Sometimes a tooth suffers significant damage that can’t be treated with a filling alone. In these circumstances, if the damage isn’t extensive enough to require a full-coverage crown, a dental onlay may be recommended. Learn more about what it means to get a dental onlay and whether you might be a candidate.
All About Dental Onlays
A dental onlay is a tooth covering that lays over one or more of the cusps and the back teeth – either the molars or premolars. A dental onlay is an “indirect” filling that is more similar to a crown than a standard filling in the way that it is prepared. The onlay is fabricated in a dental laboratory outside of the mouth, and then we bond it to the tooth.
Dental Onlay Candidates
If you are a candidate for a traditional filing, you will also be a candidate for a dental onlay. Your tooth needs to have enough structure remaining to support a dental filling. Also, you should be prepared to follow dental care guidelines to keep your tooth in good condition after the onlay has been added.
Benefits Of Dental Onlays
A dental onlay differs from a crown in that it only covers a small portion of a tooth. This is one of the most important benefits. With a dental onlay, more of your natural tooth will be preserved, and the remaining tooth will stay strong and intact. Additionally, a dental onlay will be constructed so that it fits your tooth precisely, and since no space will be left between the natural tooth and the prosthetic, harmful bacteria cannot enter.
If you need a filling and want to discuss whether a dental onlay might be right for you, please give our office a call. We will help you to weigh the pros and cons in order to best treat your dental issue.