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 Jarvis
Inlays and onlays restore teeth too damaged for a filling but not needing a full crown. Learn how Jarvis patients can find out if this conservative option fits their tooth.
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.
Seeing Jarvis patients at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for Jarvis patientsThe middle-ground restoration
Sometimes a tooth needs more than a filling but less than a crown.
Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations, usually ceramic, composite or gold, that are bonded into or onto a damaged back tooth. An inlay fits within the cusps, while an onlay covers one or more cusps. They can preserve more natural tooth structure than a crown while offering more strength than a large filling.
At our Port Dover office, the dentist can tell a Jarvis patient whether a damaged tooth is suited to an inlay or onlay. The choice depends on how much healthy tooth remains and the forces it faces.
When to consider
The amount of remaining tooth drives the choice.
Signs an inlay or onlay may fit
Moderate decay, a large old filling that is failing or a fractured cusp on a back tooth are typical situations. If enough strong tooth structure remains, an inlay or onlay can restore the tooth while keeping healthy enamel intact. The dentist will examine the tooth and X-rays to judge whether this approach is reasonable.
When a crown is still better
If much of the tooth is missing, the tooth is cracked extensively or root canal treatment has left it brittle, a crown may provide better protection. Heavy grinding may also influence the decision. The dentist will explain the reasoning so you understand why one option is recommended over another.
Materials
Each material has its own strengths.
Ceramic and composite
Ceramic restorations can closely match tooth colour and resist staining. Composite restorations are also tooth-coloured and may be easier to repair, though they can wear more over time. Both are bonded to the tooth, which can help reinforce remaining structure. The dentist will discuss durability for your bite.
Gold
Gold is very durable and gentle on opposing teeth, and it requires minimal tooth removal. Its main drawback is appearance. Some patients choose gold for back teeth where it is less visible. Ask the dentist about the advantages and trade-offs of each material for your situation.
The process
Treatment typically involves two appointments.
Preparation and impression
At the first visit, the tooth is numbed, decay and old filling material are removed, and the tooth is shaped. Impressions or a scan are taken and sent to a lab. A temporary restoration protects the tooth. Be careful with sticky or hard foods and call the office if the temporary comes loose.
Bonding the restoration
At the second visit, the temporary is removed and the inlay or onlay is tried in to check fit, colour and bite. Once everything is right, it is bonded or cemented in place and polished. The dentist will check your bite carefully so the tooth feels comfortable when you chew.
Aftercare
Treat the restored tooth like your other teeth.
Settling in
Mild sensitivity can occur for a short time after treatment. Avoid very hard foods for the first day. If the bite feels high, sensitivity persists or the restoration feels rough, contact the office. Small adjustments can usually resolve these issues quickly.
Long-term maintenance
Brush twice daily and floss around the restoration, paying attention to the edges where decay can begin. Keep regular checkups so the dentist can monitor the margins. If you grind, a night guard may help protect your restoration from excessive force.
Planning your appointment
Discussing inlays and onlays from Jarvis
Call our Port Dover office to book an assessment of a damaged or heavily filled back tooth. Mention any pain, cracks or sensitivity.
Plan for two appointments and ask how long the lab typically takes so you can arrange travel accordingly.
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 onlay?
An inlay fits within the grooves between the cusps of a tooth. An onlay extends over one or more cusps. Both are custom-made in a lab and bonded to the tooth.
Are inlays better than fillings?
For larger repairs, they can be stronger and more durable than direct fillings. For small cavities, a regular filling is usually sufficient. The dentist will recommend what fits.
How long do inlays and onlays last?
Many last for years with good care. Longevity depends on material, bite forces, hygiene and grinding habits. Regular checkups help monitor their condition.
Is the procedure painful?
The tooth is numbed during preparation. Some sensitivity afterward is common for a short period. Most people find the process similar to getting a filling.
Why not just get a crown?
An onlay can preserve more healthy tooth structure than a crown when enough strong tooth remains. If the tooth is too weak, a crown may be the safer option.
Other restorative options
General Dentistry →Composite Fillings →
Composite fillings repair decay with a tooth-coloured material. Jarvis patients can learn how a cavity is assessed, what the visit involves and how to care for it after.
Dental Crowns →
A crown covers a weakened tooth to restore strength and shape. Jarvis patients can learn at our Port Dover office when a crown is advised and what the visits involve.