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Inlays / Onlays

Restore Your Smile’s Beauty

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Preserve More of Your Tooth With Inlays & Onlays in Waukegan

Inlays and onlays are custom restorations for teeth that are too damaged for a filling but don't need a full crown. An inlay fits within the cusps of the tooth. An onlay covers one or more cusps. Your inlays and onlays in Waukegan require less removal of your natural teeth. With this minimally invasive dentistry, you will:

Bite and chew your favorite foods without sensitivity or pain
Restore your smile with a restoration that looks like surrounding teeth
Minimize the chance that a tooth will need more work later
Feel confident knowing your damaged tooth has been fully restored
Appreciate a conservative repair that keeps more of your tooth intact

Whether you are dealing with wear or a larger cavity, our conservative approach to dentistry fits your needs. You'll feel at ease throughout the restorative procedure.

Call Today (847) 595-5805

Find Out What the Inlay & Onlay Process Looks Like

Inlays and onlays are ideal when your tooth needs more than a filling but less than a crown. This minimally invasive treatment focuses on restoring strength while protecting your natural dental structure. We will:

Rebuild Damaged Areas - Your dentist removes the weakened portion of your tooth and replaces it with a custom inlay or onlay. We remove less tooth structure than if you needed a full crown.
Provide a Precise Fit - We gently prepare the tooth so your restoration fits your natural bite and blends in with your smile. This step helps create a smooth, comfortable result. An inlay or onlay allows you to keep more of your tooth.
Use a Detailed Design - We take precise impressions of your tooth to design your inlay or onlay. It ensures your restoration matches your smile's unique shape. Your final restoration will look and feel great.
Reinforce Tooth Structure - We bond the inlay or onlay securely to your tooth, helping it withstand daily chewing pressure. You'll avoid additional damage since we are treating the tooth before it has a chance to worsen.

Keep more of your smile with inlays and onlays in Waukegan.

Call Today (847) 595-5805

4.9 Stars (772 Reviews)

Over 720 5/5 Reviews

I had a great experience! The staff was friendly and welcoming, and Dr. Kurziak was very gentle and caring. They made me feel comfortable throughout my visit. I highly recommend this office!

Amy Garza

What a wonderful experience and an amazingly clean and modern facility. I dread going to the dentist, but this was by far the best experience I’ve ever had. My husband and I recently moved to the area and we really lucked out by having found Greenwood Dental. Dr. Nikol was very thorough and detailed about the condition my teeth were in and what the game plan was moving forward. Happy to have found such a great dentist in the area!

Danielle C.

I can’t say enough good things about Greenwood Dental Care! From the moment you walk in until the moment you leave, every member of the staff is incredibly kind, welcoming, and professional. I have a lot of dental anxiety, but they’ve made every visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible. The entire process has been painless, and I truly appreciate the care and compassion they show their patients. I highly recommend this office to anyone, especially if you’re nervous about going to the dentist!

Jessica Mitchener

We had such a wonderful experience at this dental office! From the very beginning, the scheduling process was easy, organized, and welcoming. The entire staff creates such a warm, family-friendly atmosphere that immediately made us feel comfortable. I especially appreciated how patient and kind they were with my kiddos during their cleanings. The team made sure they felt relaxed and comfortable the whole time, which means so much as a parent. My husband and I also had very thorough exams, and the dentist took the time to explain everything clearly and create a game plan for our next steps instead of making us feel rushed. You can truly tell they care about their patients and want the best for your family’s dental health. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a caring, professional, and trustworthy dental office!

Chamaine Blalock-Lincke

I have been coming for 6+ years. They are always fantastic and so accommodating. the same person has done my cleaning as well. It’s been a great experience. Easy to get to ; great and friendly staff from the dentist to the staff in reception. I highly recommend them. I am also bringing my...

Kevin Bueso

Very nice office! It was easy to make an appointment. It was for my 7 year old grandaughter. We got there a bit early (by 15 min or so) and was taken in early! Very nice hydgienist took great care of my grandaughter. She made her feel super comfortable (the child is usually very squirmy) but she was perfectly still even for the x-rays! Dr. Kurkiak was also very nice and great with the little one! Quickly found common ground with 7 year old. Everything went smoothly!

Elaine Field

I haven’t been to the dentist in over 10 years. Due to the fear of pain, and my gagging reflex is horrible! I came here to see Dr.Nikol. She and her wonderful staff made me feel really comfortable! If I was having a problem they would step back and let me get my bearings back and my thoughts outta my head! And April the support pup will also help you relax. She does a great job! I’ll tell you what, I won’t be afraid to come back here in the future! Oh and my bad gagging didn’t happen! Woohoo! See you next time Greenwood Dental thank you for an amazing experience!!

Theresa Kromer

I love seeing Dr. Nikol and friends! The office is warm, clean, and inviting. Dental work is quick and the staff does everything they can to manage any discomfort. April is the best dogtor around!

Sam Lindtner

Common Questions About Inlays & Onlays

What is the difference between an inlay and an onlay?

An inlay fits within the grooves of your tooth and repairs damage that stays inside the cusps. An onlay covers one or more cusps and restores a larger portion of the tooth. Your dentist recommends the right option based on how much of your tooth needs support. Both options preserve more of your natural tooth than a crown.

How long do inlays and onlays last?

Inlays and onlays can last many years with proper care. You support their longevity by brushing, flossing, and keeping up with regular dental visits. These restorations are designed to handle daily chewing and resist wear. Your dentist checks the condition of your restoration during routine exams and helps you protect it over time.

How do I know if I need an inlay or onlay instead of a crown?

If your tooth still has enough healthy structure, an inlay or onlay may be a better choice than a crown. Your dentist evaluates the size and location of the damage before recommending treatment. This minimally invasive approach restores strength without removing more of your natural tooth than necessary.

What materials are inlays and onlays made from?

Inlays and onlays are commonly made from tooth-colored porcelain or composite resin, either of which can be color-matched to blend naturally with surrounding enamel. Gold is also an option and is particularly durable for back teeth that absorb high chewing forces. Your dentist discusses material options with you based on the tooth's location, the size of the repair, and your personal preferences.

Which materials for inlays and onlays last the longest?

Inlays and onlays can last 10 years or longer, though lifespan varies based on the material used. Gold restorations generally last the longest, while porcelain and composite can also last many years with proper care. The tooth's location, the amount of chewing force it absorbs, and your oral care habits also affect the longevity of your restoration.

Do you monitor my inlay or onlay for any signs of damage?

Yes, at routine visits, your dentist checks inlays and onlays for any signs of wear, staining, or marginal breakdown. Catching small changes early allows for simple maintenance rather than full replacement. Most patients find that inlays and onlays outlast traditional fillings in the same location.

Is the procedure for inlays and onlays uncomfortable?

The preparation for inlays and onlays is done with local anesthesia, so you should feel little to no discomfort. A temporary restoration is placed to protect the tooth between visits. Some mild sensitivity during this period is normal. Once the custom inlay or onlay is bonded in place, you will find the tooth feels stable and comfortable right away.

Are inlays and onlays better than fillings?

In some cases, inlays and onlays are better than fillings. When a tooth has a bigger area of damage, inlays and onlays can be a stronger choice. We suggest them when we want to restore a tooth while providing added support. This can help keep the tooth stable and reduce the risk of further damage.