Onlays, sometimes called partial crown, are an option for filling in cavities and tooth decay. They are made of either porcelain, composite resin, or gold and are used in particular situations when Dr. Jamie Talley believes a crown is too much for what is needed and a simple filling is not enough.

An onlay is able to cover a larger area than inlays, including cusps of the tooth to repair and restore full use of the tooth and can be expected to last 10 to 15 years.

The procedure begins similarly to a regular cavity filling with the drilling and cleaning out of the cavity. Dr. Jamie Talley will give you a numbing anesthetic for this process. Then, your cavity will be covered with a temporary onlay, and an impression will be sent to a dental lab for the creation of a permanent one. After it is finished, it is bonded onto the tooth.

After your onlay is done, your mouth may still be numbed from the anesthetic for a few hours. When it wears off, you may have some discomfort which can be managed by over-the-counter medications. Dr. Talley will probably recommend some medications for this and will instruct you not to eat or drink anything until the anesthetic has worn off.

EATING & DRINKING

In addition, you should not bite on anything hard, such as chips, nuts, or ice until 24 hours after your procedure. After that, taking great care of your teeth with regular dental hygiene habits will help you get the longest benefit from your onlay(s).

Although onlays are typically very successful in tooth restoration, there are a few risks. Any time someone receives anesthesia, there is a risk of complications like an allergic reaction. Most allergic reactions are to the material used, but Dr. Talley chooses the highest quality materials to help avoid this. It is also a possibility to have sensitivity in the tooth if the onlay is damaged.