Inlays, Onlays, or Crowns: Which Dental Restoration Do You Need?

Three common types of restorations we provide are inlays, onlays, and dental crowns. Each serves a unique purpose, depending on the extent of damage or decay to your tooth.

Inlays are custom-made restorations that fit precisely within the grooves of your tooth, between the cusps. Our expert dentists recommend inlays when the damage is limited to the central chewing surface, allowing us to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible.

Onlays are similar to inlays, but they cover a larger portion of the tooth, extending over one or more cusps. Sometimes called “partial crowns,” onlays are ideal when the damage is more extensive but does not require a full crown. 

Dental crowns are used when a tooth is severely damaged or decayed and needs complete coverage. Crowns encase the entire visible part of the tooth above the gum line, restoring its strength, shape, and appearance. 

By offering inlays, onlays, and crowns, Encino Advanced Dentistry can provide the most appropriate restoration for your specific dental needs.

A dental inlay may be recommended when a tooth has moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a traditional filling but does not require the full coverage of a dental crown. Inlays are especially beneficial when the damage is limited to the chewing surface of a back tooth and does not extend to the cusps. In these situations, our skilled dentists will often suggest an inlay to ensure both function and aesthetics are preserved.

Each inlay at our Encino office is custom-crafted in a dental laboratory to fit precisely into your prepared cavity. This precise fit provides enhanced strength and longevity compared to composite fillings. We use high-quality materials such as porcelain or gold, which are known for their durability and resistance to wear—making them ideal for restoring teeth that undergo heavy chewing.

If, after removing decay, there is not enough tooth structure left to support a regular filling without risking fracture, but there is still sufficient healthy tooth to avoid a crown, a dental inlay can be the optimal solution. This approach allows us to preserve more of your natural tooth structure while providing superior strength and a better seal against further decay.

At Encino Advanced Dentistry, we offer personalized restoration services to meet each patient’s unique dental needs.

Dental Fillings
For cavities, our skilled team removes decayed areas and restores the tooth with durable composite resin. This simple procedure is typically completed in one visit.

Dental Crowns
For extensive decay or damage, we reshape the tooth and take digital impressions to create a custom crown. A temporary crown is placed while your permanent crown is crafted, followed by a follow-up visit for secure placement.

Dental Implants
For missing teeth, a titanium implant is surgically placed into the jawbone. After healing, a crown is added to restore function and aesthetics, providing a long-lasting solution.

Bridges and Dentures
For multiple missing teeth, we may recommend a dental bridge, supported by adjacent teeth, or custom dentures for a comfortable, secure fit. We ensure that each restoration looks and feels natural using high-quality materials.

With advanced technology and a patient-centered approach, Encino Advanced Dentistry ensures your restoration is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Durability and longevity are key considerations when choosing the best solution to restore damaged or missing teeth. Our dental team offers a full range of restorative options—including dental fillings, crowns, inlays, onlays, and dental implants—each designed to meet your unique needs and provide lasting results.

Dental implants are widely regarded as the most durable and long-lasting dental restoration available today. At Encino Advanced Dentistry, we utilize advanced techniques and biocompatible materials such as titanium to place implants securely into the jawbone. Once the implant has integrated with the bone, we attach a custom crown for a natural look and full function. With proper oral hygiene and regular check-ups at our Encino office, dental implants can last for decades—and in many cases, a lifetime.

Other common restorations, such as crowns and bridges—crafted from high-quality porcelain, metal, or a combination—generally last between 10 to 15 years. With excellent care, some patients see even longer results. Fillings, whether composite or amalgam, typically last 5 to 15 years, while inlays and onlays can provide 10 to 20 years of service, depending on the material used and your oral hygiene habits.

When you visit Encino Advanced Dentistry with a damaged tooth, your journey to a healthy smile begins with a comprehensive evaluation by our experienced dental team. We start by discussing your symptoms, reviewing your dental history, and listening carefully to any pain or discomfort you’re experiencing. Our dentists conduct a detailed visual examination of the affected tooth and use specialized dental instruments to check for cracks, decay, or instability. To get a complete picture, we often use advanced diagnostic tools such as digital X-rays to assess the extent of the damage beneath the surface, including the roots and surrounding bone structure.

For minor issues like small cavities or chips, our dentists may recommend a tooth-colored filling or cosmetic bonding for a seamless repair. If the damage is more extensive, we offer durable inlays, onlays, or crowns—crafted from high-quality materials—to restore both strength and appearance. Should the tooth’s nerve be compromised, our team is skilled in performing gentle root canal therapy followed by a custom crown to save and protect your natural tooth. In cases where a tooth cannot be preserved, we provide a range of replacement solutions, including state-of-the-art dental implants and natural-looking bridges.

Our dentists also assess your bite, the tooth’s position, and your cosmetic goals.

At Encino Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Alireza Moshaverinia, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., F.A.C.P., helps you make informed decisions about restorative treatments like inlays, onlays, and crowns. Each of these options serves a unique purpose, and Dr. Moshaverinia’s personalized approach ensures you select the most suitable solution for your specific dental needs.

Inlays and onlays are often ideal for patients with moderate tooth damage, offering a conservative, durable solution that preserves more of the natural tooth structure. For more extensive damage, dental crowns provide full coverage and restore both function and appearance. With his expertise, Dr. Moshaverinia will evaluate your condition and recommend the best treatment, whether you need a subtle restoration or a comprehensive, full-tooth coverage solution.

Using the latest technology and materials, Dr. Moshaverinia customizes each restoration to fit perfectly, ensuring natural-looking results that blend seamlessly with your smile. No matter which restoration you need, Dr. Moshaverinia’s skill and attention to detail ensure that your dental health and confidence are restored with care. Trust Encino Advanced Dentistry for your next step toward a stronger, healthier smile. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 5363 Balboa Blvd, #434 Encino, CA 91316. We serve patients from Encino CA, Tarzana CA, Van Nuys CA, Sherman Oaks CA, Calabasas CA, and surrounding areas.