Restore a tooth using dental onlays for a more conservative repair
St. George, Utah, area patients facing tooth decay may believe that dental fillings are their only option for replacement. Fortunately, patients find that there are other ways to repair a tooth. This includes the use of a dental onlay. Dr. Bryce Eager of Gateway Oral Health Center can educate you on the purpose of a dental onlay and times when it may be most appropriate for you!
What is a dental onlay?
A dental onlay is best described as a restoration used to repair a tooth damaged by decay, trauma, or wear. It is similar to a filling but covers a larger area of the tooth and involves more complex preparation. A tooth onlay is made from an impression of the tooth, which is then used to create a mold. This custom mold is then used to design the onlay, which is then bonded to the tooth. Onlays do not require as much natural tooth structure removal as alternative options such as crowns, which are also another popular solution for many patients.
What materials are onlays made from?
Onlays are created from a variety of materials, including gold, composite resin, and ceramic. However, at Gateway Oral Health Center of St. George, Utah, we often recommend composite resin materials for onlays as this matches the smile and ensures that the final repair is not noticeable in the smile.
What are the benefits of dental onlays?
There are a few advantages that onlays can provide for the smile. Onlays are durable and long-lasting, and they can help improve your smile’s appearance. They are the more conservative option when compared to dental crowns, which means that less natural tooth structure is removed to place the onlay. Also, dental onlays are made to match the patient’s current smile in color to ensure seamless integration.
Call to book a consultation appointment and initial evaluation with our team in St. George, Utah!
If you have a natural tooth that is damaged or decayed, talk to Dr. Bryce Eager of Gateway Oral Health Center about whether an onlay is suitable for you. Call (435) 656-0255 to request an appointment at 720 South River Road, Suite B-210.