Dr. Todd Shatkin is an experienced dentist in Buffalo who provides a wide range of dental treatments, including affordable porcelain onlays. You will need a filling if you have a cavity or tooth decay, and a porcelain onlay can help restore your tooth and protect it from further damage. We would be glad to help you learn more about this treatment. Please keep reading, then call our office to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Shatkin.
What is a Porcelain Onlay?
If you have tooth decay or cavities, your dentist will use a piece of porcelain to cover the surface of the affected teeth. Onlays are a restorative dental treatment that helps to repair damaged or injured teeth. Dentists use onlays to cover the cusps (tops) of your teeth.
Porcelain onlays are similar to dental caps, but they require less removal of your healthy tooth structure to be placed. Many people are interested in an onlay as opposed to a cap because it is not as complex of treatment.
While your dentist can use other materials for an onlay, porcelain is often preferred if someone wants a durable, long-lasting, and natural-looking end result.
Do I Need a Porcelain Onlay?
Your dentist may recommend getting a porcelain onlay if you have cavities that affect the tooth area that you use for chewing. Your dentist may also recommend them if you have damage to your teeth enough so that the structure of your tooth is compromised, and having a composite filling would put you at risk of having a cracked tooth. You can keep more of your natural tooth structure when your dentist opts for a porcelain onlay as opposed to a crown. You may also be able to get porcelain onlays to replace previous dental work for a more stable and custom-fit result.
Preparing for the Procedure
You will likely need to go to the dentist twice to get your final results. The first appointment is for your dentist to prepare your tooth for your porcelain onlay. Preparing the tooth involves removing the parts of the tooth affected by decay. After the tooth is cleaned and prepped, your dentist will take impressions of the area to send to a lab to get your custom-made onlay.
Your next appointment will be dedicated to placing your onlay. Your dentist will replace your temporary filling from the first appointment with the porcelain onlay. Your dentist can make minor adjustments to ensure your bite is not affected by the onlay and the fit is good. Your dentist will then bond the onlay to your tooth.
Benefits of Porcelain Onlays
There are several benefits that porcelain onlays have over dental crowns and fillings. You are likely going to be able to keep more of your natural tooth structure when you opt for a porcelain onlay which leaves the tooth structure stronger and less prone to further damage.
The onlay is custom-made to your teeth, giving you better protection against harmful bacteria due to its superior seal. They can also offer a seamless appearance and make it very hard for others to notice that you had restorative dental work done.
Schedule Your Free Consultation with Dr. Todd Shatkin
When you need a porcelain onlay filling, please reach out to our office to schedule a visit with Dr. Shatkin. We provide affordable restorative dental care to patients in Buffalo, Amherst, Clarence, and beyond. You can request your free consultation if you have any questions about this dental treatment. Reach out right away, and we would be happy to get your questions answered.
