If your tooth has a large area of decay and is too damaged for a traditional filling, our dentists may recommend inlay or onlay restorations. Inlays and onlays actually strengthen the tooth, and don’t require the addition of a crown. An inlay covers the inside of the tooth, up to the cusps, while an onlay covers the cusps and sides of a tooth. Onlays are a more significant restoration, but severely damaged teeth can benefit from this option.