Onlays in Oxnard
Maybe you bit into something hard and felt a corner of a back tooth give way. Or perhaps an old filling has grown large and worn, and the surrounding cusps now look thin and vulnerable. In situations like these, the tooth often needs more support than a filling can provide but doesn't need to be covered entirely. That middle ground is exactly where an onlay can help. At 805 Dentistry, our office is in Thousand Oaks, and patients from Oxnard regularly visit us for onlays and the rest of their family's dental care.
An onlay is a custom-made restoration that rebuilds a damaged portion of a tooth, including one or more of its cusps, the raised points on the chewing surface of back teeth. A filling fills a hole within the tooth. An onlay replaces a larger section of the tooth's structure and extends over the top to restore its shape and strength. Onlays are closely related to inlays, which fit within the cusps rather than over them. We offer both.
An onlay is often described as a partial crown. A crown covers the entire visible tooth. An onlay covers only the area that needs it, so more of your healthy natural tooth can be preserved. When we evaluate a damaged tooth, we consider fillings, inlays, onlays, and crowns. Then we recommend the option that fits the amount of damage we actually see.
Onlays are commonly considered for back teeth that have damage too extensive for a filling but not severe enough to need a full crown. Patients from Oxnard and across our service area come to us with a range of situations where an onlay may be appropriate, including:
- A large, aging filling that needs to be replaced
- Decay that has spread to involve a cusp
- A chipped or fractured cusp from biting or grinding
- A tooth that needs more structural support while keeping as much natural tooth as possible
The only way to know whether an onlay is right for you is an exam. During your visit, Dr. Dar Radfar and our team examine the tooth and review imaging as needed. We also discuss what we find with you. Sometimes a crack or decay runs deeper than it first appears. In that case, other care may be more suitable, such as a crown or, if the nerve is affected, root canal therapy. Because we offer a broad range of restorative and specialty services under one roof, we can talk through all of your options in one place.
What happens during an onlay appointment?
An onlay typically involves preparing the tooth, creating a custom restoration, and then bonding it in place. First, we numb the area and remove any decay or weakened structure. We then shape the tooth so the onlay will fit precisely. Next, we capture the details of the prepared tooth so the restoration can be made to match your bite.
Our office has an on-site dental lab, which supports how we design and fabricate restorations. Once your onlay is ready, we check its fit and bite and then bond it securely to the tooth. If you feel anxious about dental visits, let us know. We offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation, along with other sedation options, to help many patients feel more at ease during treatment.
How do I care for my onlay afterward?
You care for an onlay much as you care for your natural teeth, with daily brushing, flossing, and regular checkups. Pay attention to the edges where the onlay meets your tooth, since keeping that area clean helps protect against new decay. Some patients notice mild sensitivity after treatment. If anything feels uneven when you bite down, call our office so we can take a look.
Routine dental cleanings and exams let us monitor your onlay along with the rest of your mouth. If you grind or clench your teeth, we may suggest a night mouth guard to help protect your onlay and other teeth. Our practice also has a strong focus on TMJ treatment. If jaw tension or grinding is contributing to tooth damage, we can evaluate that as well.
How can I pay for an onlay?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our team can help you understand how your plan applies to your treatment. We also welcome self-pay patients. If you'd like to spread out the cost, financing is available.
We'll review your treatment plan and the expected costs with you before we begin, so you can make a decision that works for your budget. Many Oxnard families like having general, cosmetic, and specialty care in one practice for everyone from young children to adults. To ask about an onlay or schedule an exam, contact 805 Dentistry. We look forward to helping you protect your smile.