For those who want to repair their damaged or broken tooth, dentistry offers several treatment options. However, while choosing the ideal one, many factors are at play. This includes the position of the damaged tooth, the size of the fracture, the condition of the remaining adjacent teeth, etc.
The cosmetic dentist at Covington Signature Dentistry is here to help our patients identify the best option after diagnosing the patient’s dental condition to restore their smile to its full health and aesthetics.
What Are Onlays?
If your tooth needs a large filling but isn’t damaged enough to get a full crown placement, an onlay can help. An onlay is generally used when the damage affects both the chewing surface and one or more of the cusps of the tooth.
An onlay is used when the tooth is affected by moderate decay and damage. They are also called partial crowns as they cover a large part of the tooth’s biting surface and offer long-lasting support. Onlays can be made of gold, composite resin, or porcelain. However, porcelain onlays are most commonly used as they mimic the appearance of your natural tooth.
When Do Patients Need Onlay Restorations?
You may require an onlay to restore teeth to address the following situations:
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Cosmetic improvement
- Moderately decayed teeth
- Fractured fillings
- Large fillings
Benefits of Onlays
- Onlays restore the strength, appearance, and structure of the tooth.
- It helps preserve the natural tooth structure.
- Onlays are durable and long-lasting when properly cared for.
- Onlays can be customized to match the color and appearance of natural teeth.
What Is the Procedure for Placing Onlays?
At Covington Signature Dentistry, placing dental onlays needs two dental visits. Our team will prepare the tooth during the first appointment by removing the decayed portions and shaping the teeth. This is done after administering a local anesthetic.
We obtain an impression of the patient’s tooth using digital imaging systems and are sent over to a dental lab to fabricate the custom onlay. In the meantime, our dentist will place a temporary onlay to protect the prepared tooth.
The fabricated onlay is placed onto the teeth during the next appointment after removing the temporary onlay. After ensuring the onlay’s fit, it is permanently bonded onto the teeth.
Dr. Peter Yeh, DDS at Covington Signature Dentistry, helps patients restore their dental structure with Onlays. Call our dental office at (253) 638-9955 or schedule an appointment online.