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An onlay restoration is a custom made filling made of composite material, gold, or tooth-colored porcelain.  An onlay is sometimes also referred to as a partial crown.  It is made by a professional dental laboratory and is permanently cemented onto the tooth by your dentist.

Onlays can be utilized to conservatively repair teeth that have large defective fillings or have been damaged by decay or trauma.  Onlays are an ideal alternative to crowns (caps) because less tooth structure is removed in the preparation of onlays.  Onlays are essentially identical to inlays with the exception that one or more of the chewing cusps have also been affected and need to be included in the restoration.

As with most dental restorations, onlays are not always permanent and may someday require replacement.  They are highly durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful long lasting smile.

Reasons for onlay restorations:

• Broken or fractured teeth.
• Cosmetic enhancement.
• Decayed teeth.
• Fractured fillings.
• Large fillings.

What does getting an onlay involve?

 Composite Resin Onlays

By far the most popular onlay at Cascade Dental, the resin onlay only involves one visit.

In the first third of the visit, Dr. Jolley will numb the area and remove any decay and old filling materials. The tooth will be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared for the onlay restoration. The dental team will capture an impression of the area, from which Dr. Jolley will create a model of the teeth in that area.

During the middle third part of the visit, you will be able to relax in the waiting room. This takes between 30 to 45 minutes, so you may want to bring a book to read or something else you enjoy. Dr. Jolley will be creating the onlay out of resin. He uses a blend of two kinds of resin to capture the best color shade for your tooth and to provide the best wear resistance on the chewing surface. Using magnification, Dr. Jolley will view the onlay at different angles to ensure to most beautiful, functional, and longest lasting restoration possible.

Cementing the onlay and adjusting it to your bite and neighboring teeth take up the last third of the visit. The result is a beautiful, polished, well-contoured restoration that conserves your natural tooth.

Gold or Porcelain Onlays

A gold or porcelain onlay procedure usually requires two appointments.  Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate impressions (molds) that will be used to create your custom onlay and a temporary restoration.

While the tooth is numb, the dentist will remove any decay and/or old filling materials.  The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared, shaping the surface to properly fit an onlay restoration.  A temporary filling will be applied to protect the tooth while your onlay is made by a dental laboratory.

At your second appointment, your new onlay will be carefully and precisely cemented into place.  A few adjustments may be necessary to ensure a proper fit and that your bite is comfortable.

You will receive care instruction at the conclusion of your treatment.  Good oral hygiene practices, a proper diet, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new onlay.