Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are indirect restorations used to repair molars and premolars damaged by decay or trauma. Inlays and onlays fit more securely and last longer than fillings, strengthen compromised teeth, and preserve more natural tooth structure than crowns.

dental inlayAn inlay is used to restore the center of the tooth inside the cusps. Cavities, small cracks and fractures, and other damage are treated with an inlay when a large filling would weaken the structure of the tooth.

onlay

An onlay typically covers the center of the tooth and one or more cusps. An onlay prevents further cusp and tooth damage when a cusp is cracked, broken, or decayed. Because an onlay is placed only on the damaged part of the tooth, it is a less extensive procedure than a crown and preserves more of the natural tooth.

Direct restorations like dental fillings can be completed in a single appointment. Indirect restorations require at least two appointments, because the inlay or onlay is fabricated outside the office.

  • At the first appointment, the area is numbed, and the tooth treated for decay or injury. The tooth is then cleaned and shaped for the restoration.
  • An impression is taken of the tooth.
  • The tooth is given a temporary inlay or onlay to seal and protect it.
  • The impression is sent to a lab. Using this model, a restoration is carefully fabricated to fit the exact dimensions of the tooth.
  • Once the fabrication is complete, the temporary filling is removed, the permanent inlay or onlay is positioned for an ideal fit, and the restoration is bonded to the tooth surface.

In the past, gold was used for both inlays and onlays. Today, there are several options available to suit different aesthetic concerns and price points.

  • Gold restorations are fabricated from gold alloyed with other metals. While they are the most durable option, they are more expensive, and they can be conspicuous.
  • Ceramic and porcelain restorations are tinted to blend with tooth enamel and are both durable and stain resistant. They are roughly similar in cost to gold restorations.
  • Composite restorations are the most cost-effective option and are also tinted to match the tooth’s natural color. They aren’t as stain resistant as ceramic and porcelain and are slightly less malleable than other options.

When a tooth is too damaged for a filling, but doesn’t need the complete coverage a crown provides, an inlay or an onlay can be the ideal restoration. Talk to your dentist to discover the best option to restore both the appearance and the function of your injured tooth.

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Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "Dr. Katz is attentive to his patients' needs, always careful to ensure the patient's comfort...It's a friendly office with impeccable service. They will take good care of you!
    Over the years, Dr. Katz and his team have provided me with an extremely high level of care and personal sensitivity. He has earned my trust."
    Jim Velleco - Marblehead, MA
  • "I have had a lot of dental work done during my life--orthodontia, fillings, crowns, implants, root canals, a bridge--and Dr. Katz is by far the best dentist I've ever seen. In addition to being a superior craftsman with a lot of experience, Dr. Katz is attentive to his patients' needs, always careful to ensure the patient's comfort. His staff, several of whom have been working with him for decades, is likewise excellent. It's a friendly office with impeccable service. They will take good care of you!"
    Sandra Doherty
  • "Awesome Doctor and team - have been going to Dr. Katz's practice for over 20 years and the professionalism, care and attention are superb. They are warm, welcoming, caring and a pleasure to go to. Highly recommend them - with a warm smile!!!
    The professionalism, care and attention are superb. They are warm, welcoming, caring and a pleasure to go to."
    Paul Romano
  • "I travel from Woburn to Salem for my dental needs because there is no other dentist that I trust more than Dr. Katz. I am impressed with his professionalism and drive to stay on top of the best dental techniques. He and his team treat my wife and me like family. I highly recommend Dr. Katz!
    There is no other dentist that I trust more than Dr. Katz. I am impressed with his professionalism and drive to stay on top of the best dental techniques. He and his team treat my wife and me like family."
    Rob Dealy
  • "It’s not “Cheers” and they don’t serve beer, but it is a place “where everybody knows your name.” They know your family, too. And you know theirs. After 25 years here, for me it’s not just about having clean teeth. It’s about catching up with old friends, sharing what’s going on and caring about each other."
    Eugenia Fountain - Salem, ma
  • "They are thorough, careful and up to date on new techniques. One never feels like a "number" because there is very little staff turnover...We recommend them without hesitation.
    If you're looking for top-notch customer service, a welcoming staff, and valuable take-home knowledge, make an appointment with Dr. Katz. My mouth and I have had nothing but positive experiences in his care."
    Mike Briddon - Swampscott, MA
  • "Dr. Katz makes me feel like I'm the most important patient he has. He is calm, relaxed, informative, patient and gentle...I have heard nothing but positive feedback from the people I've sent
    Thank you for over 20 years of compassionate and technically excellent dental care."
    Christine Kowal - Swampscott, MA
  • "We come from Wakefield to see Dr. Katz. He has been our family dentist for the last 10 years and my husbands dentist since he was a kid. Today my very anxious 7 year old had to have a tooth pulled and Dr. Katz did a wonderful job at making him comfortable. My son got through the experience with flying colors and no tantrums. We would highly recommend him as a dentist!"
    Nicole Jennings
  • "My husband and I are long term patients of this practice because of the trust it has earned with us over time. They are thorough, careful and up to date on new techniques. One never feels like a "number" because there is very little staff turnover .....clearly a plus. We recommend them without hesitation!"
    Michelle Genereux

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Hours of Operation

Hours below do not reflect our 'temporary' modified schedule. Please call the office for details.

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

12:00 pm-8:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

7:00 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed