man and woman smiling showing teeth

Inlays and Onlays

A dental inlay or onlay is an aesthetic solution that restores function.

Repairing a cavity and removing the damaged portion of the tooth can require more than just a conventional filling to repair. When the damage is too extensive for a filling, but not so extensive that a crown is required, then an inlay or onlay may be recommended. This long lasting and aesthetic restoration will help to restore function to your teeth.

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

  • Protect Your Teeth
  • Chew With Confidence
  • Preserve Natural Teeth
  • Aesthetic Restoration

What is an inlay or onlay?

A dental inlay is a small piece of porcelain that is designed to fit in the hole left following a deep cavity. These are commonly used to repair rear teeth after an extensive cavity. This option is preferable as it restores the chewing surface and helps to protect against further damage. An onlay is similar, but is used to build up the outer portion of the tooth.

There are three main types of inlays and onlays. They can be made from composite resin, metals or porcelain. Porcelain is the most aesthetic choice, as this will blend in with the surrounding teeth perfectly. Metals such as gold and silver are the most expensive and most durable option. Composite resin is often the cheapest option but may only be used in situations where the tooth is not subject to strong biting force.

Why might I need an inlay or onlay?

Inlays and onlays will help to protect and preserve your natural teeth following damage or decay. When a tooth suffers an extensive cavity, your dentist will need to remove the damaged portion of the tooth. This leaves the remaining tooth exposed to bacteria and will also leave it weakened. To prevent further damage, an inlay or onlay is used to restore function to the tooth.

This is a permanent solution to help protect damaged teeth and avoid the need for more extensive repairs such as crowns or veneers. This might also be recommended in the place of a traditional filling, as a filling won’t offer the same strength and support. The inlay or onlay should last a long time with the right care, but it may need to be replaced over time.

So happy with my new smile . Got all my confidence back. Don’t know how to thank them!

NHS Pricing bands

Transparent pricing for NHS treatments

Patient charges correct as of April 2023

Treatment Band One

  • An examination and diagnosis (e.g. x-rays)
  • Advice on how to prevent future problems
  • A scale and polish, if required

If you need to see a dentist immediately, an urgent NHS appointment costs £23.80.

£26.80

Treatment Band Two

  • Everything in band one, plus...
  • Any further treatment such as fillings or root canal work
  • Extractions, if your dentist needs to take out one or more teeth

£73.50

Treatment Band Three

  • Everything in bands one and two, plus...
  • Crowns, dentures or bridges
  • This includes more complex procedures.

You only pay once for the highest treatment band, even if multiple treatments are required.

£319.10

We’re Accepting new patients Contact the practice to book an appointment

Frequently asked questions

How can we help?

Dental restoration treatments are used to repair or replace damaged teeth. Common dental restoration treatments include fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants. Fillings are used to repair minor damage to the tooth structure, while crowns are used to cover and protect a damaged tooth. Bridges are used to replace missing teeth, and implants are used to replace missing teeth or to support a dental prosthesis.

The results of dermal filler injections typically last for several months. After that, the filler will gradually dissolve and be metabolised by the body.

Do you still have questions?

We offer excellent care and advice regarding our wide range of treatments to all of our patients.

Contact our main practice

0121 561 3526

Find your nearest practice

Patient stories

Hear from our happy patients

  • The extraction was done very fast.

    Felicia Egberha

    Felicia Egberha

    Dec 16,2024

  • Absolutely fantastic. Can’t thank Simran and Demi enough for giving me my smile and confidence back. Highly recommend. Really going to miss these guys so much. X

    Sharon Smith

    Sharon Smith

    Dec 12,2024

  • As I am a very nervous patient from bad experience at a different dental practice. Bhandals in Blackheath are by far the best dental. They are very understanding if you are nervous or have had previous bad experience here at Blackheath Bhandal they put you at ease and make you very comfortable and put the control in your hands and at your own pace and they have a very high duty of care to there patients. They helped and put me at ease and made me feel comfortable and relaxed. 10/10 best dental practice. Amazing staff I will happily return back to Bhandal Blackheath.

    demon.dragongaz

    demon.dragongaz

    Dec 10,2024

  • Always nice and friendly, and look after me cuz I'm a scardey cat!!

    Sooz Boulton

    Sooz Boulton

    Dec 8,2024

  • I went today and i was seen by dr sukhmani and liz , I was very very nervous but they were brilliant, I didn't feel the needle and put me at ease, thank you

    Jayne Mellor

    Jayne Mellor

    Dec 4,2024

  • Dr Simran Bhandal and her dental nurse Demi have spent the last year or so transforming my smile using the Invisalign treatment plan. I have received the best care and treatment and now I have the most amazing smile. The detailed care and attention I have received has been professional and attentive, I have felt at ease and confident throughout knowing the results would be as desired. High standards deserve high praise. So a big thank you to Simran, Demi and the lovely reception staff at the Bhandal practice in Blackheath.

    Jo Ashcroft

    Jo Ashcroft

    Nov 26,2024

  • My son had invisalines fitted by Dr Pavan who has been great from start to finish and now my son is all done after 12 months and his teeth are perfect. Thank you

    Stuart Kettle

    Stuart Kettle

    Nov 22,2024

  • Dr Dovsa was excellent, removed my large front canine, very quickly and I didn't feel thing, also carried out a clean, she was so friendly and put me at ease and I cannot praise her enough or Zuzanna her nurse. Thank You so much Mrs Howen

    Martin Howen

    Martin Howen

    Nov 17,2024

  • Excellent service. Got me a same day appointment to save me having any more time off work, which was really appreciated. Very friendly staff, including Dr Darsa and her little assistant. She came running after me to say I had forgotten my shopping list. Bless her. Thank you to all the team

    Darren Walsh

    Darren Walsh

    Nov 14,2024

  • Went to this dentist today after moving and needed a new dentist. Saw Dr Pavan and Kerenza, they were great, very friendly and professional and put me at ease. Will definitely be booking with them again x

    helen catlady

    helen catlady

    Nov 4,2024

  • I am so pleased I came across this dentist on the nhs find a dentist app to be honest what drew me to this practice was the parking situation but that has become insignificant with the treatment I have received from this practice, from my initial consultation to the two treatments I needed I have experienced fabulous treatment. The staff are friendly, the 3 dentists I saw explained everything that was needed and didn’t make me feel pressured into making a decision. I am not sure how they do it they are so efficient that I haven’t had to wait more than a minute or so past my appointment time to be seen my tooth extraction was booked for 8am and I was walking out of the surgery with 1 less tooth at 8.10am but didn’t feel rushed at all. I will highly recommend this dentist surgery to people I know or who need an nhs one.

    Tracy Donaghy

    Tracy Donaghy

    Nov 1,2024

  • Both my partner and I have both had dental treatment carried out recently by doctor Bulgit Bhandal, we would love to thank him for the very professional treatment he showed to us both, thank you so much.

    Brian Woodhall

    Brian Woodhall

    Oct 2,2024

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