Does This Sound Familiar?
Recognizing these signs is the first step. A conservative restoration can rebuild your tooth's strength and bring lasting relief.
What Waiting Really Costs You
Damage Spreads Deeper
Small cracks expand toward the nerve, turning a simple fix into a root canal.
Stronger Pain Develops
Sensitivity slowly becomes constant pain that disrupts eating, sleeping, and daily focus.
Tooth May Be Lost
Untreated damage can reach the point where extraction becomes the only option.
Treatment Gets Complex
A repair that needs an inlay today may require a crown, root canal, or implant later.
Costs Climb Quickly
Postponing care often means paying for advanced procedures down the road.
Daily Habits Suffer
Chewing on one side becomes routine, leading to uneven wear elsewhere.
Acting now keeps treatment simple and protects more of your natural tooth.
What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations that repair teeth with more damage than a filling can handle but less than a crown requires. An inlay fits inside the chewing surface between the cusps (the raised points on top of a tooth), while an onlay covers one or more cusps along with the chewing surface. Both are crafted from porcelain, composite resin, or gold to match your natural tooth.
At Borderview Family Dental, we use digital scans and precise imaging to design restorations that fit accurately the first time. Our digital workflow for inlays and onlays in Blaine, WA means tighter margins, better sealing against bacteria, and longer-lasting results. We collaborate closely with our trusted lab so your finished restoration matches your bite exactly.
Custom-fabricated from porcelain, composite resin, or gold
Treatment typically completed across two short visits
Preserves more natural tooth than a full crown
Transformations That Last
Heather Franks
Nick Melnyk
Be our Next Success Story!
Request an appointment with one of our doctors and start your smile journey today.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
See What's Possible for Your Smile
After
Before
After
Before
Be our Next Success Story!
Request an appointment with one of our doctors and start your smile journey today.
Are Inlays and Onlays Right for You?
Have a cracked tooth or fractured cusp from biting something hard
Living with an old, oversized filling that keeps breaking down
Want to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible
Need stronger repair than a composite filling can provide
Want a color-matched restoration that blends with surrounding teeth
Still Not Sure What You Need?
What to Expect During Your Treatment
Exam and Planning
We start by reviewing your concerns and looking at the tooth with digital X-rays and our intraoral camera. This gives us a clear, detailed view of the damage. Together, we discuss whether an inlay, onlay, or another option makes the most sense, and we walk you through the plan so you feel confident about every step ahead.
Gentle Tooth Preparation
On treatment day, we numb the area thoroughly so you stay comfortable throughout. Using precise instruments, we remove only the damaged or decayed portion of your tooth, preserving as much healthy structure as possible. Once the tooth is prepared, we take digital impressions, which feel quick and easy compared to traditional putty molds.
Custom Restoration Crafted
Your impressions go to our trusted dental lab, where your inlay or onlay is fabricated to match the color, shape, and bite of your natural tooth. While we wait, we place a temporary restoration so you can eat, speak, and smile normally. We'll let you know exactly when your final piece is ready.
Final Placement
At your second visit, we check the fit, color, and bite of your custom restoration before bonding it permanently into place. The placement itself is comfortable and typically quick. You leave with a fully restored tooth that looks natural, feels solid, and lets you eat everything you love again.
Ready to Feel Whole Again?
What Recovery Looks Like
First 24-48 Hours
You may notice mild sensitivity to hot or cold, especially in the first day or two. Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated side until the numbness fully wears off. Most patients feel comfortable eating and speaking within a few hours of leaving our office.
First Week
Sensitivity typically fades within a few days as your tooth adjusts to the new restoration. If your bite feels uneven or anything seems off, a quick adjustment fixes it easily. Brush and floss as you normally would, paying gentle attention to the restored tooth.
Have Questions About Healing? We're here to help.
Flexible Payment Plans for Your Smile
NO Credit Score Impact Until Plan Selected.
NO Credit Score Impact Until Plan Selected.
Don't Wait to Smile. Check out Our Payment Options.
Inlays and Onlays FAQs
How long do inlays and onlays last?
Are inlays and onlays better than crowns?
Will my insurance cover inlays and onlays?
Does getting an inlay or onlay hurt?
How many visits does treatment require?
What materials are used?
How do I care for my restoration?
Can an inlay or onlay replace a failing filling?
Will the restoration look natural?
What happens if my tooth keeps hurting after treatment?
Still Have Questions?
