Dental inlays and onlays in Palma de Mallorca
A dental inlay or onlay is a custom-made piece, usually ceramic or composite, that rebuilds the missing part of a back tooth when the damage is too large for a filling but not so large that it needs a crown. It strengthens the tooth while keeping as much healthy tissue as possible.
It is very common in molars with extensive decay, fractures or wear, and after a root canal. We provide it at Udemax Miramar and Emardental, in Palma, and your first visit is free.
Made in the laboratory
Keeps more healthy tooth than a crown
With a temporary in between
First visit and diagnosis
Have you been recommended an inlay or onlay? Book an appointment
We examine the tooth, explain whether an inlay is the best option or whether a filling is enough, and give you a detailed quote.
Leave us your details and we will call you back within three hours.
What is a dental inlay?
It is a partial restoration made outside the mouth, from an impression or an intraoral scan, and then bonded to the tooth. It is used mainly on molars and premolars, the teeth that take the most force when chewing.
It sits between a filling and a crown: a filling is for small damage, an inlay or onlay for moderate damage and a crown for when little healthy tooth remains. After a root canal, we assess whether the tooth keeps enough walls for an onlay instead of a crown.
When is it recommended?
An inlay or onlay is usually the best option when:
- A cavity is too large for a filling.
- A large old filling has broken or is leaking.
- A molar has a fracture or has lost a cusp.
- The tooth is worn from clenching or grinding.
- After a root canal, the tooth still has healthy walls.
- You want to keep as much natural tooth as possible.
Filling, inlay or crown
We choose according to how much healthy tooth remains:
Filling
For small cavities or fractures. Done in a single session, directly in the mouth.
Dental fillingsInlay or onlay
For moderate damage. Custom-made in the laboratory, it strengthens the tooth without preparing it entirely.
Crown
For badly damaged teeth. It covers the whole tooth and protects it from fracture.
Dental crownsTypes and materials
Inlay
Fits inside the tooth, without covering the cusps, the points on the chewing surface.
Onlay
Covers one or more cusps, when part of them has been lost or weakened.
Overlay
Covers all the cusps. It is the most complete and protects the tooth well without the need for a crown.
Ceramic
The most aesthetic and resistant, including lithium disilicate, known as e.max. It keeps its colour over the years.
Composite
A tooth-coloured resin, more affordable and easy to repair, although slightly less resistant to wear.
Metal
Very strong, but hardly used today because it is visible.
How is an inlay or onlay fitted?
Preparation
Under local anaesthetic, we remove the decay or old filling and shape the tooth. If you are very anxious, at Udemax Miramar we can do it under conscious sedation.
Records and temporary
We take an impression or an intraoral scan, choose the shade and send it to the laboratory. While the inlay is being made, we protect the tooth with a temporary.
Bonding and adjustment
At the second visit we try in the inlay, check the fit, bond it to the tooth with adhesive cement and adjust the bite and polish.
How to look after your inlay
With some simple care it will last many years:
- Brush twice a day and use floss or interdental brushes.
- While you have the temporary, avoid chewing hard or sticky food on that side.
- Don't bite hard objects such as pens or ice.
- If you clench or grind your teeth, wear a night guard.
- Attend your regular check-ups and cleanings.
How long does an inlay last?
It depends mainly on the material, your bite and how you look after it. Ceramic inlays are usually the longest-lasting, while composite ones may need replacing sooner. In all cases, new decay, a fracture or bruxism shorten their life.
That is why good hygiene and regular check-ups matter: they let us catch any wear or leakage early.
Who will treat you
Inlays and onlays are fitted by the dentists at Clínicas Udemax, who assess each case to choose between a filling, an inlay or a crown.
Where we fit inlays and onlays
We fit dental inlays and onlays at two of our clinics in Palma: Udemax Miramar and Emardental.
Conservative dentistry
Udemax Miramar
Outpatient department, Hospital Juaneda Miramar
Camí de la Vileta, 30 · 07011 Palma
- Monday to Thursday
- 9:00–13:00 · 16:00–20:00
- Friday
- 9:00–20:00
By car
Paid parking at the Hospital Juaneda Miramar car park, a one-minute walk away, plus street parking. There is also free parking on Camí de la Vileta, about a 10-minute walk away.
Go to the car parkBy bus
EMT bus routes 6, 8 and 29, stopping at "Policlínica", in front of the hospital.
View bus routeBy taxi
Taxi ranks at Camí de la Vileta, 51 and Carrer de Pasqual Ribot, 1.
Conservative dentistry
Emardental
Carrer d’Alfons el Magnànim, 2, ground floor
Bons Aires · 07004 Palma
- Monday to Thursday
- 9:00–13:00 · 16:00–20:00
- Friday
- 9:00–13:00
By car
Street parking and the Santa Pagesa underground pay car park (Carrer d’Ausiàs March, 26), a 4-minute walk away. There is also a pay car park at s’Escorxador, about a 5-minute walk away.
Go to the car parkBy bus
EMT bus routes 12, 20, 24 and 40, stopping at "Pl. d’Abú Yahya", "Alfons el Magnànim" or "31 de desembre".
View bus routeBy taxi
Taxi rank at Plaça d’Abú Yahya, 2.
Frequently asked questions about dental inlays
When is an inlay or onlay used?
When the damage to a back tooth is too large for a filling but enough healthy tooth remains not to need a crown.
What is a dental inlay like?
It is a custom-made ceramic or composite piece that fits into the missing part of the tooth and is bonded to it. It is placed over two visits.
How many types are there?
Three: inlay, which fits inside the tooth; onlay, which covers one or more cusps; and overlay, which covers all the cusps.
What is the difference between an inlay and a crown?
An inlay rebuilds only the damaged part and keeps the rest of the tooth. A crown covers the whole tooth and requires more preparation.
Ceramic or composite inlay?
Ceramic is more aesthetic, stronger and keeps its colour. Composite is more affordable and easier to repair. We recommend one or the other depending on your bite and the tooth.
Does fitting an inlay hurt?
No. Preparation is done under local anaesthetic, and bonding usually doesn’t need any.
Is it normal to feel pain or sensitivity afterwards?
Yes, there may be some sensitivity to cold or when chewing for a few days. If it lasts more than a week or two, or your bite feels off, call us so we can check it.
How much does a dental inlay cost in Palma?
It depends on the size and material. At your free first visit we give you a detailed quote, and you can finance your treatment.