss material choice with your dentist, taking into account the tooth’s location, your bite, and esthetic goals. The ideal selection balances longevity and appearance while preserving the greatest amount of healthy tooth structure.
After the inlay or onlay is bonded, most patients return to normal eating and oral hygiene habits fairly quickly. Initially, it’s wise to avoid very hard or sticky foods for a short period to allow adhesives to fully stabilize. Maintain routine brushing and flossing, and be mindful when flossing around the restored tooth to preserve the margins and prevent food trapping.
Regular dental checkups are essential for monitoring the integrity of the restoration and the health of the surrounding tooth and gum tissue. Your dental team will check the fit, margins, and occlusion at recall visits and can address any minor adjustments if needed. With proper care, indirect restorations are highly serviceable and can be repaired or replaced when necessary without sacrificing the health of the adjacent teeth.
Watch for signs that may warrant a prompt evaluation, such as new sensitivity to hot or cold, a change in bite, or any unusual pain. These symptoms can sometimes indicate a margin breakdown, secondary decay, or wear—conditions that are easier to address when identified early.
Inlays and onlays offer a conservative, esthetic, and long-lasting solution for restoring damaged posterior teeth while preserving healthy tooth structure. If you’d like to learn whether an inlay or onlay is right for you, contact Suezaki Family Dentistry for more information or to schedule an evaluation. Our team can explain your options and help you choose a treatment that balances function, appearance, and durability.
Dental inlays and onlays are indirect restorations fabricated outside the mouth to repair teeth affected by decay, fractures or wear. An inlay fits within the cusps of a posterior tooth while an onlay extends over one or more cusps and may cover a larger portion of the chewing surface. Both options are designed to preserve healthy tooth structure while restoring form and function.
Because they are custom-made, inlays and onlays provide a precise fit and carefully contoured margins that blend with the surrounding tooth. They restore occlusal anatomy to improve chewing efficiency and reduce abnormal wear on adjacent teeth. When selected appropriately, these restorations offer a conservative alternative to full crowns.
Fillings are direct restorations placed and shaped in the mouth, while inlays and onlays are indirect restorations made in a laboratory or with CAD/CAM technology before being bonded in place. Crowns are full-coverage restorations that encase the entire visible portion of a tooth, whereas an onlay preserves more of the natural crown and an inlay preserves even more. This middle-ground approach allows clinicians to balance conservation of tooth structure with the need for strength and durability.
The decision among a filling, an inlay/onlay or a crown depends on how much healthy enamel and dentin remain and the location of the damage. Large defects or extensively weakened cusps are more likely to require an onlay or crown for adequate protection. For moderate defects confined to the biting surface, an inlay can restore function while minimizing unnecessary removal of tooth tissue.
Common materials for inlays and onlays include porcelain or ceramic, composite resin, and metal alloys such as gold. Ceramic and porcelain are favored for their lifelike translucency and stain resistance, while composite resin can be more conservative to prepare and easier to adjust chairside. Gold and other metal alloys remain an option in high-stress areas where maximal durability is required.
Material selection is based on the tooth's location, the patient’s bite, esthetic priorities and the amount of remaining tooth structure. For visible areas where appearance matters, tooth-colored ceramics are often preferred. Your dentist will discuss the advantages and trade-offs of each material to match longevity and appearance goals with practical clinical considerations.
The process typically begins with local anesthesia, removal of decay or compromised material, and shaping of the cavity to create a stable form that preserves as much healthy tooth as possible. After preparation, a digital scan or traditional impression captures the exact contours of the tooth and bite for a precise restoration. If a laboratory is used, a temporary protective restoration is placed until the final piece is ready; with CAD/CAM technology the restoration can often be milled and placed in a single visit.
When the final restoration returns, the dentist will verify fit, contacts and occlusion before bonding the piece with advanced adhesive resins. Proper bonding creates a strong chemical and mechanical connection that helps distribute chewing forces and reduces the risk of fracture. Final adjustments are made to ensure comfortable function and a natural bite.
Inlays and onlays are generally very durable when fabricated from high-quality materials and properly bonded to the tooth. Ceramic restorations resist staining and wear in a way that closely mimics natural enamel, while metal alloys can provide exceptional long-term strength in areas of heavy chewing. The quality of the fit, the bonding protocol and the patient's bite all influence how well the restoration performs over time.
Longevity also depends on oral hygiene, routine dental checkups and avoiding habits that place excessive stress on teeth, such as chewing very hard objects or chronic teeth grinding. Regular monitoring allows the dental team to identify margin wear or minor issues early and address them before more extensive work is needed. With attentive care, many inlays and onlays provide reliable function for years.
After placement, most patients can resume normal brushing and flossing immediately, though it is wise to avoid very hard or sticky foods for a short period to allow the bond to fully stabilize. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and floss carefully around the restored tooth to protect the margins from plaque accumulation. Maintaining consistent home care helps prevent recurrent decay at the restoration edges.
Attend regular dental checkups so the dentist can evaluate the fit and condition of the inlay or onlay and make any necessary adjustments. If you notice new sensitivity, a change in bite or any unusual discomfort, contact the dental team promptly for an evaluation. Early attention to minor concerns helps preserve the restoration and the health of the surrounding tooth structure.
Yes, inlays and onlays are particularly well suited for molars and premolars because these teeth endure the greatest chewing forces and often benefit from the added strength of an indirect restoration. An onlay can protect weakened cusps on a posterior tooth without removing as much healthy structure as a crown. For premolars and molars with moderate to large defects, an indirect restoration often restores function more predictably than a large direct filling.
The choice depends on the size and location of the defect, the tooth’s role in the bite and whether adjacent teeth have existing restorations. Your dentist will evaluate occlusion and wear patterns to determine whether an inlay or onlay provides the best long-term outcome. In many cases, posterior indirect restorations extend the functional life of the tooth while preserving natural anatomy.
Minor chips or marginal defects can sometimes be repaired with composite resin, depending on the material and the extent of the damage. Ceramic restorations are more challenging to repair seamlessly than composite, but localized repairs or rebonding procedures may be possible in some cases. When a restoration is extensively fractured or shows recurrent decay at the margin, replacement may be the most predictable solution.
Prompt evaluation of any change in comfort, appearance or function increases the likelihood that a conservative repair will be feasible. Your dentist will assess the restoration using clinical examination and radiographs to recommend repair options that preserve tooth health. Regular maintenance and early attention to problems help minimize the need for more invasive procedures.
The decision begins with a thorough clinical exam and radiographs to evaluate the extent of decay, fracture or old restoration failure and to determine how much healthy tooth structure remains. The dentist will consider the tooth’s location, the patient’s bite, esthetic preferences and the condition of adjacent restorations when formulating a treatment plan. Conservation of tooth structure is a primary goal, so when adequate strength can be restored without a full crown, an inlay or onlay is often preferred.
Discussion between the clinician and patient about materials, expected outcomes and maintenance helps ensure a shared decision that aligns with functional and cosmetic goals. If the tooth is structurally compromised or there is significant root or periodontal involvement, alternative treatments may be recommended. The chosen approach aims to restore chewing function, protect the tooth from further damage and maintain oral health.
To schedule a consultation, call the office at (408) 251-0547 or request an appointment through the practice’s contact options to discuss whether an inlay or onlay is appropriate for your tooth. During the consultation the dentist will perform an exam, take any necessary radiographs and review treatment choices and material options tailored to your needs. Bring a list of current medications and any recent dental records if available to help the team evaluate your oral health history.
Suezaki Family Dentistry is located at 250 Montclair Ave, Suite C, San Jose, CA 95116, and the staff can explain what to expect at your visit and answer questions about preparation and aftercare. If you have concerns about sensitivity, chewing comfort or the appearance of a restored tooth, mention them during scheduling so the appointment can be planned appropriately. The goal of the consultation is to provide clear information and a customized treatment recommendation that preserves tooth structure and function.
