Inlays and Onlays In Turkey

When a tooth is damaged, there are a variety of procedures that can fix the issue. One such treatment is known as dental inlays and onlays. While the process is fairly common, not many people are aware of the details involved, so when they’re told they need such a procedure, they may feel unsure or nervous. If you’re looking to calm your fears, you’ll find all the information you need about this process below.

Inlays and Onlays: A Description

The first thing to be aware of is what these terms actually mean. While they are often used together, they each describe a separate procedure.

An inlay is often used to fix the larger chewing surface of a tooth near the back of your mouth. It can also be prescribed when a cavity is much too big for a traditional dental filling to work. As the name suggests, inlays sit within a tooth.

An onlay can be rather similar to the above, but onlays are often used to cover a larger surface area than inlays. Not only can they fit inside your tooth, they can also fit over it, so they can be used to cover the cusps of your teeth as well. It is your dentist who will determine whether an inlay or an onlay is the best course of action, examining the extent of the damage and then making a decision based on that assessment.

When are Inlays or Onlays Necessary?

There are a few different instances in which a dentist may prescribe an inlay or onlay for you:

• Chipped tooth: When a tooth is chipped, a filling won’t be of much use. To fix the issue, the dentist needs to cover the tooth to prevent further damage — and an inlay or onlay can also improve the appearance of the damaged tooth.
• Severe tooth decay: If tooth decay is minor, then a filling is the most obvious solution. However, if the decay is significant and quite a bit of damage has been done, the tooth requires further intervention, and an inlay or onlay can work to effectively cover it.

The Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

There are quite a number of different procedures that can treat or improve a damaged tooth, so why do dentists recommend inlays and onlays in so many situations? It’s because these procedures have several benefits over certain other options.

To start with, inlays and onlays are more permanent than fillings. As you may have realised, fillings have a tendency to come loose after a few years, requiring another visit to the dentist. Inlays and onlays, on the other hand, have greater durability and last longer — in some instances, you can expect these restorations to last up to thirty years. By preserving the natural tooth, a successful inlay or onlay can also help you avoid more invasive treatment later: if a badly damaged tooth cannot be saved, the alternative may be tooth extraction followed by a dental implant to replace it, which is why the success of an inlay or onlay matters for your long-term dental health.

Inlays and onlays also work to strengthen the teeth. Since they are made of hardier material, they act as a barrier over the damaged or brittle portion of a tooth, so there is much less chance the tooth will become more damaged or decayed. There are also circumstances where onlays and inlays are preferred to dental crowns. With a dental crown, more of the healthy tooth structure needs to be filed down before the crown is fitted, which can be time-consuming and uncomfortable. With inlays and onlays, though, more of the original tooth is kept, maintained, and protected.

Types of Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays vary in the material used. These days there is more variety than ever, although some materials are used more often than others. Here are the top options available to you:

Metal

The most commonly used metal is gold, which has been used in these procedures for many years. To this day, gold inlays and onlays are some of the strongest options around, which is why they tend to be used at the back of the mouth where the greatest chewing action takes place. That said, gold can be a rather costly material — and the main reason its use is decreasing is aesthetics, as gold and other metals are rather noticeable.

Porcelain

For those looking for a more natural result, porcelain inlays and onlays offer exactly that. The colour of the material can be matched to that of your tooth, so people won’t even know they are there, and these restorations tend to be highly stain-resistant too.

Composite

Finally, there is composite resin. These also resemble natural teeth closely, so they are virtually undetectable. The other benefit of composite inlays and onlays is that they can be bonded to your teeth within a single dental visit. However, they can be a little higher-maintenance, as you need to care for them properly if you don’t want them to become stained.

How to Prepare for an Inlay or Onlay

Prior to the procedure, your dentist will probably ask you a number of questions to make certain you are a good candidate for an inlay or onlay. Some of the queries may relate to:

• Your current health
• Any previously diagnosed medical conditions
• Prescription medication
• Supplements
• Allergies
• Previous reactions to anaesthetic

It is important to answer these questions accurately so your dentist is fully aware of any issues you may have. You should also tell your dentist if you are pregnant, as they may choose another method for numbing your gums during the procedure. Be sure to ask about any queries of your own, too — your dentist is in the best position to answer them, and if there are any special circumstances surrounding your particular case, they will be able to inform you.

The Inlay and Onlay Procedure

In most instances, inlay and onlay procedures are carried out over two separate visits. This is because the dentist needs to take an impression of your damaged tooth and send it to a lab, which then constructs an inlay or onlay that is a perfect match. Some dentists have this lab equipment in their own office — if that’s the case with your dentist, you may be able to complete all the steps within the same day.

Stage One

The dentist injects a local anaesthetic into the gums near the damaged tooth, then uses a drill to remove the damaged portions of the tooth. They may also need to file the tooth down to a certain extent, which helps the inlay or onlay adhere more easily. The dentist then makes an impression of the tooth and sends it to the lab, placing a temporary inlay or onlay until you come in for the permanent replacement.

Stage Two

The dentist removes the temporary restoration placed during the previous visit and checks that the inlay or onlay fits perfectly against your teeth, identifying whether you’ll have any issues once it’s placed. If the fit is a match, the dentist uses an adhesive to fit the inlay or onlay onto your existing tooth, then polishes both the restoration and the tooth to improve the overall appearance. Each of these visits may take an hour or longer, depending on how simple or complex your case is — the initial appointment may take a little longer, since the mould takes time to process.

What to Expect After the Procedure

Once the procedure is complete, you may continue to feel some numbness around the treated area, which should subside within a few hours. Until it does, your dentist may advise you to avoid food and drink to reduce the risk of biting your tongue or cheek due to the lack of feeling. You should be able to go home shortly after the procedure, and it’s quite possible you’ll be able to continue your day as normal — though if dental appointments are unpleasant for you in general, you may want to rest for a while.

Once the anaesthesia wears off, you may find your gum is a little tender. Your dentist may or may not recommend over-the-counter medication, depending on the severity of the discomfort, but any soreness should subside rather quickly. You may also notice the area is more sensitive to hot and cold foods or drinks; this, too, should go away before long. Nevertheless, it may take you some time to get used to the feeling of the inlay or onlay in your mouth.

Possible Side Effects

For the most part, inlays and onlays are considered a rather minor procedure, so the risk of anything going wrong is incredibly low. Nevertheless, you should be aware of some of the issues that may occur once the procedure is complete:

• Severe pain in the gums or teeth
• Bleeding
• Difficulty biting or chewing
• Fever

If any of these issues present themselves, you should call your dentist immediately. It’s possible you’re having an adverse reaction to the procedure, or it could simply be that the inlay or onlay wasn’t positioned properly. Either way, it’s important to speak with your dentist as quickly as possible to resolve the problem.

The Potential Complications of a Dental Inlay or Onlay

Even if you don’t experience any side effects, you should be aware that other issues may manifest. Again, these are incredibly rare, but they’re worth knowing about. If you have any allergies, you should mention them to your dentist beforehand, as it may be possible to experience an allergic reaction to the material used to create your inlay or onlay. If this happens, the dentist will need to replace the material with something different.

Additionally, if there is any injury or trauma to your mouth or gums, there is a chance the inlay or onlay could be lost. The consequence of this is that the tooth and nerve endings would be exposed, and food or bacteria could collect in the space and lead to an infection.

How to Care for Your Inlay or Onlay

It’s important to remember that an inlay or onlay needs to be cared for just like any other tooth. While it may be made from a material much stronger than your teeth, it can only protect your tooth so much, so if you don’t follow proper oral hygiene, your tooth is still at risk of further decay or damage. Your dentist may inform you of certain food or lifestyle restrictions to follow for a short period of time, and to ensure your inlay or onlay lasts as long as possible, it’s best to follow these guidelines properly. That’s everything you need to know about inlays and onlays — you should now be able to go in for the procedure without any concerns at all.

How Much Do Inlays and Onlays Cost in Turkey?

At our clinic in Antalya, an E.max inlay or onlay is £185 with cash payment (£205 by card) and a Cerec® inlay or onlay is £213 (£237 by card). Both prices are all-inclusive and cover the scan, the restoration and the fitting.

In the UK, the same restorations typically cost around £700 to £750 privately, so UK patients save roughly 75%. An inlay or onlay is often the more conservative alternative to a full crown, because it preserves more of your natural tooth.

Your Inlays and Onlays Are Guaranteed

Ceramic and composite inlays and onlays placed at our clinic carry a 2-year guarantee, along with a written aftercare plan, provided you attend your yearly check-up and follow the care advice above. See full details of our warranties.

Why Choose Smile Dental Turkey for Your Inlays & Onlays?

Tooth-Preserving, Natural-Looking Restorations

We favour inlays and onlays that keep as much of your natural tooth as possible, using porcelain and composite that blend seamlessly with your enamel. Every restoration is designed and fitted by an experienced, government-registered dentist. You can meet the full team of dentists in Turkey and read every credential in full.

Officially Accredited & Verified

• Turkish Dental Association (TDB) — Accredited Member: Our clinic and clinicians adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards nationally recognised in Turkey.
• Turkish Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery — Member: Reflecting our specialist surgical team.
• AACI Accredited (American Accreditation Commission International): Independent international accreditation for dental organisations, verifiable on the official AACI registry.
• ISO 9001:2015 Certified by AACI: The internationally recognised standard for quality management in healthcare.
• Official Health Tourism Certificate (Turkish Ministry of Health): The government accreditation that makes your treatment guarantee legally valid and enforceable after you return home. Many clinics operating in Turkey do not hold this certificate.
• HealthTürkiye — Government-Listed Provider: We are officially listed on the Turkish Ministry of Health’s international health-tourism platform (operated by USHAŞ). You can verify our clinic directly on the government .gov.tr portal.

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Get Your Free Assessment

If you’re looking for inlays or onlays, you can check our dental treatment prices for cost details or build an estimate with our Turkey Teeth Cost Calculator. Not sure whether you need a filling, an inlay, an onlay, or a crown? Start your free online dental consultation — send us a few photos and our dentists will recommend the right restoration for your tooth, with no obligation.

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