Dental Inlays & Onlays in Ashburton

When they make sense

Sometimes a cavity is too big for a filling to hold reliably, but the tooth is otherwise healthy enough that a full crown would be overkill. Inlays and onlays fill that gap: custom-made in porcelain or composite, then bonded precisely into place.

An inlay sits within the cusps of the tooth; an onlay extends over one or more cusps to protect them. Both preserve considerably more natural tooth than a crown.

What’s involved

Signs an inlay or onlay may suit you

• An old, large filling that has cracked, leaked or keeps chipping.
• A back tooth with one broken cusp, while the rest of the tooth is sound.
• Decay between back teeth that is too wide for a standard filling to support.
• You want to keep as much of your natural tooth as you can.

Your dentist checks the tooth, takes an X-ray if needed and explains the options. If the damage is small, a filling is usually simpler and done in one visit. If the tooth is badly broken or has had root canal treatment, a crown may protect it better.

Your two visits, step by step

First visit

The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic. Old filling material and decay are removed, and the tooth is shaped so the restoration can sit snugly. An impression or scan is taken and the shade is chosen. A temporary filling covers the tooth. It is softer than the final restoration, so chew on the other side and avoid sticky food until your next visit.

Second visit

The temporary is removed. Your dentist tries in the inlay or onlay and checks the fit, the contact with the next tooth and your bite. It is then bonded in place. Small bite adjustments are made before you leave.

Looking after it

Care for it the same way as your natural teeth. Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth daily and keep up regular check-ups and cleans so the edges can be checked. With good care, an inlay or onlay can last for many years. How long depends on your bite, your diet and whether you grind your teeth. If you grind at night, a night splint may help protect it.

Cost and health funds

We are a Bupa Members First Platinum, HCF More for Teeth and nib First Choice preferred provider. We accept all health funds, including Medibank, ahm, CBHS and Australian Unity, claimed on the spot with HICAPS.

Ask for a written quote with item numbers before treatment so you can check your cover.

Common questions

Will I need an injection?

Usually, yes. Local anaesthetic is used at the first visit while the tooth is prepared. The second visit is often done without it, but your dentist can numb the tooth if it feels sensitive. If you feel nervous about injections, tell us when you book so we can talk through ways to make the visit easier.

Can an old metal filling be replaced with an inlay or onlay?

Often, yes. If an old amalgam filling is cracked, leaking or has decay under it, a tooth-coloured inlay or onlay may replace it. Swapping a sound filling purely for looks is worth discussing with your dentist first, because removing it also removes some healthy tooth.

Will my tooth feel sensitive afterwards?

Some people notice mild sensitivity to cold or biting for a few days after the restoration is bonded. This usually settles on its own. If your bite feels high, or the sensitivity lasts more than a couple of weeks, call us so your dentist can check and adjust it.