Inlays and Onlays in Seoul: Price, Materials and Process
At Lucid Dental Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, an inlay is listed from ₩300,000 per tooth and a resin filling from ₩60,000–150,000. Onlays, which cover one or more cusps, are priced after an exam. Inlays and onlays suit teeth too damaged for a filling but not damaged enough to need a crown.
Key facts
- Inlay at Lucid Dental: from ₩300,000 per tooth (≈US$215 at ₩1,400/US$).
- Resin (composite) filling: ₩60,000–150,000; onlays are priced after an exam.
- Inlays fill the center of the chewing surface; onlays also cover one or more cusps.
- Indirect restorations typically need two appointments (Cleveland Clinic).
- Ceramic and gold inlays are generally not covered by Korean NHIS.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Park Hyun-min, Prosthodontist and Chief Dentist at Lucid Dental Clinic. Last reviewed September 27, 2026.
How much is an inlay in Seoul?
At Lucid Dental Clinic in Gangnam, an inlay is listed from ₩300,000 per tooth (about US$215 at roughly ₩1,400 per US$ — check today's rate). A direct resin filling is listed from ₩60,000 to ₩150,000. Onlays cover more of the tooth and are priced after an exam, together with any other work the tooth needs.
These are non-covered reference fees and are confirmed in your written treatment plan.
What is the difference between an inlay, an onlay and a crown?
All three repair a damaged back tooth, but they cover different amounts of it. Cleveland Clinic describes inlays and onlays as options for when a tooth has too much damage to support a filling but not enough to need a crown.
| Restoration | What it covers | How it is made | Lucid Dental reference fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resin (composite) filling | Small to medium cavity | Placed directly in one visit | ₩60,000–150,000 |
| Inlay | The area between the cusps (the bumps on the chewing surface) | Made outside the mouth, then bonded in | from ₩300,000 |
| Onlay | One or more cusps as well as the center | Made outside the mouth, then bonded in | Priced after exam |
| Crown | The whole visible tooth | Made outside the mouth, then cemented | See zirconia crowns |
Why choose an inlay instead of a large filling?
A large resin filling can shrink slightly as it hardens and may wear faster under heavy biting on back teeth. An inlay or onlay is made to fit outside the mouth, so its shape, contacts with neighboring teeth, and chewing surface can be shaped precisely before it is bonded in. For medium-to-large cavities in molars, this can mean a stronger, better-sealed repair.
A large filling is still a sensible choice in many cases. It is quicker and costs less, and it can be the right option for moderate damage. Your dentist will explain which fits your tooth.
Why choose an onlay instead of a crown?
An onlay usually removes less healthy tooth structure than a crown. If only one or two cusps are weak or broken, an onlay can protect them while keeping the rest of your natural tooth. If the tooth is cracked through, has had a root canal with heavy damage, or has very little tooth left, a crown may be the safer option. Learn more on our dental crowns page.
What signs suggest I might need an inlay or onlay?
Only an exam can confirm it, but common signs include an old filling that is cracked or leaking at the edges, a molar that hurts sharply when you bite down on something hard, a piece of a cusp that has broken off, or dark staining around an existing filling. Smaller problems can often be fixed with a simple dental filling instead.
What materials are used?
Inlays and onlays are commonly made from:
- Ceramic (porcelain or glass ceramic): tooth-colored and bonded to the tooth; a popular choice for visible back teeth.
- Gold alloy: strong and gentle on the opposing teeth, though visibly metallic. Cleveland Clinic notes gold restorations contain gold mixed with other metals.
- Lab-made composite resin: tooth-colored and easier to repair, but it may wear faster than ceramic.
Material options and their fees are discussed at your consultation.
What happens during treatment?
- Exam and X-ray: we check the extent of decay or cracks and whether the nerve is healthy.
- Preparation: under local anesthesia, old filling material and decay are removed and the cavity is shaped.
- Impression or scan: the prepared tooth and your bite are recorded.
- Temporary filling: the tooth is protected while the inlay or onlay is made.
- Bonding: at the next visit, the temporary is removed and the inlay or onlay is tried in, bonded, and polished.
- Bite check: small adjustments are made so it feels even when you chew.
How many visits and days do I need?
Indirect restorations typically need two appointments, one to prepare the tooth and one to fit the finished piece. Cleveland Clinic notes that clinics with same-day milling (CAD/CAM) can sometimes complete them in one visit. At Lucid Dental, ask about the gap between visits when you book, and leave a spare day before flying in case the bite needs a small adjustment. If you have several teeth to treat, they can often be prepared in the same session. See how many days you need in Korea.
How long do inlays last?
Well-made inlays and onlays can last many years, and Cleveland Clinic notes that fillings generally can last 10 to 20 years. Longevity depends on the material, how much tooth remains, grinding habits, and how well you clean between your teeth. A night guard may help if you clench at night.
Are inlays covered by insurance in Korea?
Ceramic and gold inlays are generally not covered by Korean national health insurance (NHIS) and are paid privately. Some basic fillings may be covered for enrolled members; confirm your eligibility with NHIS and at your visit. If you use private insurance from home, ask us about English receipts and a treatment summary. Visitors can find more practical information on our international patients page.
If you have a cavity but are unsure what type of repair it needs, our cavity treatment page explains the options. Individual results vary; a consultation and exam are required.
Book a consultation
Have an old filling that is cracking or a molar that feels sensitive when you bite? Message Lucid Dental on WhatsApp at +82-10-8354-2975 or book a consultation. We are in front of Exit 3, Eonju Station (Line 9), with late hours until 20:30 on Tuesdays to Thursdays.
Frequently asked questions
Is a gold inlay better than a ceramic inlay?
Neither is right for everyone. Gold is strong and gentle on opposing teeth but is visibly metallic, while ceramic is tooth-colored and bonds to the tooth. Your dentist will suggest a material based on the tooth's position, your bite and your preferences.
Does getting an inlay hurt?
The tooth is numbed with local anesthesia during preparation, so most people feel pressure rather than pain. Some temporary sensitivity to cold or biting for a few days afterward is common.
Can I replace my old silver fillings with inlays?
Often, yes, if the old filling is failing, cracked or has decay around it. Replacing sound fillings purely for appearance is a personal choice that your dentist can discuss with you, including the trade-offs of removing more tooth.
What should I avoid with a temporary filling?
Avoid sticky foods such as chewing gum and taffy, and chew on the other side until the final inlay or onlay is bonded. If the temporary comes out, contact the clinic.
Can an inlay be done on a front tooth?
Inlays and onlays are mainly used for back teeth. Front teeth are usually repaired with composite bonding, veneers or crowns, depending on the damage.