If damage to the tooth is quite large, we will sometimes recommend a lab processed restoration. This adds more strength back to the tooth, especially the back molars that take most of the force from chewing. An ‘inlay’ sits within the cusps/bumps of the tooth and an ‘onlay’ replaces one or more cusps/bumps of the tooth.

Both restorations involve removal of the cavity or broken tooth structure, similar to a filling. An impression is then taken of the prepared tooth.  We place a temporary filling in the tooth while the lab makes your new restoration.  In about 7 days you can return and have the temporary replaced with your new inlay/onlay. This will restore your tooth to it’s natural strength and appearance and will last you much longer than a large filling.