+ 1 415-499-1717
appointments@evosmile.com
750 Las Gallinas Ave, Suite 210
San Rafael, CA 94903
Open Monday - Thursday
Closed Friday - Sunday
Dental Inlays & Onlays
DR. IGOR OCHEV, SAN RAFAEL DENTIST
“Why would I need an inlay or onlay?”
The answer depends on the degree of damage on your tooth. Dr. Igor Ochev always takes a conservative approach to keep as much of your natural teeth as possible. But if the damage is too large for a dental filling and too small for a crown (cap), he’ll restore it with an inlay or onlay. If he sees any defective fillings, they might be candidates for these procedures as well.
Also known as an indirect filling, an inlay or onlay is a custom filling made of tooth-colored porcelain, other composite material, or even gold. As with most dental restorations, they’re not always permanent and may need to be replaced someday due to normal wear.
DID YOU KNOW?
Dr. Ochev has been voted four times as Best Dentist and six times as Best Esthetic Dentist in Pacific Sun’s “Best of Marin” Readers’ Poll. Rest assured, you’re in good hands.
5 Reasons for an Inlay or Onlay
Restore a broken or fractured tooth
Restore a decayed tooth
Restore a fractured filling
Restore a large filling
Enhance your smile
What’s the difference between an inlay and onlay?
Inlay
An inlay fills the chewing surface where the damage was removed. It excludes the cusps (bumps) of your tooth.
Onlay
Essentially, an onlay is identical to an inlay but also covers one cusp (bump) or more. It’s often referred to as a partial crown.
DENTAL INLAYS & ONLAYS
What to Expect
Getting an inlay or onlay usually requires two appointments with us because it’s custom-made in a dental lab. We take several highly accurate impressions for your new inlay or onlay, and make a temporary filling for you to wear in the meantime.
Your Visit
While your tooth is numb, Dr. Ochev gently removes any decay and/or existing filling. He thoroughly cleans and carefully prepares the space, shaping the surface for a proper fit. He applies a temporary filling to protect your tooth while a dental lab creates your new custom inlay or onlay.
Your Second Visit
Dr. Ochev removes the temporary filling and then, carefully and precisely cements your new inlay or onlay into place. A few adjustments may be necessary to ensure a proper fit and a comfortable bite.
Caring for Your New Inlay or Onlay
You’ll receive care instructions at the end of your treatment. Please don’t hesitate to call us if you have any questions. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will help your new inlay or onlay last longer.
Are you interested in a complete overview about dental fillings including inlays and onlays? We think this article from WebMD sums it up nicely.
Our Other Restorative Dental Services
Composite Fillings
You might need one to treat a cavity, repair a cracked or broken tooth, or rebuild worn enamel.
Find Out MorePorcelain Crowns (Caps)
You might need one for a severely damaged tooth, very large cavity, or after a root canal.
Find Out MorePorcelain Bridges
A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap between the adjacent ones.
Find Out MorePartial and Full Dentures
Custom-made and removable, dentures replace some or all of your teeth in an arch.
Find Out MoreImplant Restorations
A crown, bridge, or denture that securely attaches to an implant post in the jawbone.
Find Out MoreTMJ Treatment
Pain in your jaw and/or nearby areas like your neck or head might stem from your jaw joint(s).
Find Out MorePatient Savings & Financial Options
At EvoSmile, dental care is empathy care.
Your oral health profoundly affects your overall health. For this reason, we would never want you to hold off on your dental care because of cost — whether or not you carry insurance. This is why we offer the following solutions to ease your worry and your pocketbook.
New Patient Offer
Get a comprehensive dental exam including necessary X-rays, an oral cancer screening, a periodontal exam, a TMJ evaluation, and a regular cleaning.
Learn About This & Your First VisitNo Insurance? Save with Us
If you don’t have insurance, you'll want to take a look at our very own savings plans. We designed them with your dental needs in mind.
Discover our Dental Savings PlansFinancing & Payment Options
If you’re interested in affordable financing and monthly payments, we offer options from CareCredit and Cherry.
Find out if you pre-qualifyInsurance Benefits
We’re an out-of-network dental office that accepts insured patients with PPO plans. Get answers to commonly asked questions.
Check out our Insurance FAQs