Patient video
Welcoming and Wonderful Practice
A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.
★★★★★
Port Dover Family Dentistry
Inlays and Onlays in Fishers Glen
When a filling is too small but a crown feels like too much, an inlay or onlay may fit. Fishers Glen patients can compare the options at our Port Dover office.
New patients welcomeCDCP accepted
Let’s get you smiling
Book an appointment
Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Caring for Fishers Glen patients at our Port Dover office
See every service for Fishers GlenBetween a filling and a crown
Inlays and onlays restore part of a tooth while keeping the rest.
An inlay fits inside the grooves of a back tooth, while an onlay extends over one or more of the cusps, the raised points of the chewing surface. Both are made to fit precisely, usually from ceramic, composite or gold, and then bonded or cemented in place. They are often considered when damage is too large for a reliable filling but enough healthy tooth remains to avoid a full crown.
If a dentist has mentioned an inlay or onlay, or you are weighing up options for a damaged back tooth, our Port Dover office can explain the choices to Fishers Glen patients. The dentist will look at how much structure remains and how your bite loads the tooth before making a recommendation that suits it.
Why this option
The aim is strength without removing more tooth than needed.
Protecting a weakened tooth
Large fillings can weaken the walls of a tooth, especially when chewing forces push on them repeatedly. An onlay covers and supports the cusps, helping to hold the tooth together and reduce the risk of fractures. This can be useful when an old filling has failed, a cusp has broken or a crack is starting to form along the chewing surface.
Preserving healthy structure
Compared with a crown, an inlay or onlay usually requires less reshaping of the tooth, because only the damaged areas are replaced. Preserving healthy enamel can be beneficial for the long-term health of the tooth. The dentist will explain whether partial coverage is enough or whether a full crown would be a safer option for your situation.
Materials
Different materials offer different strengths.
Tooth-coloured options
Ceramic and composite inlays and onlays can be matched to the colour of your teeth and bonded to the remaining structure, which may help reinforce it. Ceramic resists staining and wear well, while composite is easier to repair if it chips. The dentist will consider your bite, any grinding habits and appearance when recommending a material for the tooth.
Gold and metal options
Gold has a long track record, is gentle on opposing teeth and can be made thin while remaining strong. It is more noticeable, which matters less on back teeth for many people. The dentist can explain the pros and cons of each material and how they compare in terms of longevity, appearance and the amount of tooth preparation needed.
Treatment
Treatment usually takes two appointments.
Preparing the tooth
After numbing the area, the dentist removes decay or the old filling and shapes the tooth to receive the restoration. An impression or digital scan is taken, and a temporary filling protects the tooth while the inlay or onlay is made. Avoid sticky or very hard foods on that side while the temporary is in place, as it is not as strong.
Fitting the restoration
At the second visit, the temporary is removed, and the inlay or onlay is tried in to check fit, contact with neighbouring teeth and your bite. Once everything is right, it is bonded or cemented into place and polished. The dentist will check your bite carefully, and you can mention anything that feels high or unusual before you leave.
Aftercare
Good habits help your restoration last.
The first few days
Some sensitivity to temperature or pressure can occur for a short time after placement. If your bite feels uneven or sensitivity gets worse instead of better, contact the office so the restoration can be checked. Avoid chewing very hard foods on the tooth for the first day while the bonding fully settles and you get used to the feel.
Making it last
Brush twice daily, clean between your teeth and keep regular checkups so the edges of the restoration can be monitored. Avoid habits like chewing ice or pens. If you grind or clench, ask the dentist whether a night guard would help protect the inlay or onlay along with the rest of your teeth. It is a small step that can add years.
Planning your appointment
Inlays and onlays for Fishers Glen.
Call our Port Dover office if you have a large or failing filling, a broken cusp or have been told you may need an inlay, onlay or crown. The dentist will examine the tooth and explain the options.
If another dentist recommended a crown and you would like to know whether partial coverage is possible, mention it when you book.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Inlay and onlay questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
What is the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
An inlay fits within the grooves of the chewing surface, between the cusps. An onlay covers one or more cusps as well. The dentist chooses between them based on how much of the tooth is damaged and needs support.
Are inlays and onlays better than fillings?
For larger cavities or weakened teeth, they may provide more strength and durability than a large direct filling. For small cavities, a filling is usually enough. The dentist will recommend what suits the size of the damage and the forces on the tooth.
How long do they last?
Inlays and onlays can last many years with good care, depending on the material, your bite and habits. Regular checkups help spot any wear or problems at the edges early, when they are easier to address. Grinding shortens their life.
Is the procedure painful?
Local anaesthetic is used while the tooth is prepared, so most people feel pressure rather than pain. Some sensitivity afterward is common and typically settles within days. Let the office know if discomfort persists or your bite feels uneven.
Why not just get a crown?
If enough healthy tooth remains, an onlay can protect it while preserving more natural structure than a crown. If the tooth is too damaged, a crown may be the better choice. The dentist will explain the reasoning for your tooth.
Other restorations to compare
General Dentistry →Composite Fillings →
Composite fillings repair decay with a tooth-coloured material bonded in place. See how Fishers Glen patients are assessed, treated and cared for in Port Dover.
Dental Crowns →
A crown covers a weakened tooth to restore strength and shape. Fishers Glen patients can learn why crowns are recommended and how fitting works in Port Dover.