According to the CDC, more than 90% of adults (20 years or older) have had at least one cavity. Most people think that once you get a cavity, your only options are a filling or a crown. But there is another choice that many do not know about—dental onlays.
Not every damaged tooth needs a full crown. In some cases, choosing a crown might remove more healthy teeth than necessary. A dental onlay offers a straightforward and minimally invasive solution that preserves more of your natural tooth structure.
In this guide, you will learn what a dental onlay is, how the procedure works, why it might be right for you, and how it compares to fillings and crowns.
Infected Root Canal
A dental onlay is a custom-fabricated piece that covers the damaged tooth. It is created in a lab and then attached to your tooth. It covers one or more of the raised parts on the top of your tooth, called cusps. You can think of it as a puzzle piece designed to fit your tooth perfectly.
A tooth onlay provides an excellent solution when your tooth is more damaged than a filling can cover, but does not need a complete restoration or crown. It helps keep more of your natural tooth while still making it strong and functional again.
If you are going for the dental filling for the first time, grasping the process can make you feel more comfortable. Here is the complete detail of the simple process of a dental filling.
Your dentist will examine and analyze your teeth thoroughly using different technologies, such as X-rays or imaging, to diagnose the exact problem.
Your dentist will inject you with local anesthesia near the decayed teeth. It feels like a prick and then removes all the painful sensations.
Once your mouth is numbed, the dentist will eliminate the decayed section of the tooth and smooth it in preparation for the filling. This process is carried out with either a drill or a laser.
After removing the decayed part, your dentist will prepare it for the filling. They will sterilize, clean, and make this part germ-free.
Once your dentist has cleaned the teeth and prepared them for the filling, they will fill the cavity with the required material. After placing the filling, your dentist may use UV light to harden it, if needed.
Now, your dentist will shape the filling to match the contours of your tooth. Then they polish it to give a natural and shiny look.
At Smile Lab, we take a holistic approach to dental care, integrating the latest advancements in dentistry. We provide an extensive array of services, encompassing general dentistry, cosmetic treatments, and oral surgery, all conveniently located in one place. We utilize advanced technology to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatments, emphasizing patient comfort and fostering a soothing, patient-centred environment. Whether you need general care or specialized treatment, our experienced team is dedicated to providing exceptional service and enhancing your overall health. Schedule an appointment with us today to experience the difference in dental care.
Getting an onlay tooth usually takes two dental visits. The process is simple and aims to keep you as comfortable as possible.
First Visit:Diagnosis and Preparation
On your initial visit, your dentist evaluates your teeth to determine the level of damage. Then you get numbed with local anaesthesia.
After numbing the treatment site, any decay or old filling is removed. The dentist makes a mold of your tooth to design a precise permanent onlay size. Till then, a temporary onlay is placed to protect it.
Lab Work
Your dental impression is forwarded to a dental lab. Your onlay for teeth is custom-crafted, usually from porcelain, resin, or gold.
Second Visit
During the second visit, the temporary onlay is removed. Your dentist cleans the tooth and checks the fit of the new onlay. It is then cemented in place and polished to give it a natural appearance. This method offers a snug fit, lasting results, with minimal discomfort.
A tooth onlay might be the right choice if:
The material used for your onlay can significantly impact its appearance and longevity. Here are the materials and their uses for your tooth onlays.
Most teeth onlays typically endure for 5 to 15 years. Some can last even longer if you take good care of them.
To make them last:
A onlays teeth typically costs between $650 and $1,200 per tooth. Prices may fluctuate due to several important factors. A key factor is the material. Gold onlays for teeth typically cost more than those made of porcelain or resin.
The position of the tooth also matters. Since molars are harder to access, they typically need additional time and attention than dental onlay front teeth. The cost can also be influenced by the dentist’s experience and the dental office’s location.
The positive aspect is that numerous dental insurance plans assist in covering some of the expenses. Certain dentists provide payment plans to facilitate affordability.
A dental onlay fits perfectly between a simple filling and a full crown. You could be a suitable candidate for an onlay if:
Smile Lab in Union Square, NYC, is a top choice for dental onlays because of its expert team, modern technology, and focus on patient care.
Led by skilled dentists like Dr. Parsa Basseri, we use advanced tools like 3D scanners to make sure your treatment is accurate and comfortable.
We are open every day from 7 AM to 8 PM, so it is easy to book an appointment that fits your schedule.
Tooth inlays are a more conservative way to fix damage or decay that is only inside the edges (cusps) of a tooth. They are part of a group of treatments called teeth inlays and onlays. While onlays covering larger damaged areas, an inlay sits right in the middle of the tooth, fitting neatly into place.
At Smile Lab, you will receive experienced & professional dental implant services in a supportive
and high-tech environment, ensuring you get the best care possible.
All in all, a dental onlay is a smart, gentle way to fix a tooth without removing too much of it. It brings back strength and looks natural. You can choose from different materials for your dental onlays according to your needs and your budget. The materials used consist of gold, porcelain, and composite resin. Once you get an onlay, you do not need to worry about the cavity or your appearance.
