A porcelain inlay or onlay is a custom-made dental restoration that can be used to repair damaged or weak teeth.
There are two types of tooth extractions:
A filling that fits inside the tooth, between the chewing surfaces.
A restoration that covers one or more of the chewing surfaces of the tooth.
Porcelain inlays and onlays are made from tooth-colored porcelain and are a more durable and longer-lasting alternative to regular fillings. They can be used to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay, trauma, or have large broken fillings.
The procedure for fitting a porcelain inlay or onlay involves:
Removing any decayed tooth structure or old fillings
Preparing the tooth cavity
Taking an impression of the cavity
Sending the impression to a dental laboratory to create a custom-fit restoration
Cementing the restoration onto the tooth during a second appointment
Porcelain inlays and onlays can last 10–15 years, similar to crowns. However, they are not always permanent and may need to be replaced over time.