Inlays and Onlays
Beautiful restorations are an important part of retaining and preserving your natural smile. As your Concord, NC area dental provider, at Fresh Dental, dental inlays and onlays are the preferred type of restoration when your tooth is too damaged for a filling but not damaged enough for a crown (otherwise known as a dental cap or tooth cap).
When Do You Need a Dental Inlay or Onlay?
Damage to a tooth that is too severe to support a filling but not severe enough to require a dental cap calls for a dental inlay or onlay. Using a filling when a dental inlay is needed results in the continued decay of the remaining tooth, which eventually leads to the need for a root canal. Receiving a tooth cap or crown when one is not called for results in the unnecessary removal of healthy tooth structure.

Dental Inlays
Dental inlays are similar to fillings and fit inside the outer edges of the tooth. They can be made out of a variety of materials, but most often they’re made out of tooth-colored porcelain. The inlay procedure requires approximately two visits with Concord dentists Drs. Amit Ganglani, Joti Johal, and Richard Dunning. During the first appointment, you receive a tooth-decay treatment; then impressions are taken and the temporary inlay is applied to the tooth. At the second appointment, the permanent inlay is bonded to the tooth, hiding any signs of imperfection.
Dental Onlays
Dental onlays, sometimes referred to as partial tooth caps, are similar to inlays in that the procedure is the same and takes place over the course of two days. Like a dental cap, it is a custom-made fitting that we secure to the damaged tooth; however, unlike a dental cap, it only covers a small portion of the affected tooth. Onlays cover one or more of the outer edges of a tooth. They are the conservative alternative to receiving a crown or tooth cap, and they preserve more of your natural tooth.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Do inlays and onlays fix cavities?
A: Drs. Ganglani, Johal, and Dunning use inlays and onlays, much like fillings, to fill or cover the area where a cavity once was. It minimizes the possibility of further decay to the existing tooth.
Q: What are the most common treatments for tooth decay?
A: The most common tooth decay treatments that Drs. Ganglani, Johal, and Dunning use include:
- Fluoride treatments
- Restorations, including fillings, inlays, onlays, and crowns/tooth caps
- Root canals
- In the most extreme cases, extraction
At Fresh Dental, we can also use dental inlays and onlays for cosmetic enhancement. If you would like to find out more about these restoration options, call (704) 549-9922 today to schedule an appointment with our Concord dental office.
Reviews
The staff is wonderful here ! They seen my husband on an emergency basis and they took their time with him, they thoroughly explained everything, everyone in this office from the front desk to the assistant to the doctor were wonderful! We traveled 45 minutes to come there and we will definitely be coming back! Finally found a caring dental office! It is worth the drive! Thank you all for your compassion and truly caring!
Had my second appointment this month and so far they have been a wonderful staff by showing that they care about not only the needs of patient but also asking if there’s anything in particular we want done. I’m overall satisfied with my visit and happy I’ve found a dentist who cares. Thanks!
Had an impromptu root canal this morning with Dr.Dunning and staff. They always take great care of me and fit me in last minute. Clean, Comfortable and Friendly office. From reception to root canal, great experience.
I had a very pleasant experience with Dr. Patel and her staff today at FreshDental in Concord. I was very anxious about the appointment and any procedure, but Kimmie Bryant was very patient with me and spend a lot of time trying to calm me down and made me feel comfortable. Dr. Patel is very professional and has a naturally lovely personality. She takes the time to explain what needs to be done and provides valuable advice. I highly recommend Dr. Patel and her staff. A very pleasant visit indeed! I would definitely be back and would highly recommend the place for Dental work. - Erce Cobile
We had a pleasant experience with Dr. Patel and his staff today at FreshDental in Concord. I was very anxious about the appointment and any procedure, but Kimmie was very patient with me and spend a lot of time and made me feel comfortable. Dr. Patel is very professional and has a naturally lovely personality. He takes the time to explain what needs to be done and provides valuable advice. I highly recommend Dr. Patel and his staff.
Absolutely every bit of 5 stars ...best dental visit I ever had ..the doctor and staff are very professional...I had 10 fiil ins and we got through it with no problems ..very sweet and smart and I even learned some valuable info that I never knew about ...this place definitely has my business...A+
Dental Services Offered at Concord NC FRESHDental
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Dental Crowns
- Dental Implants
- Dentures
- Digital X-rays
- Emergency Dental Services
- Family Dentist
- Fixed and Removeable Bridges
- Fluoride Treatment
- General Dentistry
- Gum Disease Treatment
- Hygiene Services
- Inlays and Onlays
- Invisalign
- Oral Cancer Screenings
- Orthodontics
- Porcelain Veneers
- Professional Teeth Cleanings
- Root Canals
- Sealants
- Smile Design Treatment
- Teeth Whitening
- Tooth Decay Prevention
- Tooth Extractions
- Tooth Fillings
- Wisdom Teeth Removal