Made from durable porcelain or gold, these restorations are created outside the mouth (in a dental lab or digitally in our office) and then bonded to the tooth for a precise, long-lasting fit.

You might be a good candidate if you:
Have an old, worn-out filling that needs replacing
Have a cavity too large for a filling, but not big enough for a crown
Chipped or cracked a tooth while chewing or in an accident
Want a longer-lasting, more cosmetic option than silver fillings

Stronger & Longer-Lasting
Because they’re made from high-quality materials like porcelain or gold, inlays and onlays are stronger than traditional fillings and can last many years without wearing down.

Preserve More of Your Natural Tooth
Unlike crowns, which require reshaping the entire tooth, inlays and onlays let us keep as much healthy structure as possible.

Better Fit and Less Risk of Decay
They’re custom-fitted for your tooth, which means fewer gaps where bacteria could sneak in and cause future cavities.

Comfort You Can Feel
Many patients notice less sensitivity and improved chewing comfort, especially compared to damaged enamel or failing fillings.

Here’s what to expect when you visit our Knoxville dental office:

🔹 Evaluation and Digital Imaging
We examine your tooth, take digital x-rays or 3D scans, and determine if an inlay or onlay is the best fit for your needs.
🔹 Custom Design
Your restoration is created from precise digital impressions—either in a dental lab or in-house with our digital tools—for a perfect fit.
🔹 Bonding and Polishing
Once ready, your inlay or onlay is securely bonded to your tooth and polished for a natural feel and look.
🔹 Enjoy Your Smile Again
You’ll leave with a strong, beautiful restoration that looks and feels just like a natural tooth—ready for chewing, smiling, and living confidently

Costs vary depending on materials used and the complexity of your case, but we work hard to help
make treatment affordable.

✅ We’ll maximize your dental insurance benefits to reduce your out-of-pocket costs
✅ For any balance not covered by insurance, we offer flexible payment plans that work with most budgets
✅ We never want cost to be a barrier to the care you need

Are inlays and onlays better than fillings?
Yes—for larger cavities or worn-out fillings, inlays and onlays offer more strength, better protection, and a longer-lasting solution.

Do they look natural?
Absolutely. Porcelain inlays and onlays are color-matched to your natural teeth for a seamless look.

Is the process painful?
Not at all. We use gentle numbing and modern techniques to keep you comfortable throughout your visit.

How long do inlays and onlays last?
With proper care, they can last 10–20 years or more—much longer than typical fillings.

Can I replace a metal filling with an inlay or onlay?
Yes. Many patients choose to replace old silver fillings with natural-looking porcelain inlays or onlays.