General Dentistry · Baltimore, MD
Inlays & Onlays in Baltimore, MD
When more than half of a tooth’s biting surface is damaged, an inlay or onlay restores it. Bonded directly to the tooth, these porcelain restorations can increase a tooth’s strength by up to 75 percent.
Stronger than a filling, more conservative than a crown
When more than half of the tooth’s biting surface is damaged, a dentist will often use an inlay or onlay. Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin, and are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth.
An inlay, which is similar to a filling, is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth. An onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay but extending out over one or more of the cusps of the tooth. Traditionally gold was the material of choice, but porcelain has become increasingly popular due to its strength and its color, which can match the natural color of your teeth.
For our Baltimore patients, an onlay is often the right middle ground: when a tooth is too damaged for a simple filling but does not need a full crown, an onlay conserves healthy tooth structure while restoring strength.
Why patients choose them
The benefits of inlays & onlays
Increases tooth strength
Bonded directly onto the tooth with high-strength resins, inlays and onlays can increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75 percent.
Conserves the tooth
Where the damage is not extensive enough to merit an entire crown, an onlay provides a very good, more conservative alternative.
Natural appearance
Porcelain inlays and onlays can be matched to the natural color of your teeth for a seamless result.
Long-lasting
Because they strengthen rather than weaken the tooth, inlays and onlays can last from 10 to 30 years.
What to expect
The inlays & onlays process
- 01
Prepare the tooth
The filling being replaced or the damaged area of the tooth is removed and the tooth is prepared for the restoration.
- 02
Impression and temporary
An impression is taken to ensure proper fit and bite and sent to a lab, and a temporary sealant is placed on the tooth.
- 03
Check the fit
At the second appointment the temporary sealant is removed and our doctors confirm the inlay or onlay fits correctly.
- 04
Bond and polish
Once the fit is satisfactory, the restoration is bonded to the tooth with a strong resin and polished to a smooth finish.
Common Questions
Inlays & Onlays questions
Not seeing your question? Call the office at (410) 889-7100 and someone will actually pick up.
Patient Reviews
What our inlays & onlays patients say
“I recently visited Smile Rotunda for a cavity removal, and root canal analysis. These procedures can be very uncomfortable and challenging. However, I have to honestly commend Dr. Koby for his gentle, but thorough technique. He explained every step to me.”
“Dr. Saruben was wonderful and so was his assistant. The procedure to take out a 50 year old filling that had cracked and replace it with a modern filling was absolutely painless. He also took great care to make sure my natural bite was not impeded by the new filling.”
Cathryn H.on Google(opens in a new tab)“The staff was kind and courteous; my dental hygienist did a thorough, yet gentle, cleaning, did an oral cancer screening, and offered several tips on caring for my teeth; and the final review by the dentist was thorough and informative. Nothing was rushed but I was in and out in an hour.”
Eugenia B.on Google(opens in a new tab)“I came in for what I thought was a cavity... they made an appointment for me without a long wait; everyone in the office is pleasant; the office itself is tastefully decorated; I was looked at by both the assistant and the dentist...all in less than 45 minutes. Thank you!”
“Always a worthwhile, thorough, and pleasant experience from front desk, to the x-ray tech, to the hygienist, to Doctor Coby. Fantastic result on an invible front tooth filling. Actually stayed with this practice despite the fact that they're out of my network!”
“I had a small filling done yesterday, Dr Koby continues Dr Shepley’s tradition of gentle, excellent work, and does so very quickly. Here’s to another 30 years at Baltimore’s best dentist!”
Leanne P.on Google(opens in a new tab)“Excellent staff, attentive, capable, friendly. Teeth cleaning, filling cavities and crown work are all done with precision.”
Priscilla L.on Google(opens in a new tab)“Excellent care at this dentist. Dr. Sarubin took care of my cavity in no time. Very nice people there, too.”
Rustieheadon Google(opens in a new tab)“Cleaning & refurbishing of a filling. Staff is great. Nice dentist office. check them out!”
“Best, least painful and annoying filling experience I’ve ever had!”
“Super cleaning, great bedside manner! And the filling was painless”
Robert F.on Google(opens in a new tab)
Interested in inlays & onlays?
Our doctors will tell you honestly whether inlays & onlays are the right choice for your smile. Call our Rotunda office to schedule a consultation.