Ever bite down and feel pain in a damaged tooth or notice an old filling isn’t doing its job anymore? When a tooth has been affected by decay or damage but doesn’t need a full dental crown, inlays and onlays are the way to go. At The Dentist St. Catharines, we provide high-quality inlays and onlays in St. Catharines to restore strength, function, and appearance to damaged teeth. Our team focuses on comfortable, personalized care so you can protect your smile and maintain your oral health for years to come.
Book An AppointmentInlays and onlays are a type of dental restoration used to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay, fractures, or wear. They are custom-made pieces that fit into or onto a tooth. Unlike a traditional dental filling, which is shaped directly in the mouth, inlays and onlays are fabricated in a dental laboratory or dental lab to match the exact shape of your tooth. They are often made from porcelain, ceramic, gold, composite resin, or other durable materials.
Dental inlays are designed to fit within the grooves of a tooth and repair damage that doesn’t affect the cusps. A dental onlay is used when the damage extends to one or more cusps of the tooth. Dental inlays and onlays are a strong and long-lasting tooth restoration option for patients with minor tooth decay, more extensive tooth decay, or a weakened tooth that still has enough healthy tooth structure to be preserved.
Inlays and onlays offer many advantages for patients looking for a reliable dental restoration option.
The process for inlays and onlays is comfortable and straightforward. Most cases are completed in two appointments.
During your first appointment, our dentist will examine your tooth and assess the extent of the decay or damage. We may take digital images to determine the best treatment option.
A local anesthetic is used to numb the treatment area. This makes the procedure comfortable and painless.
We remove the decay and any damaged portion of the tooth. We aim to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
After the tooth is cleaned and prepared, we take an impression of the area. This impression is sent to a dental lab or dental laboratory where your custom restoration will be fabricated.
A temporary filling may be placed to protect the tooth between visits. This helps keep the area comfortable until the final restoration is ready.
At your second visit, we check the fit of the restoration and make any necessary adjustments. Once everything looks and feels right, the inlay or onlay is cemented into place, restoring the tooth’s surface and function.
At The Dentist St. Catharines, we believe every patient deserves quality care in a warm environment. Our team takes the time to explain your options and answer your questions. We restore your smile while making you feel comfortable throughout the process.
At our office, we often recommend inlays and onlays when a filling may not be enough. They are custom-made and can fit larger areas of damage. They also preserve healthier tooth structure than some other restorations. Every case is different, so we evaluate your tooth before making a recommendation. We always want the best long-term solution for your oral health.
When you come in, we examine the size and location of the damage. If the decay is in the grooves and centre of the tooth, an inlay may be suitable. If one or more cusps are affected, an onlay may be the better option. We will explain the difference and discuss which treatment is best. Our recommendations are based on protecting your tooth while preserving as much natural structure as possible.
At The Dentist St. Catharines, we use a local anesthetic to numb the area before we start. Most patients report little to no discomfort during the procedure. We do everything we can to make it painless. You may feel some sensitivity after, but this usually goes away quickly. We are always here to answer your questions and help you feel comfortable.
Inlays and onlays are designed to be long-lasting. With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, they can last for many years. The lifespan depends on the material used and how well the restoration is cared for. We recommend regular checkups so we can monitor the condition of your restoration. Proper care will help protect your investment and your smile.
Yes, in many cases. We use inlays and onlays when a tooth is too damaged for regular fillings but doesn’t need a full dental crown. These restorations provide additional support while preserving more of the natural tooth. But if the decay is severe or the tooth is badly damaged, crowns may still be necessary. During your consultation, we will determine the best treatment for your situation.
If you have a cavity, damaged filling, cracked tooth, or signs of decay, our team can help. The Dentist St. Catharines offers Inlays & Onlays in St. Catharines to restore function and protect your smile. We will assess your tooth and recommend the best treatment for you. We want to help you have excellent oral health with comfortable and effective care. Call (905) 680-0900 today to book your consultation and get started on your path to a healthier smile.
