When You Might Need Inlays or Onlays for Your Teeth

Are cavities putting your teeth at risk of severe decay? Tackling these before they get worse helps protect you from the need for extensive dental work. Inlays and onlays are two options used for treating cavities. At NKC Dental, our dentists in North Kansas City, MO, and Westwood, KS, might recommend them to help save your teeth!

What Are Inlays?

These are custom restorations that are designed to fill all of the space between the elevated surfaces of your teeth, known as cusps. You have cusps on your molars, premolars, and canine teeth.

What Are Onlays?

These are similar to inlays, but they’re made to cover tooth cusps rather than fill the space between them.

When to Consider Inlays

Do you have a small cavity that’s not large enough for a crown? Or do you have a cavity that’s too large for a filling? This is when inlays may be recommended. These restorations help protect the affected tooth’s chewing surfaces.

When to Consider Onlays

We may recommend these instead of inlays if one or more cusps on affected teeth have too much damage or are missing. This can happen if you have more severe tooth decay.

Inlay and Onlay Materials

Both inlays and onlays can be made of different materials. For back teeth, metals like gold can offer more durability. But you might choose natural-looking ceramic or resin for front teeth.

Schedule an Appointment for Tooth Restoration!

Do you need other options for cavities besides crowns and fillings? At NKC Dental, we offer inlays and onlays in North Kansas City, MO, and Westwood, KS. Our dentists can recommend which to get based on the affected tooth and other factors.