Dental Inlays & Onlays in Larkfield, Kent
Sometimes a tooth is too damaged for a standard filling, but not damaged enough to need a full crown. Inlays and onlays fill this gap perfectly — precision-crafted restorations that repair the tooth without removing any more natural structure than necessary.
What are inlays and onlays?
The middle ground, precisely made
An inlay is a custom-made restoration that fits within the cusps (the raised points) of a back tooth, replacing a damaged or decayed area in the centre of the biting surface. An onlay covers a larger area — it extends over one or more cusps of the tooth, providing more coverage and strength than an inlay while still preserving more of the natural tooth structure than a full crown.
Both are made in a dental laboratory from tooth-coloured ceramic or composite materials, fabricated to fit your tooth precisely — far more accurately than a filling placed directly in the mouth — which makes them more durable and better sealed against further decay. They're sometimes called indirect fillings, because they're made outside the mouth and then bonded in.
Do you need one? →
Is it right for you?
When would you need an inlay or onlay?
An inlay or onlay may be the right choice in any of the following situations.
A large cavity
A back tooth has a cavity that's too large to be reliably repaired with a direct filling.
A failed filling
An existing large filling has failed and the tooth now needs a more robust restoration.
A cracked tooth
A tooth is cracked or fractured but the damage doesn't extend far enough down the root to require a crown.
A heavily loaded molar
You want a more durable and longer-lasting alternative to a large composite filling on a molar.
Replacing old amalgam
You're replacing old amalgam (silver) fillings and the cavity is too large for a simple composite replacement.
How it works
What does treatment involve?
Like crowns and bridges, inlays and onlays are placed over two appointments, each taking approximately 45–60 minutes. Once fitted, an inlay or onlay feels just like a natural tooth.
Preparation
The tooth is numbed and the damaged or decayed area is removed.
Impression taken
A precise impression of the prepared tooth is sent to our dental laboratory, and a temporary restoration protects the tooth.
1–2 week wait
Your custom inlay or onlay is crafted to fit your tooth precisely, in tooth-coloured ceramic or composite.
Fitting & bonding
The temporary is removed and your restoration is carefully fitted, bonded permanently, and your bite is checked.
Aftercare
Looking after your inlay or onlay
Inlays and onlays are highly durable restorations, but they need the same everyday care as your natural teeth:
- ✓ Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- ✓ Floss or use interdental brushes daily — the margins (edges) where the restoration meets the tooth are the most vulnerable to new decay.
- ✓ Avoid habitually chewing very hard foods on the restored tooth.
- ✓ Attend regular check-ups — your dentist will check the fit and integrity of your inlay or onlay every visit.
- ✓ If you grind your teeth, a nightguard is strongly recommended to protect your restorations.
- ✓ With good care, ceramic inlays and onlays can last 15–20 years or more.
Fees & finance
How much do inlays and onlays cost?
The cost depends on the size of the restoration and whether an inlay or onlay is required. We will always provide a full written cost estimate before beginning any treatment.
Please see our Fees & Finance page or call us on 01732 521123 for current pricing.
Restorative dentistry
Related treatments
Questions
Frequently asked
What's the difference between an inlay and a filling? +
A filling is placed directly into the tooth in a single appointment. An inlay is made in a laboratory to fit the exact shape of the cavity — it's more precise, stronger, and longer-lasting. For large cavities in back teeth, an inlay is often the better long-term solution.
What's the difference between an onlay and a crown? +
A crown covers the entire visible surface of the tooth. An onlay covers the biting surface and one or more cusps, but leaves the sides of the tooth intact. An onlay is a more conservative option — less healthy tooth structure is removed — but a crown provides more protection for very heavily damaged teeth.
Are inlays and onlays noticeable? +
No. We use tooth-coloured ceramic as standard, carefully shade-matched to your surrounding teeth. Once fitted, an inlay or onlay is virtually indistinguishable from the natural tooth.
How long do inlays and onlays last? +
Ceramic inlays and onlays are among the most durable dental restorations available. With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, they can last 15–20 years or more — considerably longer than direct composite fillings in the same position.
Ready to find out more?
Restore strength, keep it natural
Call us on 01732 521123 or email hello@larkfielddentalcare.co.uk — we'd love to help.