Inlays & Onlays
When a tooth is too damaged for a simple filling but not damaged enough to require a full crown, Samad Dental Studio offers Inlays and Onlays. These custom-made restorations are a conservative, durable, and aesthetically pleasing solution to repair decay and restore your tooth’s natural strength.
Inlays and Onlays are “indirect” restorations, meaning they are fabricated outside of the mouth in a dental lab (or using specialized milling technology) and then bonded to the tooth. They are often called “partial crowns.”
fit within the grooves (cusps) of a tooth, similar to a filling but much stronger.
are larger and cover one or more cusps (the biting points) of the tooth to protect it from fracture. At Samad Dental Studio, we use high-quality porcelain or composite resin materials to create inlays and onlays that blend seamlessly with your natural enamel.
Unlike crowns, which require removing a significant amount of healthy tooth structure, inlays and onlays allow us to preserve more of your natural tooth, ensuring better long-term health.
Because they are made from high-strength materials in a laboratory setting, inlays and onlays are significantly stronger and more durable than traditional large fillings, lasting up to 20-30 years with proper care.
We custom-match the material to the exact shade of your surrounding teeth. Unlike silver amalgam, these restorations are virtually invisible, maintaining the beauty of your smile.
While large traditional fillings can weaken a tooth by expanding and contracting, onlays are bonded directly to the tooth surface, actually increasing the structural integrity and strength of the remaining tooth by up to 75%.
Precision Restoration Step-by-Step At Samad Dental Studio, receiving an inlay or onlay is a meticulous process typically completed in two visits:
Step 1
First, we remove the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth under local anesthesia. We then take a highly accurate digital or physical impression of the prepared tooth to send to our dental laboratory.
Step 2
Since the custom restoration takes time to craft, we place a temporary sealant or restoration over the tooth to protect it and prevent sensitivity while you wait for the second appointment.
Step 3
Once your custom inlay or onlay is ready, you return to our studio. We remove the temporary, clean the area, and check the fit of the new piece.
Step 4
After confirming the fit is perfect, we permanently bond the restoration to the tooth and polish it to ensure a smooth bite and a natural feel.
This treatment is the “Goldilocks” solution—perfect for specific situations:
Ideal for those who have cavities that are too large for a standard filling (where a filling might crack) but have enough healthy tooth structure remaining that a full crown is unnecessary.
If the biting point (cusp) of a back tooth has fractured due to trauma or wear, an onlay can rebuild that specific area without covering the whole tooth.
Patients wishing to replace large, unsightly silver fillings often choose inlays and onlays for a stronger, tooth-colored alternative.
If you want to avoid the aggressive reduction of tooth structure required for a crown, an onlay is the best conservative choice.
Cost and Insurance for Inlays & Onlays Inlays and onlays are generally more expensive than standard fillings due to the laboratory work and materials involved, but they are often less expensive than full crowns. Most dental insurance plans categorize them under “major” or “restorative” services and may cover a percentage of the cost. At Samad Dental Studio, we provide a complete breakdown of costs before starting treatment and will help you leverage your insurance benefits to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
Our Team
At Samad Dental Studio, our dentist is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centred dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. With a strong focus on preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry, our approach is centred on helping patients achieve long-term oral health while feeling informed and at ease throughout their visits.
We believe in clear communication, gentle techniques, and personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. By combining clinical expertise with modern dental technology, our goal is to deliver reliable care and positive dental experiences for patients of all ages.
Why Choose Us
Our philosophy is to save as much of your natural tooth as possible. We always prefer an onlay over a crown if the clinical situation allows it, prioritizing your long-term oral health.
Samad Dental Studio partners with top-tier dental labs that use the strongest, most esthetic ceramics available, ensuring your restoration doesn't just look good—it lasts.
We utilize advanced digital scanning and imaging to ensure the margins of your inlay or onlay fit perfectly, preventing bacteria from entering underneath the restoration.
The success of an onlay relies heavily on the bonding protocol. Our dentists are experts in adhesive dentistry, ensuring a bond that acts like part of the original tooth.
Explore Our FAQ
A filling is a soft material packed into the hole and hardened inside the mouth. An inlay is a solid piece custom-made outside the mouth and then glued in. Inlays are much stronger and better for larger cavities.
No. Just like a filling or crown prep, we use local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding area. You will be comfortable throughout the procedure.
Treat it exactly like your natural teeth. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit Samad Dental Studio for regular check-ups. They are highly resistant to staining and decay.
Usually, it takes two appointments spaced about 1 to 2 weeks apart (for the lab to fabricate the piece).
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