Dental Inlays & Onlays
in Roseville, CA
Stronger than a filling, more conservative than a crown — the perfect middle ground.
Understanding the Treatment
Inlays and onlays fill the gap between a simple filling and a full crown. When a tooth has too much damage for a filling to hold reliably — but still has plenty of healthy structure worth saving — grinding it down for a full crown sacrifices good tooth unnecessarily. An inlay or onlay restores exactly what's damaged and preserves everything that's healthy.
Both are custom-crafted from strong dental porcelain to precisely fit your tooth. An inlay fits within the grooves between the cusps of your tooth; an onlay extends over one or more cusps to rebuild a larger portion of the biting surface. Each is bonded securely in place, reinforcing the tooth rather than weakening it.
Because they're made from durable, custom-shaded porcelain, inlays and onlays are stronger and longer-lasting than large composite fillings, resist staining, and blend invisibly with your natural tooth.
The process takes two comfortable visits: preparation and digital impressions at the first, and precise bonding of your custom restoration at the second. It's conservative dentistry at its best — maximum preservation, maximum strength.
Is This Right for You?
- You have a large cavity that's too big for a reliable filling
- An old, fractured, or failing large filling
- A cracked cusp or worn biting surface
- You want to keep as much healthy natural tooth as possible
- You want a stronger, longer-lasting alternative to a big filling
Common Questions
What's the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
An inlay fits within the grooves between your tooth's cusps; an onlay covers one or more cusps to rebuild a larger area of the biting surface.
How long do inlays and onlays last?
Often 15+ years — typically outlasting large fillings significantly.
Why not just get a crown?
A crown requires removing significantly more healthy tooth structure. When an onlay can do the job, keeping your natural tooth is the healthier long-term choice.
Will it match my tooth?
Yes — each restoration is custom shaded porcelain that blends invisibly.
How many visits does it take?
Two comfortable visits, with a temporary protecting your tooth in between.
How much do inlays and onlays cost?
Every smile is unique. We'll give you a clear, complete cost breakdown at your consultation — with insurance and financing options explained.
What to Expect
- 1ConsultationDiscuss goals & examine smile.
- 2Custom PlanBuild treatment & pricing plan.
- 3TreatmentComfortable, expert care.
- 4ResultsEnjoy your healthy new smile.