Dental Inlays and Onlays in Nashville, TN

Both are custom restorations, but they serve slightly different purposes. An inlay fits within the cusps (peaks) of your tooth and is used when decay or damage is limited to the center of the tooth surface. An onlay covers one or more damaged cusps and is used when decay extends toward the edges or when cusps are weakened or broken. Your dentist assesses your specific tooth to determine which type provides the best restoration. Both are significantly more durable than fillings and more conservative than crowns.

Inlays and onlays typically cost $500-$1,200 per tooth depending on the material (porcelain or composite) and the extent of damage. While more expensive than fillings ($100-$300), they're less costly than crowns ($1,000-$2,500). The superior durability—lasting 20+ years compared to 5-10 years for fillings—makes them cost-effective over the long term. Dental insurance often covers them similarly to crowns. We provide specific pricing and discuss coverage during your consultation.

Inlays and onlays often last 20+ years with proper care, and some patients' restorations last their entire lifetime. This exceptional longevity is significantly longer than fillings (5-10 years) and comparable to crowns. The precise fit, premium materials, and durable bonding contribute to this longevity. To maximize lifespan: maintain excellent oral hygiene, avoid chewing hard objects, and visit us regularly for checkups.

Yes, substantially stronger. Fillings are vulnerable to microleakage, recurrent decay, and degradation over time. Inlays and onlays are fabricated from durable materials and bonded with advanced adhesive technology, creating an incredibly strong restoration that actually reinforces your tooth structure. The superior strength means your tooth becomes more stable and less likely to fracture or develop future problems.

Not necessarily. Inlays and onlays are often adequate for moderate damage and preserve significantly more tooth structure than crowns. Your dentist assesses whether damage is limited to a specific area (suitable for inlay/onlay) or more extensive and requires complete coverage (crown). Generally, if more than half of your tooth's chewing surface is affected, or if you have existing root canal treatment, a crown might be recommended. We discuss options during your consultation.

If you choose tooth-colored composite or porcelain, your restoration will blend seamlessly with your natural teeth and be virtually invisible. For back teeth where appearance isn't a concern, we might recommend more economical material options. Gold inlays and onlays are available for patients preferring durable precious metal—extremely strong and long-lasting, but visible. We discuss material options based on your preferences and tooth location.

Inlay and onlay treatment typically requires 2 visits over 1-2 weeks. During the first visit, we remove decay, prepare your tooth, and place a temporary restoration while your custom restoration is fabricated in our laboratory. During the second visit, we verify the fit, check your bite, and permanently bond your restoration. This two-visit process is more involved than a single-visit filling but significantly simpler than many other dental procedures.