Should the cavity become too large the inserts become the most reliable and strong alternative. They are produced in the dental lab using special technology to provide the strength and long lasting results. Before, in the situations like these we would resort to making a crown for such a tooth. No more. We do not need to strip the tooth down in order to fit the crown; we use the inserts instead, preserving the remaining tooth structure making it serve naturally. It looks great and it is strong.

Q&A: I was recommended to restore my upper tooth with onlay? What is it and why can it just be filled?

The tooth decay starts on the surface and expand inward and outward. In the beginning when the decay is relatively small it can be reliably filled directly. As the decay progress and more of the tooth structure needs to be replaced the direct fill technique (in one visit) may not be so good; the strengths of the tooth and the longevity of the filling become problematic. Then the indirect technique that involves the dental laboratory produced hardened material is used to restore the affected tooth. It creates a stronger restoration and is better controlled during the bonding process which attaches this inserts to the tooth. Since the tooth is prepared before an impression is taken in such a way as to preserve the remaining tooth structure the replacement piece is perfectly matches residual tooth structures inside and outside. In the past when the tooth was considerably decayed the crown used to be made. That always requires a substantial preparation of the tooth. Instead, the dental inserts made from a tooth colored reinforced material which is neutral to the body (biocompatible) allow saving the tooth tissue with minimum grinding, bringing back the strength and beauty, get rid of any potentially harmful metallic substructure. The onlay means that this insert covers the top of the tooth so that you bite on it making the restoration and the tooth stronger.

Testimonials

"I really appreciate the fact that you’ve been able to save a lot of my tooth without grinding it down. The insert looks absolutely natural. Thank you very much; I really think you are an exceptional dentist." —Mrs. K. 46 y.o.