info@southgatesmiledental.com
(323) 564-6906
2701 Firestone Blvd. Suite #G, South Gate, CA 90280
Conservative, durable restorations that protect your natural tooth structure.
If a cavity or crack is too big for a simple filling—but your tooth doesn’t need a full crown yet—inlays and onlays can be the ideal middle option. At South Gate Smile Dental, Dr. Shayan Kafri uses modern, tooth-colored materials to restore strength and function while preserving as much healthy tooth as possible for patients across South Gate and Los Angeles County.
Inlay: Fits inside the chewing surface of the tooth—between the cusps—to replace decayed or broken areas. Often used on back teeth.
Onlay: Covers one or more cusps (the pointed chewing tips) to protect a larger area. Think of it as a “partial crown.”
Both are custom made and bonded to your tooth for a tight, long-lasting seal.
A filling would be too large or has failed repeatedly.
The tooth is weakened but still has enough structure to avoid a full crown.
You want a strong, aesthetic solution that preserves more natural tooth.
Tooth preservation: Less removal of healthy enamel compared with many crowns.
Strength & longevity: Lab-made ceramics are durable and resist wear; with good hygiene, they can last many years.
Precise fit & seal: Custom fabrication often gives better contacts/contours than a large direct filling.
Natural esthetics: Tooth-colored ceramics blend with your smile.
Most patients choose ceramic/porcelain for a natural look and strength. Gold is still available and extremely durable in selected cases. Zirconia may be considered for heavy-bite posterior teeth. We’ll help you choose the right material based on bite forces, esthetics, and budget.
Evaluation & planning – digital X-rays, bite assessment, and material selection.
Tooth preparation & impression/scan – we prepare the tooth conservatively and take an impression or digital scan for the lab.
Temporary protection – you’ll wear a temporary while your restoration is crafted.
Bonding visit – we try in the inlay/onlay, adjust the bite, and bond it permanently, then polish. Night grinding or clenching? A custom night guard can protect your new restoration.
Good brushing, flossing, and routine exams/cleanings help inlays and onlays last longer. Limit ice/very hard foods, and wear a night guard if you clench.
Coverage varies by plan and whether the restoration is categorized as “basic” vs “major.” Our front desk will check your benefits and review a transparent estimate before treatment. (We accept most PPOs and offer payment options.)
Are dental inlays and onlays safe and how long do they last? Yes—these restorations have been used for decades and are considered reliable when placed by an experienced dentist. With proper care, they can last for many years. Cleveland Clinic
Which is better for me—a large filling, an inlay/onlay, or a crown? It depends on how much tooth structure remains, your bite forces, and the tooth location. Inlays/onlays are more conservative than crowns and stronger than big fillings. We’ll examine the tooth and recommend the most predictable option.
Do you offer tooth-colored inlays and onlays? Yes. We frequently use ceramic/porcelain that matches your tooth shade; gold is also an option for specific bites or patient preference.
Bonding (adhesive cementation): The process of permanently attaching your inlay/onlay to the tooth using a high-strength adhesive for a tight seal.
Cusps: The pointed chewing tips of molars/premolars; onlays cover one or more cusps for added protection.
Occlusion: How your teeth contact when you bite—proper occlusion helps the restoration last.
Porcelain/Ceramic: Tooth-colored, lab-made material used for durable, natural-looking inlays/onlays.
Zirconia: An extra-strong ceramic sometimes chosen for heavy-bite back teeth.
Temporary restoration: A short-term filling you wear between preparation and bonding.
Night guard: A custom appliance that protects teeth/restorations from grinding at night.
Ready to save your tooth without a full crown? Book an inlay/onlay consultation in South Gate, CA with Dr. Shayan Kafri. Call (323) 564-6906 or request an appointment online.
Your Trusted South Gate Dentist
