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An onlay is a method of tooth restoration, which covers, protects or reinforces
one or more cusps (pointy corners of tooth). Onlays are often used when teeth
present extensive cavities, extensive tissue loss due to trauma or caries, as well
as when direct restorations lack retention.
Fabrication of an onlay involves two appointments. In the first appointment,
your dentist will make an impression of your tooth, and then anesthetic may
be administered to make the tooth numb. Your dentist will prepare the tooth
and remove any decay or crack lines. Then a second impression is made of the
prepared tooth. At this point a temporary onlay is made and temporarily
cemented onto the tooth.
The impression is sent to the laboratory, where a custom onlay is made. An
onlay can be made of porcelain or a high noble metal alloy. Then you will be
scheduled for your second appointment, where your dentist will remove the
temporary onlay and cement the permanent onlay. With proper oral hygiene
and care, an onlay can last 10 or more years.
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Before: old faulty and leaking silver filling |
After: durable esthetic porcelain onlay |
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Before: faulty composite filling with decay at the margin |
After: ultra-durable gold onlay |
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We believe the best dentistry is the least amount of treatment necessary to achieve optimum oral and dental health.