Inlays and Onlays

Best Restorative Dentistry in Plain City, UT

Beautiful restorations are an important part of retaining and preserving your natural smile. As restorative dentist in Plain City, UT, Dr. Peter Mortenson Dental, dental inlays and onlays are the preferred type of restoration when your tooth is too damaged for a filling but not damaged enough for a crown (otherwise known as a dental cap or tooth cap).

When Do You Need a Dental Inlay or Onlay?

Damage to a tooth that is too severe to support a filling but not severe enough to require a dental cap calls for a dental inlay or onlay. Using a filling when a dental inlay is needed results in the continued decay of the remaining tooth, which eventually leads to the need for a root canal. Receiving a tooth cap or crown when one is not called for results in the unnecessary removal of healthy tooth structure.

Dental Inlays

Dental inlays are similar to fillings and fit inside the outer edges of the tooth. They can be made out of a variety of materials, but most often they’re made out of tooth-colored porcelain. The inlay procedure requires approximately two visits with our restorative dentist in Plain City Family Dental. During the first appointment, you receive a tooth-decay treatment; then impressions are taken, and the temporary inlay is applied to the tooth. At the second appointment, the permanent inlay is bonded to the tooth, hiding any signs of imperfection.

Dental Onlays

Dental onlays, sometimes referred to as partial tooth caps, are similar to inlays in that the procedure is the same and takes place over the course of two days. If you’re looking for the top dentist Plain City has to offer, our team specializes in this conservative treatment option. Like a dental cap, it is a custom-made fitting that we secure to the damaged tooth; however, unlike a dental cap, it only covers a small portion of the affected tooth. Onlays cover one or more of the outer edges of a tooth. They are the conservative alternative to receiving a crown or tooth cap, and they preserve more of your natural tooth. We also proudly serve surrounding communities in Farr West, Harrisville, Marriott-Slaterville, and Pleasant View, UT.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do inlays and onlays fix cavities?

    Dr. Peter Mortenson uses inlays and onlays, much like fillings, to fill or cover the area where a cavity once was. It minimizes the possibility of further decay to the existing tooth.

  • What are the most common treatments for tooth decay?

    The most common tooth decay treatments that our top dentist in Plain City, UT, Dr. Peter Mortenson uses include:


    • Fluoride treatments
    • Restorations, including fillings, inlays, onlays, and crowns/tooth caps
    • Root canals
    • In the most extreme cases, extraction

  • How long will it take for me to be able to eat, speak, brush, and floss as usual after receiving a filling?

    Shortly after receiving a filling, you should be able to do all of the things you normally would do.

At Dr. Peter Mortenson Dental, we can also use dental inlays and onlays for cosmetic enhancement. If you would like to find out more about these restoration options, call (801) 690-7966 today to schedule an appointment with our dental office.

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