Why choose us
Benefits of Onlays
Saves Natural Tooth
An onlay restores only the damaged area, so we can keep more of your healthy tooth structure than a full crown would.
Made In-House
Our on-site dental lab lets us craft your onlay close to home rather than relying on an outside lab.
Strong, Lasting Repair
Onlays rebuild worn or broken chewing surfaces so you can bite and chew with confidence again.
Comfort Options Available
If dental visits make you anxious, we offer sedation options, including nitrous, to help you relax.
Flexible Payment Choices
We accept all major PPO plans and self-pay patients, and financing is available.
A cracked cusp on a back molar, or an old filling that has grown too large for the tooth around it, often leaves a dentist choosing between two options: patch it again or cover the whole tooth with a crown. An onlay sits between those choices. It is a custom-made restoration that replaces the damaged part of a tooth's chewing surface, including one or more of its cusps (the raised points), while leaving the healthy structure underneath and around it in place.
An onlay is bonded onto the top of a tooth to rebuild an area that is too damaged for a filling but not damaged enough to need a full crown. It is sometimes called a "partial crown" because it covers part of the biting surface rather than all of it. Onlays are a close relative of inlays, which we also offer. An inlay fits within the cusps, while an onlay extends over one or more of them. That extra coverage helps when a cusp is weak, chipped, or missing.
Onlays are most often used on molars and premolars, the teeth that handle the heaviest chewing. We commonly recommend one when a tooth has a large cavity, a fracture that affects a cusp, or a worn or failing filling that leaves too little tooth around it to support another filling. Because we keep as much natural tooth as possible, an onlay can be a conservative way to restore strength and function.
At your first visit, we examine the tooth and take images to see the full extent of the damage. Sometimes a tooth that looks like it needs a crown can be treated with an onlay, and sometimes the reverse is true. Our goal is to choose the restoration that keeps the most healthy tooth while still protecting it. If decay or a crack has reached the nerve, the tooth may need root canal therapy first, which our team can also provide.
Some patients are not good candidates for an onlay. If most of the tooth is missing or the remaining walls are too thin, a crown may be the stronger choice. If the damage is small, a filling may be enough. We explain what we see and why we recommend one option over another, so you understand the reasoning before anything is scheduled.
What happens during onlay treatment?
Onlay treatment involves removing the damaged or decayed portion of the tooth, shaping the area, and taking a precise record of it so the onlay can be made to fit exactly. We numb the area first so you are comfortable. Once the tooth is prepared, the onlay is crafted to match the contours of your bite. Because we have an on-site dental lab, that work is done close to our team rather than sent across the country.
When the onlay is ready, we check its fit, adjust the bite as needed, and bond it to the tooth. For patients who feel anxious about dental work, we offer sedation options, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation. Our office has a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff, so we can talk through what level of comfort support makes sense for you.
How do I care for an onlay, and how long will it last?
You care for an onlay much like a natural tooth, with daily brushing, flossing, and regular checkups. The bonded edges are where an onlay meets your tooth, and keeping that margin clean helps prevent new decay. How long an onlay lasts depends on your habits, your bite, and your overall oral health, so we monitor it at each visit.
A few habits help protect your restoration:
- Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily, paying attention to the edges of the onlay
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, pens, or other hard objects
- Keep up with routine cleanings and exams so we can spot wear early
- Ask about a night guard if you clench or grind your teeth
That last point matters. Grinding places heavy force on back teeth and restorations. Because our practice has a strong focus on TMJ treatment and offers night mouth guards, we can look at the bigger picture if your bite or jaw habits are putting stress on your teeth.
How can I pay for an onlay?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and many plans include coverage for restorative treatment like onlays. Your specific benefits depend on your plan, so we can help you understand what applies before treatment. We also welcome self-pay patients.
If you want to spread out the cost, financing is available. We are happy to review your options during your visit so cost doesn't keep you from addressing a damaged tooth before it becomes a larger problem.
When should I schedule a visit?
Schedule a visit if you have a broken or chipped back tooth, a filling that feels loose or rough, or sensitivity when you bite down. Catching damage early often means more treatment options and more of your natural tooth saved. If a tooth breaks suddenly or causes significant pain, we also offer emergency dental appointments.
Led by Dr. Dar Radfar, 805 Dentistry cares for children and adults in Thousand Oaks and nearby communities, including Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Camarillo, and Agoura Hills. Call our office to book an exam, and we'll look at your tooth together and help you decide whether an onlay is the right fit.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Exam and Planning
We examine your tooth and talk through whether an onlay is the right fit for your needs.
- 2
Preparing and Placing
We remove the damaged area, shape the tooth, and bond your custom onlay securely in place.
- 3
Ongoing Care
Regular cleanings and exams with our team help your onlay and your smile stay healthy.