Dental inlay

A dental inlay is a modern method of tooth restoration used when a conventional filling is no longer sufficient, but a crown is not yet required. Unlike a filling, which the dentist shapes directly in the oral cavity, dental inlays are fabricated in a laboratory based on individual impressions or using digital scanning technology.

An onlay allows restoration of the tooth’s function while preserving a greater amount of natural tooth structure. This is especially important if the tooth is weakened after caries treatment or root canal therapy but can still be preserved without crown placement.

Dental inlays are not suitable in all clinical situations. In some cases, their placement is inappropriate or requires prior treatment.

Main contraindications:

• significant tooth destruction with root damage or insufficient hard tissue volume for proper fixation of the restoration;

• active inflammatory processes in the root canals or around the root;

• pronounced tooth mobility due to periodontal diseases;

• uncontrolled bruxism (constant grinding);

• individual intolerance to the materials from which the restoration is made.

After thorough diagnostics, the dentist determines whether inlay placement is possible or recommends another method of smile restoration.

Before fabrication and placement of an inlay, the hard tissues are prepared. The quality of this stage determines the accuracy of fixation and the durability of the restoration.

Main preparation stages:

• clinical examination and radiographic diagnostics to assess the condition of the root and surrounding tissues;

• removal of caries-affected tissues and old fillings;

• shaping of the cavity for the onlay taking into account the future restoration;

• taking an impression or performing digital scanning for laboratory fabrication;

• placement of a temporary restoration for the period of inlay fabrication.

After the restoration is fabricated, try-in and fixation are performed. This sequence ensures precise inlay prosthetics and a stable long-term result.

Modern dental onlays are used not only to “cover a defect” but to comprehensively restore function and strength.

The main problems they help address:

• significant defects of the chewing surface after caries treatment or replacement of large fillings;

• weakening of the walls after endodontic treatment;

• disruption of anatomical shape and improper distribution of chewing load;

• risk of further destruction or cracks in weakened tissues;

• the need to preserve the tooth without full crown coverage.

In many cases, this makes it possible to use dental onlays instead of crowns, provided that the remaining tooth structure is sufficient for reliable fixation of the restoration.

The price for restoring a tooth with an inlay depends on several factors: the type of construction, the material of manufacture, the complexity of the clinical case, as well as the need for prior treatment.

You can preliminarily familiarize yourself with the prices for medical services in Kyiv at the Oxford Medical dentistry here. The final cost can be determined by the dentist after the examination and drawing up an individual treatment plan.

If you are recommended to install an inlay or need a consultation, you can make an appointment at a convenient time for you by phone or using the online appointment form on the website.