Smiles On Broadway Inlays and Onlays

Gentle Dental Care – Annette Williamson D.D.S.

Inlays & Onlays ...

When a tooth is too damaged to support a filling but not severely enough to require a crown, Dr. Williamson may talk to you about an indirect filling – or inlays and onlays.

Unlike a standard filling that is done in a dentist's office, inlays and onlays are made in a laboratory and cemented or bonded to the surface of the tooth during a second visit to the dentist.

Inlays: An inlay is done when the tooth structure replaced is within the cusp tips of the tooth. Dr. Williamson will insert a filling made of gold or porcelain into the tooth and then cement it into place.

Onlays: If the damage is more extensive and the new structure covers the entire chewing surface including one or more tooth cusps, the procedure is called an onlay. Used to treat a fractured tooth, an onlay preserves your tooth and makes it structurally sound again.

Both inlays and onlays restore strength to teeth damaged because of decay or injury. Dr. Williamson will guide you through the process and make a decision about which procedure is best for you.