Treatments
Inlay, onlay or crown? Choosing the right repair for a damaged back tooth
The smallest repair that will last is the right one. How dentists decide, what each costs in Seoul, and how long it takes.
It depends on how much healthy tooth is left. An inlay fills a cavity inside the tooth, an onlay also rebuilds one or more of the chewing cusps, and a crown covers the whole tooth when it is badly broken or weakened, for example after root canal treatment. Dentists choose the smallest restoration that will last. At Guardians Dental, ceramic inlays start at ₩400,000 and crowns at ₩650,000, usually made in 1–3 days in the in-house lab.
Three ways to rebuild a tooth
- Inlay: a precise ceramic piece that fits inside the tooth, replacing a large cavity or an old filling between the cusps.
- Onlay: like an inlay, but it also covers one or more cusps, the raised points you chew with. Often called a partial crown.
- Crown: a cap that covers the whole visible tooth, used when too little strong tooth is left to hold an inlay or onlay.
How dentists decide
The guiding rule is to keep as much of your natural tooth as possible while making a repair that will last. Your dentist looks at:
- The size of the damage and of any old filling.
- Cracked or thin cusps. If a cusp could break off, covering it with an onlay or crown protects it.
- Root canal treatment. Root-filled back teeth can become brittle and often need cusp coverage.
- Grinding or clenching, which puts extra force on the repair.
- Appearance, for teeth that show when you smile.
Reference fees at Guardians Dental
| Restoration | Reference fee (KRW, per tooth) |
|---|---|
| Ceramic inlay | 400,000 |
| Zirconia inlay | 450,000 |
| Zirconia onlay | 500,000 |
| Crown, full zirconia | 650,000 |
| Crown, e.max all-ceramic | 750,000 |
Fees shown before the online booking discount. Your final fee is confirmed in writing after the exam. See the full fee list.
Zirconia or e.max?
Zirconia is very strong, which makes it a good choice for back teeth and for people who grind. e.max (lithium disilicate) is more translucent and closer to natural enamel, so it is often chosen for teeth that show. Your dentist recommends one based on where the tooth is and how you bite.
How long it takes in Seoul
- Exam and X-ray to confirm the plan.
- Preparation and digital scan, with a temporary filling or crown if needed.
- Design and milling in the in-house lab, one floor from your chair.
- Try-in and bonding, usually within 1–3 days.
Read more about how the in-house lab works.
Afterwards
Mild sensitivity for a few days is common. Avoid very hard or sticky food on the day of bonding, and floss as usual. If your bite feels high or uneven once the anaesthetic wears off, tell us before you leave Seoul so we can adjust it.
Questions people ask
Is an onlay better than a crown?
When enough healthy tooth remains, an onlay keeps more of your natural tooth than a crown. If the tooth is badly broken or weakened, a crown protects it better.
Does a tooth need a crown after a root canal?
Back teeth often do, because a root-filled tooth can become brittle. Your dentist decides after checking how much tooth is left.
How long does a ceramic crown take in Seoul?
At Guardians Dental, usually 1–3 days, because crowns and inlays are designed and made in the in-house lab.
✓Clinically reviewed by Dr. Yunjung Lee, Guardians Dental Myeongdong (Ministry-certified prosthodontics specialist; DDS, MS & PhD, Pusan National University), on 29 October 2026. This article is general information for travellers and does not replace an in-person exam.
