Inlays & Onlays in Fort Gibson, OK

Stronger Than a Filling, More Conservative Than a Crown

When a tooth is too damaged for a regular filling — but not quite ready for a crown — an inlay or onlay may be the perfect solution. At Fort Gibson Family Dentistry, we offer custom inlays and onlays that restore your tooth’s strength, shape, and appearance with minimal disruption to natural enamel.

What Are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are durable restorations made from ceramic, porcelain, or composite resin. They're custom-crafted to repair teeth with moderate damage — often due to decay, fractures, or wear — when a traditional filling won’t provide enough support.

  • Inlays fit inside the cusps (top edges) of your tooth — like a puzzle piece
  • Onlays extend over one or more cusps, covering a larger area of the tooth

Both options are bonded securely to the tooth and blend naturally with your smile.

Why Choose an Inlay or Onlay?

Inlays and onlays are a great alternative when you want to preserve as much natural tooth as possible while still restoring function and durability.

Benefits include:

  • Stronger than a filling
  • More conservative than a full crown
  • Highly durable – lasts 10–15+ years
  • Custom-matched to your natural tooth color
  • Resistant to wear and staining

They’re especially helpful for restoring molars or teeth under heavy chewing forces — without the full coverage and enamel removal of a crown.

What the Process Looks Like

Your inlay or onlay procedure typically takes two visits:

  1. Evaluation & Prep
    We assess your tooth, clean out decay or damage, and take a digital impression.
  2. Custom Design
    A dental lab fabricates your inlay/onlay to match your tooth's exact shape and shade.
  3. Final Placement
    We bond the restoration into place with strong adhesive and adjust for a precise, comfortable fit.

After placement, your tooth will look, feel, and function like new — without unnecessary drilling or reduction.

Conservative Restorative Dentistry for Our Local Communities

Patients from across Muskogee County appreciate our conservative approach to care — especially when it comes to protecting their natural teeth.

We regularly provide inlays and onlays for patients in:

  • Muskogee, OK – Durable restorations with a minimally invasive approach
  • Norwood, OK – Aesthetic, long-term solutions for cracked or damaged teeth
  • Wybark, OK – Trusted treatment between a filling and a crown
  • Mallard Bay, OK – Local access to advanced restorative options without the drive

We’ll always guide you toward the most effective option — not the most expensive one.

Inlays & Onlays vs. Fillings vs. Crowns

Treatment Best For Tooth Structure Preserved Lifespan
Filling Small cavities Most 5–10 years
Inlay/Onlay Moderate decay, fractures, or wear More than crowns 10–15+ years
Crown Extensive damage or after root canal Less (full coverage) 10–20+ years

Need help deciding? We’ll walk you through the pros and cons at your visit.

Why Patients Choose Fort Gibson Family Dentistry

  • Focus on preserving natural teeth whenever possible
  • Honest recommendations with clear explanations
  • Precision-fit restorations designed for long-term success
  • In-house capabilities — no referrals for this service
  • Access to affordable payment options and membership plans

Led by Dr. Hayley Shenberger, we combine advanced care with the small-town values our patients trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Is an inlay or onlay better than a filling?

Yes, when the damage is too large for a filling. Inlays/onlays offer better strength and durability without the full coverage of a crown.

Does getting an inlay or onlay hurt?

No. The process is very similar to a filling, and we numb the area to keep you comfortable throughout.

How long do they last?

Most inlays and onlays last 10 to 15 years or more, depending on your bite and oral hygiene habits.

Are inlays and onlays covered by insurance?

Often, yes — especially when medically necessary. We’ll check your benefits and walk you through financing options if needed.

Can they be used on front teeth?

They’re typically used on molars and premolars due to the chewing pressure. For front teeth, veneers or bonding may be better options.

Don’t Let a Cracked Tooth Get Worse

If you have a damaged or decayed tooth, an inlay or onlay might be the right solution to restore it — without over-treating it.