Are these procedures painful for most patients?

The process feels very similar to getting a standard filling. The area is completely numbed before any work begins, so you should only feel some light pressure. Most people find that the recovery is very fast, and they can return to their normal activities right after the appointment.

Will my insurance cover the cost of an inlay or onlay?

Many insurance plans treat these as "major" or "basic" dental work, depending on your specific policy. Since they are used to fix a cavity and protect the tooth, they are usually partially covered. It is a good idea to have the clinic send a pre-approval form to your provider to check your benefits.

Can I get an inlay if I already have a very large filling?

Yes, these are often used to replace old, failing fillings that have become too big for a new standard repair. Removing the old material and replacing it with a custom-made onlay provides much more strength to the remaining tooth structure.

How do I clean an onlay compared to my other teeth?

You do not need any special tools to keep your onlay clean. Just continue to brush and floss as you normally would. Regular professional cleanings are also important because they allow a specialist to check the edges of the restoration to make sure the bond is still strong and healthy.