Getting a Dental Onlay vs. a Crown

If you did not know, dentists refer to a dental onlay as a “partial crown.” Simply put, rather than covering a patient’s entire tooth, it covers only a portion of it. Used for cavities, as well as damaged teeth, this dental procedure works great. If you have a cracked tooth or even a cavity too large for a traditional filling, talk to your doctor to see if an onlay is right for you.

Comparing a dental onlay to a conventional crown

Of course, it is important for an individual to see a dentist who will determine the right course of action. Even then, most dental professionals want to include their patients in the decision-making process. During a consultation, a dentist will go over the pros and cons of both options. But here are some of the things to consider.

Visits to the dentist

Patients should consider the convenience of getting a dental onlay as opposed to a crown. Usually, the onlay process requires two visits to a dental clinic. A dentist first fits the patient with a temporary onlay while having the permanent one made at a laboratory. When finished, the dental professional applies the onlay to the natural tooth.

Now, depending on the problem, it might take just one visit for a dental onlay. Also, if a dentist’s office has an on-site lab, there is no need to return for a second appointment. Especially for people with busy schedules, this helps tremendously. A patient can be in and out of the clinic in very little time.

In comparison, it can take two or more visits to get a crown. Like an onlay, a dentist must first take an impression of the patient’s tooth. That goes to a laboratory that makes it. If the crown does not fit correctly the first time, it would have to go back to the lab for some fine-tuning.

The longevity aspect

Something else to consider is the longevity of a dental onlay vs. a crown. Based on the quality of the material, a crown typically lasts around five to seven years. For a dental onlay, these usually last 10 years, sometimes longer. So overall, the onlay is a longer-lasting solution.

Cost efficiency

Any kind of dental work costs money. So, people consider different options. Ultimately, a patient spends less on a dental onlay than a crown. Not only are the materials less expensive, but there is a less complex process with an onlay. For people who need dental work done but have to be careful with money, an onlay makes more sense.

Finding the right solution

A reputable dentist is always going to do what is right for the patient. During a consultation, an individual can ask as many questions as they want and get all the details needed. As implied, a dental onlay only partially covers a tooth. That means a dentist does not have to alter a person’s natural tooth as much, which is a good thing.

Request an appointment here: https://www.roderickgarciadmd.com or call Roderick A. Garcia, DMD PC at (505) 634-5029 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.

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