Inlays and Onlays in Sandgate
Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations for back teeth with damage too large for a standard filling.
At Dental Seasons, all of our dentists provide them. They are usually made from ceramic by a local dental laboratory in Brendale, Queensland, over two visits with a temporary in between.
We explain whether a filling, an inlay or onlay, or a crown suits your tooth best, and why.
New patients welcome.
What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations for back teeth. Unlike a filling, which is placed directly into the tooth in one visit, they are made in a laboratory from a mould or scan of your tooth and then bonded or cemented in place.
An inlay sits within the biting surface of the tooth. An onlay is larger and also covers one or more of the tooth’s biting points, called cusps.
Filling, inlay, onlay or crown?
Filling
Placed directly into the tooth in one visit. Suited to small to moderate cavities.
Inlay
A custom-made restoration that fits within the biting surface. Suited to larger cavities that still leave the cusps intact.
Onlay
A custom-made restoration that also covers one or more cusps. Suited to teeth with more extensive damage or weakened cusps.
Crown
Covers the whole tooth. Suited to teeth with very extensive damage, cracks or a root canal. See dental crowns.
Between a filling and a crown
When a tooth has more damage than a filling can handle, but does not need a full crown, an inlay or onlay may be an option.
They are made by a local dental laboratory in Brendale, Queensland, and fitted at a second visit.
We choose between a filling, an inlay or onlay, or a crown based on how much of the tooth is damaged and how strong it is.
When might an inlay or onlay suit you?
An inlay or onlay may be considered for a back tooth when:
- A cavity is too large for a standard filling
- An existing large filling is breaking down or needs replacing
- A cusp is cracked or weakened, but the tooth does not need a full crown
The best option depends on the size of the damage, the condition of the remaining tooth and your bite. We examine the tooth and explain your options.
Materials
Inlays and onlays can be made from ceramic, composite resin or gold. We most often use ceramic, which can be matched to the colour of your tooth, and we discuss the best material for your tooth and bite.
What happens: two visits
Assessment
We examine the tooth, review X-rays and explain your options.
First visit
The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic and prepared, a scan or impression is taken, and a temporary is placed.
Laboratory stage
Your inlay or onlay is made by a local dental laboratory in Brendale, Queensland.
Second visit
The temporary is removed and your custom-made restoration is checked for fit, bite and colour, then bonded or cemented in place.
Caring for your restoration
Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth daily and have regular check-ups and cleans. Some sensitivity after treatment is common and usually settles. Contact us if your bite feels high or you have ongoing discomfort.
Risks and limitations
Possible effects and limitations include:
- Sensitivity after treatment
- The restoration chipping, loosening or needing replacement
- Decay developing at the edges of the restoration
- The tooth needing further treatment, such as a crown or root canal treatment, if damage extends deeper
- Two visits being needed, with a temporary in between
There is no guaranteed lifespan for any restoration. We will explain the risks that apply to your tooth.
Alternatives
Depending on your tooth, alternatives include a filling, a crown, root canal treatment followed by a crown, or, where a tooth cannot be restored, extraction.
Inlays and onlays in Sandgate
Dental Seasons is located at 119A Brighton Road, Sandgate QLD 4017.
We provide inlays and onlays for patients from Sandgate and surrounding North Brisbane and bayside suburbs, including Brighton, Deagon, Shorncliffe, Bracken Ridge, Boondall, Taigum, Nudgee, Zillmere, Fitzgibbon, Banyo, Virginia, Redcliffe, Woody Point, Clontarf, Margate and Newport.
Ask about health fund claims and payment options when you book.
Inlay and onlay questions
What is an onlay?
An onlay is a custom-made restoration for a back tooth that covers one or more of the tooth’s biting points (cusps). It is made in a laboratory and bonded or cemented to the tooth.
What is the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
An inlay sits within the biting surface of a back tooth. An onlay is larger and also covers one or more cusps. Which one is used depends on how much of the tooth is damaged.
How many visits does an onlay take?
Two visits. At the first visit the tooth is prepared and a temporary is placed. At the second visit your custom-made restoration is fitted.
Will I have a temporary between visits?
Yes. A temporary restoration protects your tooth while your inlay or onlay is being made.
Do I need an onlay instead of a filling?
Not always. A filling is often suitable for smaller cavities. An inlay or onlay is considered when damage is too large for a filling but the tooth does not need a full crown. We examine the tooth and explain your options.
What are inlays and onlays made from?
They can be made from ceramic, composite resin or gold. We most often use ceramic, which can be matched to your tooth colour.
Where are they made?
Your inlay or onlay is made by a local dental laboratory in Brendale, Queensland.
Which dentist provides them?
All of our dentists provide inlays and onlays.
Does treatment hurt?
The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during treatment. Some sensitivity afterwards is common and usually settles.
How long does an inlay or onlay last?
There is no guaranteed lifespan. It depends on the tooth, the material, your bite, how well you clean around it and regular check-ups.
A damaged back tooth?
If you have a large filling that needs replacing, or a back tooth with a large cavity or crack, book an assessment at Dental Seasons. We will explain whether a filling, an inlay or onlay, or a crown suits your tooth.
Meet your dentists
All of our dentists provide inlays and onlays: Dr Andrew Bachour, Dr Michael Au and Dr Pei San Chan. All three are registered dentists with general registration. Check the Ahpra register.
