Inlays and Onlays

When a middle or back tooth (we call these premolars and molars) is damaged by dental decay or breakage we used to be faced with the decision of placing a filling, or if the damage was more extensive, making a crown. But there are many situations where the damage to the tooth is in the medium category, too damaged for a filling but not damaged enough for a crown.

We now have the technology to restore that tooth back to essentially brand new using dental treatments called an inlay or onlay.

  • Inlay: a porcelain replacement for a section of a tooth that is a bit too damaged for just a filling but does not require a full crown (cap).
  • Onlay: a porcelain replacement for a section of a tooth that has been damaged to a point where one of the biting or chewing tips (cusp) requires strengthening or replacement.

Inlays and onlays are so lifelike and beautiful that another dentist or hygienist can miss the fact that a tooth has been treated. Very similar to a crown, an inlay or onlay is made by a dental technician, during which time you will be wearing a temporary piece while the technician creates the inlay or onlay. The dentist then bonds the inlay or onlay to your tooth.

If your tooth is too damaged for a filling, getting an inlay or onlay can preserve more of your natural tooth because it doesn’t need to be reshaped as much as it would need to be if you were to get a crown. Inlays and onlays are also durable and long lasting with proper hygiene and regular dental cleanings.

Inlays and onlays are explicitly used when the damage is too extensive to fill. An inlay fills the space of the cavity, while an outlay covers the portion of the tooth that is being damaged. Our professional team follows advanced dental procedures for rotten teeth and cavity-filled ones.

Benefits of our Inlays and Onlays Clayton Treatment

Protect the healthy portion of the tooth
Enhanced Strength & Durability
Appealing & attractive look
Easy to Clean & Maintain
Lower Sensitivity

If you have a damaged tooth or are experiencing pain, contact our office for more information on how this dental procedure can help you. We serve patients in Clayton, St. Louis, St. Charles and surrounding communities.

What Our Patients Say

One day during my morning prayer and meditation I had to look up the word honorable. The word is rich in meaning and implies the purest, highest, noblest kind of goodness. Honorable means “lovely”, “winsome”, “gracious”, “noble” and “excellent’. Your name, Winsome, definitely describes your character and your practice. God bless and keep you!!!

Jan Paul

Since having my first traumatic experience as a 9 year old with an army dentist I was always anxious about going to the dentist; my muscles would get tense, and I would grip the arms of the dentist chair, anticipating the worst.
But what a difference Dr. Ward has made in my previously harrowing experiences with dentists. With her calm caring manner and soothing touch, I actually became more relaxed in the dentist chair. What a relief!

Then as a bonus, there are times she would softly hum a tune which even makes me more calm, like a mother soothing an anxious baby – I guess I must have been a big baby when it came to dentists, but not anymore! Thank God for Dr. Ward! And her friendly staff aren’t too bad either.

Deanna Little

Very gentle, very competent. I am very appreciative of your skill and skill of your staff. Thanks.

Shawna Silva

Beginning in 1995 Dr. Ward took over my dental care. She has proven to be as painless as I believe possible. My bridges have performed perfectly. My extractions have been very few, and my partial is working without incident. I recommend that anyone needing dental work consider using Dr. Ward.

Rudolph Hughes

Dr. Ward, I want you to know how much I appreciate the care I have received here. I am so happy with the improvement in my gums, and it is because of your emphasis on preventive oral care. It has made a huge difference, and I thank you.

Dave Diaz