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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Inlays and Onlays in Windham Centre
Too much damage for a filling but not enough for a crown? Windham Centre patients can learn how inlays and onlays restore back teeth at our Port Dover office.
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See every dental service for Windham CentreThe middle ground
Inlays and onlays repair larger damage while saving healthy tooth.
Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations, often ceramic or composite, that fit into or over the damaged part of a back tooth. An inlay sits within the cusps, while an onlay extends over one or more of them. They can be a conservative alternative to a crown when a cavity or an old filling is too large for a direct filling to hold up well.
Windham Centre patients with a large cavity or a failing filling can ask our Port Dover dentists whether an inlay or onlay is a good fit. The assessment considers how much healthy tooth remains, how your bite comes together and the long-term strength of the tooth before any recommendation is made.
When they fit
These restorations suit moderate to large damage.
Damage too large for a filling
When decay or an old filling has removed a significant portion of a tooth but the outer walls are still strong, an inlay or onlay can restore its shape and support. Because they are made outside the mouth, they can be shaped very precisely, and in some situations they may prove more durable than a large direct filling exposed to heavy chewing.
When a crown may be better
If cracks run through the tooth, very little structure remains or the tooth has had root canal treatment, a crown may offer better protection. The dentist will examine the tooth, look for cracks and assess your bite before recommending which restoration gives the best balance between strength and keeping as much of your natural tooth as possible.
Materials
Material affects appearance, strength and preparation.
Ceramic and composite
Ceramic and composite inlays and onlays are tooth-coloured and bond to the tooth, which can help reinforce it. Ceramic resists staining and wear well, while composite can be simpler to repair if it chips. The dentist will consider your bite, the location of the tooth and any grinding habit when recommending a material that is likely to perform well for you.
Gold and other options
Gold inlays and onlays are very durable and gentle on the opposing teeth, but they are clearly visible. Some patients still choose gold for back teeth that do not show when they smile. Discuss the pros and cons of each material, including cost and expected lifespan, so you can make a decision that fits your priorities rather than a default choice.
The process
Inlays and onlays usually take two appointments.
Preparation and impressions
At the first visit, the tooth is numbed, any decay or old filling material is removed and the tooth is carefully shaped. Impressions or digital scans are taken and sent to a lab, and a temporary restoration is placed to protect the tooth in the meantime. Avoid sticky or hard foods on the temporary, and contact the office if it loosens.
Bonding the restoration
When the inlay or onlay is ready, the temporary is removed and the new restoration is tried in to check its fit, contacts and appearance. It is then bonded or cemented into place and your bite is adjusted. Once the numbness wears off, the tooth should feel smooth and natural against your tongue and when you bite together.
Care
Look after the restoration like a natural tooth.
The first days
Some sensitivity to cold or pressure is common for a short time after placement. If your bite feels uneven, or the sensitivity worsens instead of fading, call the office so the dentist can check the restoration and adjust it. Avoid very hard foods for the first day while the bonding fully settles and the tooth gets used to its new surface.
Long-term maintenance
Brush twice daily and floss around the restoration to prevent decay starting at its edges. Regular checkups allow the dentist to monitor the margins and the health of the tooth over time. If you grind or clench your teeth, a night guard may help protect the restoration and your other teeth from the extra wear those habits cause.
Planning your appointment
Find the right repair for a damaged tooth.
Contact our Port Dover office to book an assessment. Windham Centre patients can mention a large filling, a cracked tooth or a recommendation from another dentist when they call, so the right amount of time is booked.
Bring recent X-rays or notes from previous dental visits, and ask for a written estimate if you want to check your coverage first.
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 cusps of a tooth, while an onlay covers one or more of the cusps as well. The choice depends on where the damage is located and how much healthy tooth remains around it after decay is removed.
Are inlays and onlays better than fillings?
For larger areas of damage, they can offer a better fit and greater durability than a big direct filling. For small cavities, a regular filling is usually sufficient. The dentist will recommend what suits the size and position of your tooth.
How long do onlays last?
With good care, inlays and onlays can last many years. Their lifespan depends on the material used, your bite and your oral hygiene. Regular checkups help the dentist identify wear or problems at the edges early on.
Does an onlay need as much tooth removed as a crown?
Usually less. An onlay covers only the damaged portion of the tooth, preserving more healthy structure. This is one of the main reasons it may be recommended when a full crown is not strictly necessary.
Can I eat normally with a temporary?
Eat carefully and avoid sticky or hard foods on that side. If the temporary comes loose or breaks, contact the office so it can be replaced quickly, since it protects the prepared tooth until the final restoration is ready.
Neighbouring restoration options
General Dentistry →Composite Fillings →
Tooth-coloured composite fillings can repair cavities and minor damage. See how Windham Centre patients are assessed and treated for fillings in Port Dover.
Dental Crowns →
A crown covers and strengthens a weak or heavily filled tooth. Windham Centre patients can learn when crowns are advised and how it works in Port Dover.