Is a Dental Onlay a Filling? What You Need to Know

When considering getting a dental onlay, it is important to learn everything about the procedure and what to expect. A dental onlay is also called an indirect filling, but they are often used when damage is too extensive to be repaired by a regular filling. This article provides important information that is important to know about a dental onlay.

Dental onlays – Important facts

People often think crowns and dental fillings are the only solutions available for repairing tooth decay, but dental onlays are becoming a popular option. Patients often want to know the difference between a dental onlay and a filling.

When a patient visits the dentist with a tooth that is too damaged to be repaired with a dental filling, but not so bad that it needs a crown, then the solution has to be an option in the middle. Repairing a damaged tooth needlessly with a dental crown means more of the tooth structure (than necessary) will be removed and using a large dental filling will only worsen the damage on the tooth structure further.

In a situation like this, where one can either choose to save money and risk damages in the future or perform what is basically an unnecessary treatment, the only option is to turn to the solution known as a dental onlay. A dental onlay can treat a tooth damaged due to decay, chips or cracks. Essentially, the dentist will recommend onlays if the tooth has suffered significant damage and will probably crack if they apply a dental filling. With this option, the dentist can save more of the tooth’s original structure, making it a more conservative option, unlike dental crowns.

Getting a dental onlay

An onlay can cover the tooth’s surface, as well as one or more of the cusps, but it is a lot less invasive than crowns. Onlays are indirect dental restorations, which means the dentist needs to take impressions of the tooth for the dental lab to fabricate the restoration. Patients will return about a week later to get the onlay. Between the appointment, the patient will get a temporary onlay to protect the tooth.

Dental onlays cover the tooth cusps, so patients are often worried that the dental restoration will affect their bite. During the fitting, the dentist will check the bite. When properly done, the onlay should not affect the bite. In contrast, it should acutally improve the patient's bite.

Benefits of choosing dental onlays

Many patients prefer onlay to fillings and crowns. They are created using durable materials that look like natural teeth. Additionally, onlays fit better than fillings and preserve more of the tooth structure than a crown. Onlays can strengthen the tooth and reduce the risk of damages in the future. With proper care, they can last for several years, often longer than crowns and dental fillings.

In conclusion

A dental onlay is effective for repairing a damaged tooth, as it can be used when a dental filling is not a practical option. When visiting the dentist, they will examine the affected tooth and recommend the best option to restore the affected tooth.

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