Inlays & Onlays in San Diego
Conservative tooth restorations that preserve your natural smile
What Are Inlays & Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are conservative dental restorations that provide an excellent alternative to large fillings or crowns. These custom-crafted restorations are designed to repair damaged teeth while preserving as much of your natural tooth structure as possible.
At Carmel Mountain Dentist, Dr. Irene S. Olaes uses advanced materials and precision techniques to create inlays and onlays that seamlessly blend with your natural teeth, providing both function and aesthetics.
The Difference:
Inlays: Fit within the grooves of your tooth's chewing surface
Onlays: Cover one or more cusps (points) of your tooth
Why Choose Dr. Olaes?
- 25+ years of restorative experience
- Conservative approach preserves teeth
- Gentle, patient-focused care
- Convenient Carmel Mountain location
Benefits of Inlays & Onlays
Remove less healthy tooth structure compared to crowns, maintaining more of your natural tooth.
Custom-matched to your natural tooth color for seamless integration with your smile.
Stronger than large fillings and can last 15-20 years with proper care.
Precisely crafted to fit your tooth's unique contours for optimal comfort and function.
Porcelain and ceramic materials resist staining better than composite fillings.
Maintained with regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups - no special care required.
Actually strengthen weakened teeth by distributing chewing forces more evenly.
Less invasive than crowns while providing superior protection compared to fillings.
Made from materials that are well-tolerated by your body and gum tissues.
Excellent seal at the tooth margins helps prevent decay and sensitivity.
The Inlay & Onlay Process
Initial Consultation & Evaluation
Dr. Olaes examines your tooth using digital X-rays and intraoral cameras to determine if an inlay or onlay is the best treatment option. We'll discuss your goals and answer any questions.
CircleDot Preparation
The damaged portion of your tooth is carefully removed while preserving as much healthy structure as possible. Local anesthesia ensures your comfort throughout the procedure.
Digital Impressions
Precise digital impressions are taken to create your custom restoration. A temporary filling protects your tooth while your inlay or onlay is crafted at our trusted dental laboratory.
Custom Fabrication
Your inlay or onlay is meticulously crafted from high-quality porcelain or ceramic material, matched to your natural tooth color and designed to fit perfectly.
Final Placement
At your second appointment, the temporary filling is removed and your custom restoration is carefully bonded to your tooth. Final adjustments ensure perfect fit and bite.
Follow-up Care
We schedule a follow-up visit to ensure your restoration feels comfortable and functions properly. Dr. Olaes provides care instructions for long-lasting results.
Who Needs Inlays & Onlays?
Teeth with cavities too large for regular fillings but not requiring full crown coverage.
Teeth with cracks or fractures that compromise structural integrity but retain healthy tooth structure.
Replacement of old, large amalgam or composite fillings that have failed or are showing wear.
Teeth that need reinforcement due to extensive decay or trauma while preserving natural structure.
Patients wanting to replace unsightly metal fillings with natural-looking restorations.
Patients seeking the most conservative restoration option that preserves maximum tooth structure.
Posterior teeth after root canal treatment that need protection but retain enough structure.
Teeth showing wear from grinding or clenching that need durable, protective restoration.
Patient Success Stories
"I needed to replace a large filling that kept breaking. Dr. Olaes recommended an onlay instead of a crown, which saved more of my natural tooth. The result looks and feels completely natural. I'm so glad I chose the conservative approach!"
- Maria R., Carmel Mountain
"My old silver fillings were unsightly and one had cracked. Dr. Olaes replaced them with beautiful ceramic inlays. The color match is perfect, and I love being able to smile confidently again. The process was comfortable and professional."
- James T., Rancho Bernardo
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care and regular dental checkups, inlays and onlays can last 15-20 years or even longer. Their durability depends on factors like oral hygiene, diet, grinding habits, and the location of the restoration. Dr. Olaes uses high-quality materials and precise techniques to maximize the lifespan of your restoration.
Inlays fit within the grooves of your tooth's chewing surface, onlays cover one or more cusps (points) of your tooth, and crowns cover the entire tooth above the gum line. Inlays and onlays are more conservative options that preserve more of your natural tooth structure while providing excellent protection and aesthetics.
The cost varies depending on the size, location, and material used. Generally, inlays and onlays cost more than fillings but less than crowns. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost. During your consultation, Dr. Olaes will provide a detailed treatment plan with cost estimates and discuss payment options available.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you should feel no pain during treatment. Some patients experience mild sensitivity after the anesthesia wears off, which typically resolves within a few days. Dr. Olaes's gentle technique and experience help minimize discomfort throughout the process.
Care for inlays and onlays just like your natural teeth - brush twice daily, floss regularly, and visit Dr. Olaes for routine checkups and cleanings. Avoid chewing ice, hard candies, or using your teeth as tools. If you grind your teeth at night, a nightguard may be recommended to protect your restoration.
Porcelain and ceramic inlays and onlays cannot be whitened with traditional teeth whitening treatments. However, they are highly stain-resistant and maintain their color well. If you're considering teeth whitening, it's best to complete it before getting your restoration so Dr. Olaes can match the shade to your newly whitened teeth.
While rare, if your restoration becomes loose or falls out, contact our office immediately. Keep the restoration safe and avoid chewing on that tooth. Dr. Olaes can often recement the restoration if it's undamaged. Don't attempt to reattach it yourself, as this could cause damage to the restoration or your tooth.
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Ready to Restore Your Smile?
Contact Carmel Mountain Dentist today to schedule your consultation for inlays and onlays with Dr. Olaes.
Serving Carmel Mountain, Rancho Bernardo, Scripps Ranch, and Poway