Strong, Long-Lasting Restorations for Patients Across the Fleurieu Peninsula

When a tooth is too damaged for a simple filling but not damaged enough to need a full dental crown, inlays and onlays offer the perfect middle-ground solution. At Riverport Dental, we provide high-quality inlay and onlay restorations in Goolwa, helping patients from Victor Harbor and the wider Fleurieu Peninsula restore their teeth with strength, precision, and long-lasting results.

Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations designed to repair decay, cracks, or fractures while preserving as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. They provide a more durable and aesthetic result than standard fillings and help protect the tooth for many years to come.

Whether you’re experiencing discomfort when chewing, have an old filling that’s failing, or need a restoration that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth, our team is here to guide you through your options.

If you’re unsure whether you need an inlay, an onlay, or another type of restorative treatment, book a consultation with our friendly team today — we’re here to help.

Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used to repair moderate tooth damage — typically when the area is too large for a filling but still allows most of the natural tooth to remain intact.

Inlays

An inlay fits inside the grooves of a tooth, restoring the centre chewing surface. It’s more precise and durable than a filling and is bonded securely to the healthy tooth structure. Inlays are ideal for cavities or fractures that haven’t affected the tooth’s outer edges.

Onlays

An onlay covers a larger area, extending over one or more of the tooth’s cusps (the raised points). Often called a “partial crown,” an onlay provides added strength and is used when the damage reaches the edges or corners of the tooth but doesn’t require a full-coverage crown.

1. Comprehensive Examination

Your dentist checks the damaged tooth and determines whether an inlay, onlay, or another treatment is the best option.

2. Tooth Preparation

The damaged portion of the tooth is gently removed, and the tooth is shaped to hold the restoration securely.

3. Digital Scans or Impressions

We take precise scans so your inlay or onlay can be custom-made to fit your tooth perfectly.

4. Temporary Restoration (If Needed)

A temporary filling or cover is placed while your permanent restoration is created.

5. Final Placement

Once ready, the inlay or onlay is bonded firmly to your tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and function.

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