A damaged tooth does not always need a full dental crown. When a regular filling is not strong enough, dental inlays and onlays offer a conservative way to repair the tooth while preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
At Legacy Dental in Salt Lake City, UT, our dentists use careful evaluation, modern dental technology, and a practical treatment plan to restore teeth affected by decay, cracks, old fillings, or wear. The goal is simple: to protect your tooth, improve your bite, and help you keep your natural smile longer.
Call Legacy Dental at (801) 278-4223 to schedule your appointment.
Dental inlays and onlays are custom restorations used to repair damaged back teeth. They fit into or over the chewing surface of a tooth and restore the area with a strong, natural-looking material.
A dental inlay repairs damage inside the center of the tooth, between the raised edges, called cusps. A dental onlay repairs a larger area and covers one or more cusps. Your dentist might recommend an inlay or onlay when:
Inlays and onlays are often used on molars and premolars because these teeth handle heavy chewing pressure every day.
You might need dental inlays and onlays if your tooth still has enough healthy structure but needs more support than a filling provides.
Signs you should schedule an exam include:
Ignoring these signs gives decay or cracks more time to spread. Early treatment often helps preserve more of your natural tooth.
Dental inlays and onlays offer strength, fit, and long-term protection for damaged teeth.
Key benefits include:
Your dentist will explain whether an inlay, onlay, filling, or crown is the best long-term option for your tooth.
Your dentist will choose the restoration based on how much of your tooth needs repair.
Treatment | Best For | Tooth Coverage | Main Benefit |
Dental Filling | Small cavities | Repairs a limited area | Quick, simple repair |
Dental Inlay | Moderate damage inside the tooth cusps | Fits within the chewing surface | Stronger than a large filling |
Dental Onlay | Larger damage involving one or more cusps | Covers part of the chewing surface | Preserves more tooth than a crown |
Dental Crown | Severe damage or major weakness | Covers the full visible tooth | Gives full tooth protection |
Dental inlays and onlays fill the gap between fillings and crowns. They work well when you need durable repair without covering the entire tooth.
Legacy Dental focuses on clear communication and careful treatment planning. Your visit starts with a detailed exam, so your dentist understands your tooth's condition before recommending care.
Your dentist checks the tooth, bite, gums, and surrounding area to understand the source of damage. Digital X-rays help identify decay depth, cracks, damage from old fillings, and changes beneath the surface that are not visible during a basic exam.
Your dentist explains whether your tooth needs an inlay, an onlay, a filling, or a crown. The recommendation depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains, where the damage sits, and how much support the tooth needs for chewing.
Your dentist removes the damaged or decayed portion of the tooth while preserving as much healthy structure as possible. The tooth is then shaped so the custom inlay or onlay fits securely and supports the natural bite.

Your dentist records the exact shape of your prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. This impression or scan helps create a restoration that matches your tooth shape, chewing surface, and bite, so it feels comfortable after placement.

A temporary restoration protects the prepared tooth while your final inlay or onlay is being made. It helps reduce sensitivity, keeps the tooth covered, and allows you to chew with care until your permanent restoration is ready.

Your dentist places the final inlay or onlay and checks the fit, shape, bite, and appearance. Once everything feels right, the restoration is bonded to your tooth and polished for comfort, strength, and a natural finish.
Dr. Jonathan Campbell was raised in Salt Lake City and now lives in Holladay with his wife, Melanie, and their five children. Inspired by his father, a dentist with whom he practiced for 13 years, Dr. Campbell chose dentistry after seeing how dental care could relieve pain and restore confidence. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and remains committed to compassionate, high-quality care. His favorite part of dentistry is seeing patients smile after they thought their teeth were beyond help.
The cost of dental inlays and onlays in Salt Lake City, UT, depends on the tooth location, material used, size of the damaged area, lab work, and your dental insurance benefits. Legacy Dental will examine your tooth and review your options before giving you a clear estimate.
Treatment Type | Estimated Cost Range | Best For |
Dental Inlay | $650 to $1,200 per tooth | Moderate damage inside the chewing surface |
Dental Onlay | $750 to $1,500 per tooth | Larger damage involving one or more tooth cusps |
Porcelain Inlay or Onlay | $800 to $1,600 per tooth | Natural-looking repair for visible or high-use teeth |
Composite Inlay or Onlay | $500 to $1,000 per tooth | Smaller restorations or budget-sensitive cases |
Gold Inlay or Onlay | $900 to $2,000 per tooth | Strong long-term repair for heavy chewing areas |
Your final cost may vary based on your exam findings, restoration material, and insurance coverage.
Our office is in-network with all major insurance providers. Please bring your insurance card to each appointment so we can make sure your information is as up-to-date as possible. If you do not find your insurance provider here; please call at 8012784223 for clarity.

Legacy Dental offers patient-focused restorative dental care in Salt Lake City. The team emphasizes kindness, knowledge, and skill while helping you clearly understand your treatment options.
If your tooth needs repair, our team will help you choose the option that protects your oral health and supports long-term function.
If you have a cracked tooth, large cavity, worn filling, or chewing sensitivity, schedule a visit with Legacy Dental. Our dentists will examine your tooth, explain your options, and recommend the most conservative repair that supports long-term function.
Call Legacy Dental at (801) 278-4223 to book your appointment. You can also visit our office at 1345 East 3900 South, Suite 116, Salt Lake City, UT 84124. Our team is ready to help you restore comfort, strength, and confidence in your smile.
Dental inlays and onlays are often stronger than large fillings. They work well when a tooth has too much damage for a regular filling but still has enough healthy structure to avoid a full crown.
Yes. Tooth-colored inlays and onlays are designed to blend with your natural tooth color. Your dentist checks the shape, shade, and bite before final placement.
The process often takes two visits when a final restoration is made outside the mouth. The first visit prepares the tooth and records its shape. The second visit places and adjusts the final restoration.
Coverage depends on your dental plan, the condition of your tooth, and the treatment category. Legacy Dental accepts major insurance providers and helps review your benefits before treatment.
Brush, floss, avoid hard chewing habits, and keep your regular dental visits. If you grind your teeth, ask your dentist about a night guard to protect the restoration.