Manhattan Dental Arts

Inlays and Onlays in NYC

Should a filling be so large that a bonded filling is not indicated, we provide patients with other options such as: gold onlays or tooth colored onlays (a lab processed restoration). The durability and lifespan of these restorations are far greater than any silver or bonded fillings.

Onlay restorations are very conservative in the sense that the most tooth structure is preserved and the tooth is restored not only esthetically but also structurally. Onlays require two dental visits. The first visit entails removing either an old filling or cleaning the tooth of any decay present. An impression is then made of the tooth and sent to a laboratory where the onlay is custom made to fit and restore the tooth.

A temporary filling is placed on the tooth after the first visit. At the following visit the temporary filling is removed and the onlay is tried in, and then cemented onto the tooth. .

Due to the long lifespan and durability of these restorations, onlays many times prevent the need for root canals by sealing the tooth properly and preventing further decay that may usually occur under regular fillings.

FAQ’s About Onlays:

Why should I get an onlay instead of a tooth colored filling?
There are some cases when there is insufficient tooth structure left to sustain a regular filling therefore an onlay will be recommended. When there are cavities in between teeth, the best and most conservative restoration is an onlay. An onlay seals the tooth better than any conventional filling and also attains the best contact thereby reducing the need for replacement in the future.

How long do onlays last?
An onlay may last as long as crowns do with proper dental maintenance (i.e flossing and regular checkups and cleanings). The life span of an onlay may be 5-10 years or longer.

Should I just get a crown instead of an onlay?
An onlay is more conservative than a crown. The tooth structure is preserved and only the part that is missing from the tooth (i.e. the cavity) is restored with the onlay, the rest of the tooth is not drilled down. If there is still sufficient tooth structure left onlays are recommended because drilling a relatively healthy tooth down is not necessary.