When a dental cavity is too large for a simple filling, dental inlays and onlays can be a viable alternative. They are more resistant to fractures and damage compared to traditional cavity fillings, relatively stain resistant, custom made and can last for many years. An inlay is molded to fit into the grooves of your tooth, without extending over the cusps. On the other hand, onlays are slightly larger than inlays extending over the cusps of the tooth. They are made of solid custom formed materials ranging from gold, porcelain or composite resin. The typical recovery time is a few days and require no special care other than what is required for natural teeth. Your tooth that has an inlay or onlay is still susceptible to plaque and bacterial build up, and as a result requires good oral hygiene, flossing and regular dental cleaning.
