Dental Inlays & Onlays in Olney, MD

When tooth damage occurs beyond what a simple filling can repair but doesn’t require a full crown, you need a solution that perfectly fills the gap. Inlays and onlays provide that middle-ground restoration option, maintaining more of your natural tooth while delivering exceptional durability and aesthetics. These custom-crafted restorations offer an ideal solution when you’re facing moderate tooth damage from decay or injury.

At David Eskow, DDS Family Practice, we provide inlays and onlays as part of our comprehensive restorative dental services. We understand every tooth is unique, and we tailor our approach to ensure you get the most appropriate treatment for your specific situation. 

Guide to Inlays and Onlays

These custom-made restorations fix damaged or decayed teeth. They’re crafted from durable materials, such as porcelain or composite resin, and are created to match your natural tooth color perfectly. While they serve similar purposes, there are key differences between these two restoration types:

• Inlays fit within the cusps (bumps) of your tooth’s chewing surface. They’re ideal for treating decay or damage that’s too extensive for a traditional filling but confined to the central portion of your tooth.
• Onlays extend over one or more cusps of the tooth’s chewing surface. Sometimes called “partial crowns,” onlays cover more surface area than inlays and are used when damage extends to the cusps but doesn’t require a full crown.

Both restorations are precisely crafted in a dental laboratory to fit your tooth exactly, creating a strong, long-lasting repair that helps preserve your tooth’s integrity.

When Are Inlays and Onlays Recommended?

Our dental team may recommend an inlay or onlay in several situations:

• When tooth decay is too extensive for a traditional filling to provide adequate support
• When a tooth has a large, failing filling that needs replacement
• When a tooth has suffered a moderate fracture or damage
• When you want to replace metal fillings with a more natural-looking option
• When you need a more conservative alternative to a full crown

During your examination, we’ll evaluate the condition of your tooth and discuss whether an inlay or onlay would be the best restoration option for your specific needs. We take into account factors like the location and extent of damage, your bite forces, and your aesthetic preferences.

The Inlay and Onlay Process

Typically, receiving an inlay or onlay requires two separate visits:

During your first visit, we’ll:

• Inspect the tooth and take X-rays to assess the damage
• Administer a local anesthetic so you are comfortable 
• Take out any decay or damaged portions of the tooth
• Take precise impressions of your tooth for the dental laboratory
• Put in a temporary restoration to protect your tooth until the permanent one is ready

When your custom inlay or onlay is prepared (typically 1-2 weeks later), you’ll return for:

• Removal of the temporary restoration
• Thorough cleaning of the prepared tooth
• Careful placement of the inlay or onlay using a strong dental adhesive
• Last adjustments to ensure proper fit and bite alignment
• Polishing to achieve a smooth, natural appearance

Compared to a crown, which necessitates substantial tooth reshaping, this method focuses on retaining a greater amount of your existing, natural tooth structure.

Benefits of Choosing Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays offer numerous advantages over both traditional fillings and full crowns:

• Durability: Typically lasts 10-30 years with proper care, outlasting traditional fillings
• Tooth preservation: Requires less removal of healthy tooth structure than crowns
• Strength: Provides better structural support than large fillings, helping prevent further tooth fractures
• Perfect fit: Custom-made to precisely match your tooth’s unique contours
• Stain resistance: Porcelain restorations particularly resist staining and discoloration
• Natural appearance: Match your tooth color for a seamless, aesthetic result
• Protection: Help prevent further decay by sealing the treated area more effectively

These benefits make inlays and onlays an excellent choice for restoring moderately damaged teeth while maintaining their natural strength and appearance.

Caring for Your Inlays and Onlays

With proper care, your inlays and onlays provide many years of service. Follow these simple guidelines to maintain your restorations:

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily, paying special attention to the area around the restoration
• Avoid chewing extremely hard foods or objects that could damage the restoration
• If you grind your teeth, ask about a nightguard to protect your dental work
• Maintain regular dental checkups and cleanings

By following satisfactory oral hygiene practices and attending routine visits, you can help ensure the longevity of your inlays and onlays while maintaining a healthy smile.

Why Choose Our Practice for Inlays and Onlays?

Our team at David Eskow, DDS Family Practice has extensive experience in providing high-quality inlays and onlays. We use advanced technology with personalized care to ensure exceptional results. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top Dentist in 2022, 2023, and 2025, reflecting our dedication to excellence in every aspect of your dental care.

We take the time to explain your treatment options and answer any questions you may have. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions about your dental health while providing the best standard of care in a comfortable, friendly environment. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or have been told you need a large filling or crown, contact us today to learn if an inlay or onlay might be a better option for you. We’re here to help restore your smile with the most appropriate, conservative treatment possible. Call our office at (301) 774-2000 or contact us to schedule your consultation.