When a tooth has too much damage for a simple filling but doesn't need a full crown, an inlay or onlay is the ideal solution. These precision-fabricated restorations are custom-made in a dental laboratory to fit your tooth exactly, preserving the maximum amount of healthy tooth structure while restoring strength, function, and appearance. At Dental Sedation Ottawa, we offer porcelain, zirconia, and composite inlays and onlays with full sedation options for patients who experience dental anxiety.
An inlay is a custom-made restoration that fits within the cusps (the raised points) of a back tooth, filling the space between them. Think of it as a precision-crafted puzzle piece that slots perfectly into the damaged area. Inlays are fabricated in a dental laboratory from porcelain, zirconia, or composite resin, then bonded to your tooth with dental adhesive. Because they are made outside the mouth, they can be crafted to exact specifications with superior fit and strength compared to direct fillings.
An onlay is similar to an inlay but extends over one or more cusps of the tooth. Sometimes called a partial crown, an onlay covers and reinforces a larger area of damage while still preserving significantly more natural tooth structure than a full crown would. Onlays are ideal when one or more cusps are weakened by decay, fracture, or a failing large filling — they protect the vulnerable areas while leaving healthy tooth structure intact.
Sedation Options for Your Complete Comfort
Direct composite fillings work well for small to moderate cavities. But when decay or damage affects a larger portion of the tooth — roughly 30-50% of the biting surface — a direct filling becomes less reliable. Large fillings are more prone to cracking, shrinkage, and failure over time because the material isn't strong enough to withstand heavy chewing forces across a wide area. An inlay or onlay is fabricated from stronger materials under controlled laboratory conditions, providing superior strength and longevity for these larger restorations.
A full crown requires removing healthy tooth structure all around the tooth to create space for the crown to fit over it. When the damage is limited to the biting surface or a portion of the tooth, this removal of healthy structure is unnecessary. An inlay or onlay addresses only the damaged area, preserving your healthy tooth structure and maintaining the natural strength of the remaining tooth. This conservative approach means a stronger tooth that lasts longer.
Porcelain and zirconia inlays and onlays are fabricated under controlled conditions that produce a denser, stronger restoration than what can be achieved with chairside filling materials. They can actually strengthen a weakened tooth by up to 75% — compared to direct fillings, which can weaken the tooth. With proper care, inlays and onlays typically last 10-20+ years, significantly outlasting composite fillings that usually need replacement within 5-10 years.
Laboratory-crafted porcelain inlays and onlays are colour-matched and shaped to blend seamlessly with your natural tooth. The precision fit minimizes the margin (junction between restoration and tooth), reducing the risk of future decay at the edges. Because the restoration is made on a model of your tooth, the bite surface is shaped to match your natural anatomy precisely — resulting in a more comfortable, natural-feeling chew.
We assess your tooth with clinical examination and imaging to determine if an inlay or onlay is the best option. We discuss materials, the process, and select your preferred sedation if needed.
Under your chosen sedation and local anaesthesia, we carefully remove the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth while preserving maximum healthy structure. The tooth is shaped to receive the custom restoration.
We take precise impressions of the prepared tooth and place a temporary protective restoration. The impressions are sent to our dental laboratory where your inlay or onlay is custom-fabricated over one to two weeks.
At your second appointment, we remove the temporary, verify the fit of your custom restoration, and permanently bond it to your tooth using precision adhesive techniques. We check your bite and make any final adjustments.
After bonding, your inlay or onlay is immediately functional — you can eat and drink normally once the local anaesthesia wears off. You may notice slight sensitivity for a few days as the tooth adjusts, which is completely normal. Avoid very hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours while the adhesive fully cures. If you notice your bite feels uneven, contact us for a quick adjustment.
Inlays and onlays require the same care as natural teeth: brush twice daily, floss daily, and maintain your regular cleaning appointments. Although the restoration itself cannot decay, the junction between the restoration and your tooth can be vulnerable if plaque accumulates. If you grind your teeth, a custom night guard is recommended to protect both your restoration and natural teeth from excessive wear. With proper maintenance, your inlay or onlay can last 10-20+ years.
Transparent Pricing for Inlays and Onlays
Insurance typically covers a significant portion of inlays and onlays as a restorative procedure.
We provide direct billing to most insurance providers and accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).
Flexible payment plans are available for any remaining balance.
Our patients consistently rate us 5 stars for gentle, anxiety-free care. Read verified patient experiences on Google.
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