The Short Answer
Should I get an inlay, an onlay, or a crown?
At Precision Dentistry of Olympia, Dr. Eric Xu often recommends an inlay or onlay when a back tooth has too much damage for a filling but not enough to need a crown. It replaces only the damaged part, so you keep more of your natural tooth, and it holds up better than a large filling. When most of the tooth is broken down, a crown is usually the better choice. Call (360) 995-0025 to find out which one fits your tooth.
Dr. Xu follows a biomimetic approach to restoring teeth: keep drilling to a minimum and save as much healthy tooth as possible.
Inlays and Onlays vs. Fillings and Crowns
Inlays and onlays are custom restorations for back teeth. They’re made outside the mouth from porcelain, ceramic, composite resin, or gold, then bonded to the tooth. An inlay sits inside the cusps, the raised points on the chewing surface. An onlay covers one or more cusps, which is why it’s also called a partial crown. Our post on the difference between inlays and onlays goes into more detail.
| Filling | Inlay or onlay | Crown | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it covers | Fills the cavity left after decay is removed | The damaged part of the chewing surface | Covers the whole visible tooth |
| Best for | Small to moderate cavities | Moderate damage, like a large cavity or a broken cusp | Teeth that need full coverage |
The Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
More of your natural tooth stays
To fit a dental crown, the tooth has to be shaped down on every side. An inlay or onlay only replaces what’s damaged, so the healthy walls of the tooth stay where they are.
Stronger than a large filling
A large filling is more likely to crack or come loose under the force of chewing. An inlay or onlay is made in one solid piece, usually porcelain or ceramic, and bonded to the tooth, which helps reinforce what’s left.
Easier on your gums
The edges of an onlay usually sit above the gumline, where they’re easy to keep clean. A crown’s edges often sit at or just below the gumline, and in some cases that can lead to gum inflammation.
Less sensitivity afterward
Shaping a tooth for a crown removes a lot of enamel, and the tooth can be sensitive afterward, especially if the temporary crown comes loose. Because an inlay or onlay needs less shaping, there’s less chance of that. Some sensitivity to hot and cold for a short time is still normal.
They match your tooth and resist stains
Porcelain and ceramic are matched to the shade of your tooth, so they’re hard to tell apart from the rest of it. They also hold their color better than a filling does.
When a Crown Is the Better Choice
An inlay or onlay needs enough healthy tooth around it to bond to. A crown is usually the better choice when:
- Most of the tooth is broken down or decayed
- A crack runs through the tooth
- The tooth has had root canal treatment and needs full protection
- A large filling has failed and there isn’t much tooth left around it
Not every cracked or root-canal-treated tooth needs a crown, though. If the walls of the tooth are still strong, an onlay can sometimes cover it instead. Dr. Xu checks the tooth with digital X-rays and an intraoral camera, so you’ll see the damage on screen before deciding. If a crown makes more sense, our post on how dental crowns protect damaged teeth covers that option.
What Our Patients Say
I have had the best experience at this clinic. Coming from someone who is extremely scared of dentists due to past trauma, I have never been more happy to go into a dental office and get work done. I had a whole tooth come out from another dental office. The crown and filling left a big hole in my tooth that needed work asap. Not only was I explained every step, but I was given multiple options when talking about possible pros and cons. Never had I felt so comfortable. Everyone was incredibly kind, and I enjoyed the in-between conversations I had while getting my new filling and crown put in! On top of that, when I went in to get a routine cleaning (which I hadn’t done in over a year), I was told how to help my teeth become healthier. 10/10 I would recommend coming here. Everyone was fantastic.
Dr. Xu is a wonderful dentist. I had a decade-old crown fall off, and they were able to fit me in for an emergency appointment very quickly. The entire staff was so friendly and accommodating, and I am truly grateful for the excellent work Dr. Xu has done. I look forward to returning for years to come.
This dentist and staff are exceptional; friendly, competent, and very attentive to their patients. I had a crown replaced and every step in the process was explained…and it was completely painless. If you are looking for a new dentist, look no further. You will not be disappointed!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do inlays and onlays last?
With good care, they can last more than 10 years. How long yours lasts depends on the material, how much tooth is left around it, and your habits. Grinding your teeth or chewing ice and other hard things can shorten it. If you grind at night, ask us about a night guard.
Do inlays and onlays cost less than a crown?
They can. They use less material and less chair time, so they may cost less. Call our office for current pricing. If you're paying out of pocket without insurance or a membership plan, we take 5% off.
Can you replace an old silver filling with an inlay or onlay?
Yes. Replacing a large, worn-out filling is one of the main reasons we use them. If the old filling is small, a tooth-colored composite filling may be all you need.
How do I take care of an inlay or onlay?
The same way you care for the rest of your teeth: brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep your regular cleanings. The restoration itself can't decay, but the tooth around its edges still can. Let us know if it ever feels loose or your bite feels different.
Talk to Us About Inlays and Onlays in Olympia
If you’ve been told you need a crown and want to know whether an onlay could work instead, call (360) 995-0025 or request an appointment. We’re open Monday and Wednesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 2728 Westmoor Court SW, Suite D, Olympia, WA 98502, and see patients from Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and nearby communities.