How Long Does a Dental Onlay Take to Harden?

If you have large cavities in your teeth on the chewing surface of your molars, you might be an ideal candidate for dental onlays. The procedure is designed to be used on the surface of cavities after the teeth have been cleaned out to prevent further decay of the tooth while restoring normal function.

Onlays also protect fractured or broken teeth from further deterioration, and they are considered a great alternative to dental crowns after undergoing a root canal. Your dentist may recommend getting an onlay if they feel the structure of your tooth is weak and think it would crack if they use a regular dental filling on the damaged tooth.

How do onlays work?

Getting a dental onlay is similar to getting a dental crown. In this case, your dentist will not have to remove as much of your tooth structure as they would with crowns.

The placement of onlays requires two dental appointments. During the first appointment, your dentist will prepare the damaged tooth, which involves using a local anesthetic to numb the tooth, which is then cleaned.

When the cavity has been cleaned out, a molded impression of the tooth is taken by your dentist, who sends it to a dental laboratory to get the permanent onlay fabricated. Since the process usually takes at least a week, your dentist will fit a temporary onlay on the tooth to protect it while you wait for the permanent onlay.

During the first visit, your dentist will also go over your options regarding the material you want to use for the onlay. As it is with regular dental fillings, gold onlays are the best because they are the most durable, meaning the onlay will last longer.

However, some people don’t want to have metal in their mouth because of how they look when they smile. Porcelain onlays are the most popular because they look like your natural teeth and are also durable. Onlays made from composite resin are recommended for people who grind their teeth and people with a misaligned bite.

During your second visit, your dentist will make sure the permanent onlay fits tightly before bonding it to your tooth using dental cement. After the onlay is fitted, your dentist will polish the tooth.

How long does a dental onlay take to harden?

Dental onlays don’t take a long time to harden because of the bonding agent used. The onlay will harden before you leave your dentist's office. However, your dentist will ask you to chew with the other side of your mouth until the anesthetic wears off.

Caring for onlays

Onlays do not require any special attention once they have been put in place, but you need to maintain proper oral hygiene to make them last, which means brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing and going to the dentist for regular checkups.

Conclusion

Dental onlays provide an alternative to dental fillings while strengthening the affected tooth. If you have a large cavity on the chewing surface of your molars, ask your dentist if an onlay is a better option for you.

Request an appointment here: https://trophysmilestudio.com or call Trophy Smile Studio at (817) 210-4049 for an appointment in our Trophy Club office.