Inlays & Onlays

January 6, 2020
There are times when a tooth suffers damage (from decay, for example) that is too extensive to be treated with a simple filling — but not extensive enough to need a full-coverage crown. In these cases, the best option for restoring the tooth may be an inlay or onlay.

Both inlays and onlays are considered “indirect” fillings, meaning that they are fabricated outside the mouth (generally at a dental laboratory), and then bonded to the tooth by the dentist. This is in contrast to a “direct” filling, which is applied directly to the cavity by the dentist in one office visit.

An indirect filling is considered an “inlay” when it fits within the little points or “cusps” of a back (premolar or molar) tooth. It is an “onlay” if it covers one or more of these cusps. Either way, the procedure for placing an inlay or onlay is the same

How It Works

Getting an inlay or onlay is very much like what you would experience having a crown placed, with one important distinction: less of your natural tooth structure will need to be removed by drilling when you receive an inlay or onlay. When you get a crown, the tooth needs to undergo significant reshaping so that it will fit inside its new covering. Since dentistry's goal is to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible, inlays and onlays may be recommended instead of crowns when a tooth can be restored with this more conservative type of treatment.

The first steps in getting an inlay or onlay are numbing the tooth and surrounding area with a local anesthetic, and then removing the decay. This is done in order to prevent the decay, which is actually a type of infection, from progressing deeper into the tooth.

Once the tooth has been prepared, an impression of it is made (either digitally or with a putty-like material) and sent to the dental laboratory. There, the impression is used to make a model of your tooth for the creation of your inlay/onlay. The final restoration can be made out of gold or a tooth-colored ceramic or resin.

Before you leave the office, a temporary filling will be attached to your tooth to protect it until the permanent restoration is ready. At your second visit, the permanent inlay/onlay will be attached to your tooth with either a resin that hardens when exposed to a special light source, or a type of permanent cement.

Inlays and onlays are strong, long-lasting, and require no greater level of care than any other tooth. Conscientious daily brushing and flossing, and regular professional cleanings at the dental office are all you need to make sure your restoration lasts for years to come.
inlays, onlays, and crowns
Replacing Missing Teeth

The Psychological Benefits of Replacing Missing Teeth: Boosting Confidence and Quality of Life

By Sewell Dental Designs • March 23, 2025
Discover how replacing missing teeth can transform your mental well-being and boost your confidence. Explore the psychological benefits today!
options for missing teeth

How Missing Teeth Affect Your Speech and How to Fix It

By Sewell Dental Designs • February 28, 2025
Learn how missing teeth affect speech and explore the best options for missing teeth to restore clarity and confidence in your voice.
types of braces

The Process of Getting Braces: What to Expect from Start to Finish

By Sewell Dental Designs • December 31, 2024
Explore types of braces and how getting braces works at Haddad Dental. Take the first step towards a confident smile now!
A woman is smiling while holding a clear retainer in her hand.

Orthodontic Treatment Options for Adults with Malocclusion

By Sewell Dental Designs • October 20, 2024
How can you fix a misaligned bite as an adult? Explore orthodontic treatments that fit your lifestyle and needs. Visit now!
teeth replacement options

Understanding the Causes and Consequences of Missing Teeth

By Sewell Dental Designs • August 23, 2024
Wondering about teeth replacement options? Discover the causes and consequences of missing teeth. Explore solutions to restore your smile. Visit us now!
tooth replacement options

How to Choose the Right Tooth Replacement Option for Your Lifestyle

By Sewell Dental Designs • June 28, 2024
Explore various tooth replacement options that fit your lifestyle. Discover which option works best for you. Click now to find out more!
types of malocclusion

Understanding Malocclusion: Types, Causes, and Symptoms

By Sewell Dental Designs • April 10, 2024
Discover the different causes, symptoms, and types of malocclusion. Find out how to maintain dental health. Click now for comprehensive information!
jaw adjustment

How Orthodontics Can Fix Jaw Misalignment

By Sewell Dental Designs • January 10, 2024
Orthodontics can fix a misaligned jaw with various treatment options. Discover what they can do in this guide on jaw adjustment.
what is periodontal disease, dentist in Sewell NJ

What Is Periodontal Disease?

By Sewell Dental Designs • November 18, 2023
In order to prioritize your dental health, you need to know how to prevent periodontal disease. But what is periodontal disease exactly?
Cosmetic Dentistry, Dentist in Sewell NJ

Cosmetic Dentistry 101: The Most Popular Procedures for Perfect Smiles

By Sewell Dental Designs • September 27, 2023
Cosmetic dentistry is any procedure that improves the look of your smile. Learn about the most popular types of procedures that Sewell, NJ residents love here.
More Posts
Starbrite Dental dr maryam selfi

Dr. Haddad

D.M.D

Dr. Haddad’s purpose at Sewell Dental Designs is to empower his patients so they can achieve and maintain excellent dental health and have a smile they are happy to show off. He decided on this path after receiving treatment from a competent and friendly dentist when he was a teen.

Dr. Haddad obtained his Bachelor of Science degree at George Mason University in Virginia and went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry degree (DMD) from Temple University Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry.


Starbrite Dental dr Karimi

Dr. Joanna

D.D.S

Dr. Joanna Haddad was born and raised in Lebanon and now resides in Philadelphia, PA. She speaks Arabic, French, and English fluently. Dr. Joanna earned her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, graduating with honors in Public Health. During her time in dental school, she was highly involved in various organizations and served as the Chapter President of the American Student Dental Association. She is also a proud member of the American Dental Association, American Association of Facial Esthetics and American student dental association.

Dr. Giesberg

D.D.S

Dr. Konstantina S. Giesberg, DDS, is a board-certified dentist anesthesiologist who has earned the privilege of becoming a Diplomate of the American Dental Board of Anesthesiology (DADBA).Dr. Giesberg obtained, with honors, her degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the University of Buffalo, NY. She then completed her General Practice Residency in Dentistry at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Giesberg then furthered her studies at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center with a Specialty Program in Dental Anesthesiology, involving three years of concentration in deep sedation and general anesthesia.