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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Inlays and Onlays in Glen Meyer
Inlays and onlays repair damage too large for a filling but not severe enough for a crown. Glen Meyer patients can learn when they fit and how they are placed.
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Seeing patients from Glen Meyer and the surrounding countryside at our Port Dover office
Browse all dental services for Glen MeyerBetween a filling and a crown
Some teeth need more than a filling but less than a crown.
Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations that fit into or over the chewing surface of a back tooth. An inlay sits within the grooves between the cusps, while an onlay extends over one or more cusps. They are often made from ceramic or composite in a laboratory and bonded to the tooth for strength.
Glen Meyer patients with a large cavity or a broken cusp can ask about inlays and onlays at our Port Dover office. The dentist will explain whether this option preserves more natural tooth than a crown, and when a filling or crown might be the better choice.
When they fit
The amount of healthy tooth left guides the choice.
Damage suited to an inlay or onlay
Inlays and onlays may be recommended for moderate to large cavities, broken cusps, cracked teeth with enough sound structure or old fillings that need replacing. They can restore strength while preserving more of the natural tooth than a full crown, because only the damaged areas are covered. They are typically used on molars and premolars that carry heavy chewing loads.
When another restoration may be better
Small cavities are usually better treated with a direct filling, which is simpler and quicker. Teeth with extensive damage, deep cracks or root canal treatment may need a crown for full protection. The dentist will examine the tooth, take X-rays and explain why an inlay or onlay is being suggested for your situation instead of the alternatives.
Materials
Material choice balances strength and appearance.
Ceramic and composite
Ceramic and composite inlays and onlays are tooth-coloured and can blend with the surrounding enamel. They are bonded to the tooth, which can help reinforce the remaining structure. Ceramic tends to resist staining and wear well, while composite may be easier to repair. The dentist will explain how each material suits your bite and the location of the tooth.
Gold and other materials
Gold has a long history as a durable material for inlays and onlays, especially for back teeth that take heavy forces. It is gentle on opposing teeth but more visible. The choice depends on your priorities, the tooth involved and your bite. Ask about the expected lifespan and maintenance of each option before making a decision.
The process
Inlays and onlays usually involve two visits.
Preparing the tooth and taking impressions
At the first appointment, the tooth is numbed and the decay or old filling is removed. The tooth is shaped to receive the restoration, and impressions or scans are taken. A temporary filling protects the tooth while the inlay or onlay is made. Avoid chewing sticky or hard foods on that side until the final restoration is placed.
Bonding the final restoration
At the second visit, the temporary is removed, and the dentist tries in the inlay or onlay to check its fit, colour and bite. Once satisfied, it is bonded or cemented in place and polished. Your bite is checked again. Contact the office if the tooth feels high or uncomfortable once the numbness has worn off at home.
Aftercare
Good habits help the restoration last.
Settling in after placement
Some sensitivity to temperature or pressure after placement is common and usually fades within a few days or weeks. If sensitivity lingers, worsens or the bite feels uneven, contact the office. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth to prevent decay at the edges of the restoration, where plaque can quietly collect.
Protecting the restoration long term
Avoid chewing ice, hard candy or other very hard items that could chip ceramic or composite. If you grind your teeth, ask whether a night guard would help protect the restoration. Regular checkups allow the dentist to monitor the edges and fit, and to address small issues before they lead to larger problems with the tooth.
Planning your appointment
Asking about inlays and onlays from Glen Meyer
Call our Port Dover office if a large filling has broken or you have been told a tooth needs a bigger repair. The team can arrange an examination and explain the restoration options.
Ask how far apart the two appointments will be, so you can plan both trips and avoid hard foods while the temporary is in place.
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 a tooth’s chewing surface, between the cusps. An onlay extends over one or more cusps to restore larger areas of damage. Both preserve more natural tooth than a crown in suitable cases.
Are inlays and onlays stronger than fillings?
They are made outside the mouth and bonded in place, which can make them durable and well fitting for larger repairs. For small cavities, a direct filling is usually sufficient. The dentist will recommend the option that suits your tooth best.
Do inlays and onlays look natural?
Ceramic and composite options can be shade-matched to blend with your teeth. Gold is more visible but very durable. Discuss your priorities with the dentist so the material chosen fits both your appearance and strength needs.
How long do inlays and onlays last?
With good care, they can last many years. Lifespan depends on the material, your bite, grinding habits and oral hygiene. Regular checkups help monitor their condition and detect any issues at the margins early, while they are easy to fix.
Is getting an inlay or onlay painful?
The tooth is numbed during preparation, so the procedure is usually comfortable. Some sensitivity afterward is common and generally settles. Let the dentist know if you feel discomfort during treatment or if sensitivity persists for more than a few weeks.
Compare with other restorations
General Dentistry →Composite Fillings →
Tooth-coloured composite fillings repair many cavities while blending with enamel. Glen Meyer patients can learn when they suit and how to look after them.
Dental Crowns →
A crown covers a weakened tooth to restore its shape and strength. Glen Meyer patients can learn when crowns are advised, how they are made and their care.