Onlays in Woodland Hills
An onlay is often the right answer when a back tooth has too much damage for a filling but still has enough healthy structure that a full crown would remove more than necessary. An onlay is a custom-made restoration that covers the damaged part of a tooth, including one or more of its chewing cusps, while leaving the sound portions in place. At 805 Dentistry, Dr. Dar Radfar, DDS, and our team place onlays for patients from Woodland Hills and nearby communities who want a durable repair that keeps as much of their natural tooth as possible.
An onlay sits between a filling and a crown. A filling is placed directly into a cavity and works well for smaller areas of decay. A crown caps the entire visible tooth. An onlay is made outside the mouth to fit the tooth precisely, then bonded into place. It covers the cusps, the raised points on the chewing surface, that have been weakened or lost.
Its close relative is the inlay, which fits within the cusps rather than over them. We offer both, along with fillings and crowns. That lets us match the restoration to the actual extent of the damage instead of fitting every tooth into one solution. When a Woodland Hills patient comes to us with a worn or broken molar, we evaluate the tooth and explain which option makes sense and why.
Woodland Hills families often look for one office that can handle routine checkups, restorations, and more complex needs without sending them elsewhere. We describe our practice as a one-stop shop for the whole family's dental care, and we see children and adults of all ages. If an onlay comes up during a parent's exam, the rest of the family's care can stay in the same place.
Our office also has an on-site dental lab. That gives our team a closer connection to the fabrication of restorations like onlays. Because our practice includes dental specialties such as endodontics and periodontics, we can address related problems in house when they come up. These include a cracked tooth that also needs a root canal or gum tissue that needs attention around a restoration.
Who is a good candidate for an onlay?
A good candidate has a back tooth with moderate damage, enough to need more than a filling but not so much that a crown is required. Common situations include:
- A large, old filling that has broken down or begun to fail
- Decay that has spread into one or more cusps
- A cusp that has chipped or fractured
- A tooth that is weakened but still has healthy walls worth preserving
Some teeth are not suited for an onlay. A tooth may be too extensively damaged, or the crack may run deep. In that case, we may recommend a crown, root canal therapy, or another restorative approach. Our office treats cracked teeth and performs root canals, so we can plan for these possibilities from the first visit.
The only way to know for sure is an exam. We look at the tooth, review imaging, and talk with you about your bite and any symptoms before recommending treatment.
What happens during onlay treatment?
Onlay treatment typically takes two visits: one to prepare the tooth and one to bond the final restoration. At the first appointment, we numb the area and remove decay or the failing old filling. Then we shape the tooth and take an impression. A temporary restoration protects the tooth while your onlay is made.
At the second visit, we remove the temporary and check the fit and bite of the onlay. Then we bond it securely to the tooth. We make adjustments so your bite feels natural before you leave.
For patients who feel anxious about dental work, we offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation. A board-certified dental anesthesiologist is on staff, which gives nervous patients more options for staying comfortable.
How do I care for an onlay afterward?
You care for an onlay the same way you care for your natural teeth: brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep up with regular checkups. The tooth may feel a little sensitive right after treatment. If your bite feels high or uneven once the numbness wears off, call us so we can adjust it.
Routine dental cleanings and exams let us check the edges of the onlay and the surrounding tooth over time. If you clench or grind, ask us about a night mouth guard. We make these to help protect your teeth and restorations.
How can I pay for an onlay?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available. Coverage for onlays varies from plan to plan. Our team can review your benefits with you before treatment begins.
If you are paying out of pocket, we will explain costs up front so there are no surprises. Financing can help spread the expense over time. To find out whether an onlay is right for your tooth, Woodland Hills patients can contact 805 Dentistry to schedule an exam.