Duration · 1–2 hours · 2 visits

How Long Does a Inlay/Onlay Take?

A inlay/onlay typically takes 1–2 hours per appointment and requires 2 visits.

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Fig. 1 — How long it takes

Chair time per appointment

1–2hours

Visits
2 visits
Pain level
2/5
Avg. cost
$1,000

Total Time Investment

Before15–30 min · paperwork, x-rays, prep
Procedure1–2 h · actual treatment time
After15–30 min · instructions, checkout

Fig. 2 — What happens during the procedure

Inlay/Onlay Time Breakdown

What Happens During the Procedure

  1. 01First visit: decay removed, impressions taken
  2. 02Temporary restoration placed
  3. 03Custom inlay/onlay made in lab
  4. 04Second visit: permanent placement

Where the time goes

Why a inlay/onlay takes as long as it does

An inlay or onlay takes two visits of about 1 to 2 hours. At the first, most of the time goes to clearing out decay or an old filling and then refining the shape of the cavity. A soft filling can be packed into an irregular hole, but a rigid piece cannot, so the dentist smooths every wall until the restoration will have one clean path in. The impression or scan and the temporary complete that visit. The second visit is spent on fit and bonding. The piece is tried in, the contact with the next tooth is tested with floss, and then the tooth is isolated and the restoration bonded step by step before the bite is adjusted.

  1. 01

    Numbing and removing decay

    Anesthetic, then removal of decay and old filling material until the dentist can see exactly how much tooth remains.

  2. 02

    Shaping the cavity

    The walls and floor are smoothed, undercuts are removed or blocked out, and weak cusps are reduced if an onlay is planned.

  3. 03

    Impression and temporary

    The tooth is recorded by impression or scan, the shade is noted, and a temporary filling is placed and checked against your bite.

  4. 04

    Second visit: try-in

    The temporary is removed, the cavity cleaned, and the piece is seated to check its edges, its contacts and its color.

  5. 05

    Bonding and finishing

    The tooth is kept dry, etched and primed, the piece is cemented and light-cured, excess cement is removed, and the bite is refined and polished.

When it runs longer

The first visit runs longer when decay goes deeper than expected or a cracked cusp is found, which can turn a planned inlay into an onlay, or an onlay into a crown. Back molars that are hard to reach and keep dry slow the bonding. If the piece is too tight against its neighbor or sits high, adjusting it takes extra time, and a poor fit means a remake and another visit. Having more than one tooth restored lengthens both appointments. If the nerve is exposed or inflamed, root canal treatment comes first. Your dentist will explain any change of plan at the time.

Table 1 — Factors that affect duration

Factors That Affect Inlay/Onlay Duration

  • 01Complexity of Your CaseMore complex cases with multiple issues take longer to complete.
  • 02Location in MouthBack teeth are harder to access and may take longer.
  • 03Anesthesia NeedsSedation options add time for administration and recovery.
  • 04ComplicationsUnexpected issues during the procedure may extend the time needed.

Table 2 — More about Inlay/Onlay

Complete Guide →Full procedure overview
Cost Breakdown →$650–$1,500
Recovery Timeline →What to expect after

Table 3 — Other procedure times

Dental Crown1–2 h
Root Canal1–2 h
Tooth Extraction20–45 min
Cavity Filling30–60 min
Dental Implant1–2 h
All 21 procedure times →

Need This Procedure?

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Table 4 — Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can an inlay or onlay be done in one visit?

    In offices equipped to scan the tooth and mill a ceramic restoration on site, yes. The preparation, milling and bonding happen in one longer appointment and no temporary is needed. Where a dental lab makes the piece, two visits are standard. Ask your dentist which method they use and why.

  • How long will I have the temporary filling in?

    Until the lab returns the finished piece and you come back for the second visit. The wait depends on the lab, so ask the dental office when booking. In the meantime chew on the other side, avoid sticky foods there, and floss gently by sliding the floss out sideways.

  • Why does the second visit take more than a few minutes?

    Bonding is a multi-step process that only works on a clean, dry tooth. The dentist checks the fit first, then isolates the tooth, treats both the tooth and the inside of the restoration, cements it, cures it and removes every trace of excess cement. Adjusting the bite on a hard ceramic surface also takes care.

  • How long does a inlay/onlay take?

    A inlay/onlay typically takes 1-2 hours per appointment. The total treatment requires 2 visits. The exact duration depends on your specific case complexity.

  • How many appointments are needed for a inlay/onlay?

    A inlay/onlay typically requires 2 visits. Some cases may need additional visits if complications arise or if the treatment is more complex than usual.

  • Why does a inlay/onlay take so long?

    The time needed for a inlay/onlay includes preparation, anesthesia, the actual procedure, and ensuring proper results. Each step is important for a successful outcome. Rushing can lead to complications.

Disclaimer

For informational purposes only. Not medical or dental advice, and not a substitute for an exam. Always see a licensed dentist about your own situation.

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