Oct 20, 2025
Understanding Your Options for Repairing Damaged Teeth
When a tooth suffers from decay or minor damage, a restoration is needed to repair it and restore its function. While a traditional dental filling is the most common solution, there are other excellent options called inlays and onlays that offer distinct advantages in certain situations. Understanding the difference between a filling and an inlay or onlay helps you appreciate the various ways Dr. Priya and Dr. Moosavi can restore your teeth with precision and durability at Veda Family Dentistry.
The Standard Solution: Direct Dental Fillings
A direct dental filling is the most common type of restoration, typically used for small to moderate areas of decay. The procedure is usually completed in a single visit. After removing the decayed portion of the tooth, the dentist places a pliable filling material directly into the prepared cavity. For tooth-colored fillings, composite resin is used and hardened layer by layer with a special curing light. The filling is then shaped and polished to match the natural contours of your tooth. Fillings are efficient and effective for smaller cavities but may not be strong enough to withstand heavy chewing forces in larger restorations or on the chewing surfaces of back teeth.
Indirect Restorations: Inlays and Onlays for Strength and Precision
Inlays and onlays are known as indirect restorations because they are custom-fabricated outside the mouth (usually in a dental lab) from a solid piece of material like porcelain, ceramic, or gold, and then bonded to the tooth. This process typically requires two visits.
An inlay is similar to a filling but fits within the cusps (the bumps) on the chewing surface of a molar or premolar. It's used when the damage is contained within the central part of the tooth.
An onlay is larger than an inlay and covers one or more of the tooth's cusps. It's sometimes called a partial crown and is used when the damage extends over the edge of the tooth but doesn't require a full crown. Because they are made from stronger materials and fabricated from a precise digital impression, inlays and onlays offer superior durability, a more accurate fit, and better resistance to wear compared to large fillings, especially on back teeth. They are an excellent conservative alternative to a full crown when enough healthy tooth structure remains. The choice between a filling vs inlay or onlay depends on the size and location of the damage.
Choosing the Best Restoration for Your Tooth
Understanding the nuances between a filling vs inlay or onlay allows you to appreciate the customized approach we take to restorative dentistry. Dr. Priya and Dr. Moosavi will always recommend the most conservative and durable option to preserve your natural tooth structure while ensuring a long-lasting, functional result. If you have a cavity or a damaged tooth, schedule an appointment at Veda Family Dentistry in West New York. We will perform a thorough examination and discuss the best restorative solution to bring your tooth back to optimal health and strength.
