

When it comes to restoring damaged teeth, many people assume that a dental filling is always the solution. While fillings are common and effective for minor cavities, they aren’t always the best option—especially when damage is more extensive or the tooth structure needs stronger support.
This is where inlays and onlays come in.
At Scientific Dental Clinic, we often meet patients—both Kochi residents and international visitors—who are surprised to learn that a filling may not be the most durable or long-term solution for their dental problem. Choosing the right restoration can mean the difference between years of comfort and repeated dental work.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore:
Before identifying the signs, it’s important to understand how these treatments differ.
Fillings are used to repair small to moderate cavities. The dentist removes decayed tooth material and fills the space with composite resin, amalgam, or other materials.
An inlay is a custom-made restoration that fits inside the grooves of the tooth, without covering the cusps. It is usually made from porcelain or composite material.
An onlay is similar to an inlay but covers one or more cusps of the tooth. It’s often referred to as a “partial crown.”
Both inlays and onlays are crafted to precisely fit your tooth, offering superior strength, aesthetics, and longevity compared to large fillings.
If a cavity has spread across a significant portion of the tooth, a traditional filling may not provide enough support. Large fillings increase the risk of:
In such cases, inlays or onlays reinforce the tooth, preserving healthy structure while restoring strength.
Many patients visiting the best dental clinic in Kochi come with fillings placed years ago that are now:
Replacing a large, failing filling with an inlay or onlay offers a more durable, long-term solution.
Discomfort while chewing may indicate:
Inlays and onlays distribute chewing forces more evenly, reducing pain and preventing further damage.
Composite fillings can stain over time. Porcelain inlays and onlays:
For patients who value appearance—especially international visitors combining treatment with travel—this is a major advantage.
When a tooth has small cracks or weakened cusps but doesn’t require a full crown, an onlay is often the perfect middle ground.
It provides:
Inlays and onlays typically last 10–20 years or more with proper care, compared to shorter lifespans for large fillings.
For patients traveling for dental tourism in Kerala, durability matters—no one wants repeat treatment shortly after returning home.
Choosing the right clinic is just as important as choosing the right treatment. Here’s why patients consistently choose Scientific Dental Clinic, recognized by many as the best dental clinic in Kochi.
At Scientific Dental Clinic, we combine:
Our approach ensures accurate treatment planning, especially for complex restorations like inlays and onlays.
We proudly stand as an affordable dental clinic in Kochi, offering world-class treatments at costs significantly lower than many international destinations.
This makes us a preferred choice for:
Kerala has become a global hub for medical and dental tourism—and Scientific Dental Clinic is proud to be part of this movement.
International patients choose us because we offer:
One of the biggest advantages that sets us apart from any other dental clinic in Kochi is our unique location.
Scientific Dental Clinic is located inside Hotel Seven Lights, offering unmatched convenience for international and outstation patients.
To ensure a hassle-free dental treatment journey, we provide:
This is especially valuable for patients traveling to Kochi for dental care, making the experience smooth from arrival to departure.
We understand dental anxiety—especially when traveling far from home. Our clinic is designed to provide:
Your comfort is always our priority.
Whether you’re a Kochi local or flying in from abroad, we customize every treatment plan to suit:
This personalized approach is why many patients recommend us as the best dental clinic in Kochi.
When it comes to advanced restorations like inlays and onlays, the success of treatment depends not only on materials or technology, but largely on the skill, experience, and judgment of the dentist performing the procedure. At Scientific Dental Clinic, patients are treated under the expert care of Dr. Joshua Thomas Meenathathil, a highly respected Consultant Prosthodontist and Implantologist known for handling complex restorative cases with precision and empathy.
For both Kochi residents and international patients seeking reliable dental care during their visit to India, Dr. Joshua’s expertise offers confidence, comfort, and long-lasting results.
Dr. Joshua Thomas specializes in prosthodontics, the branch of dentistry focused on restoring and replacing damaged teeth with a strong emphasis on function, aesthetics, and longevity. This specialization makes him exceptionally qualified to design and place inlays, onlays, overlays, crowns, and bridges with a level of accuracy that general dentistry alone cannot offer.
His approach ensures:
This level of care is especially important for patients choosing inlays and onlays over fillings, where precision determines long-term success.
One of the reasons patients consider Scientific Dental Clinic among the best dental clinics in Kochi is the use of digital dentistry under Dr. Joshua’s leadership.
He is highly experienced in:
This technology allows inlays and onlays to be:
For international patients visiting Kochi for dental tourism in Kerala, digital workflows also mean shorter treatment timelines and predictable outcomes.
Inlays and onlays are not just about repairing damage—they must also look natural and feel comfortable. Dr. Joshua has a strong clinical focus on aesthetic rehabilitation, including:
Whether restoring a single tooth or performing a part of full mouth rehabilitation, his restorations are designed to:
This makes him an ideal choice for patients who want long-lasting, aesthetic dental restorations rather than temporary fixes.
Many patients who come to Scientific Dental Clinic have previously experienced:
Dr. Joshua has extensive experience in managing and revising failed dental restorations, making him particularly skilled at identifying when an inlay or onlay is the best alternative to repeated fillings.
His background in:
ensures that each restoration works in harmony with the entire mouth, not just one tooth.
Dr. Joshua’s commitment to evidence-based dentistry is supported by strong academic and research credentials. He is the recipient of an International Research Grant from ITI & Straumann Group, awarded for an in-vivo randomized controlled trial on custom abutments.
His research excellence is further highlighted by:
These achievements reflect his dedication to staying at the forefront of modern restorative and implant dentistry—an important factor for international patients seeking globally aligned standards of care at an affordable dental clinic in Kochi.
What truly sets Dr. Joshua apart is his patient-first approach. Every inlay or onlay procedure begins with:
Patients are never rushed into decisions, which is particularly reassuring for those traveling long distances for treatment as part of dental tourism in Kerala.
Dr. Joshua is an active member of prestigious professional bodies including:
These affiliations reinforce his commitment to ethical practice, continuous learning, and international treatment standards—key reasons why patients trust him and recommend Scientific Dental Clinic as the best dental clinic in Kochi.
If you are considering inlays or onlays instead of fillings, choosing the right clinician is essential. With Dr. Joshua Thomas Meenathathil, patients benefit from:
Combined with the comfort and convenience of treatment at Scientific Dental Clinic—located within Hotel Seven Lights—patients enjoy a truly stress-free, hassle-free dental treatment journey from consultation to recovery.
Choosing between a filling, inlay, or onlay isn’t just about cost—it’s about long-term oral health, comfort, and confidence.
If you’ve been told you need a filling but still experience discomfort—or if you want a stronger, more aesthetic solution—an inlay or onlay may be the right choice.
And when it comes to expert care, affordability, and convenience, Scientific Dental Clinic stands out as a trusted name in Kochi and beyond.
Whether you’re a Kochi resident or an international patient exploring dental tourism in Kerala, we invite you to experience dental care that’s:
Scientific Dental Clinic – Where Science, Comfort, and Care Come Together.
Your Healthy Smile Starts Here
Located inside Hotel Seven Lights, Kochi, with airport assistance, comfortable accommodation, and world-class dental care your journey with us is designed to be smooth, safe, and stress-free.
Visit us now at Hotel Seven Lights, 4th Floor, Kunnumpuram, Edappally North, Ernakulam – 682024, Kerala State.
Call us now: +91 62828 65656