Onlay Question

[Jojo3399]

I only have fillings in my mouth but have been recommend an onlay after a RCT.

My hopefully quick question is: Will I still be able to see the sides of the tooth with an onlay? It’s a lower first premolar tooth and is not visible when I smile.

For example if the RCT tooth starts to discolour over time due to no nerve, will I have the white onlay on top, and start to see the tooth sides going a darker colour?

My understanding is a crown would cover the whole tooth, but an onlay covers the top or half of the tooth, so the “real” tooth will still be visible round the sides.

I just want to know before making my final decision as it’s a new procedure I’ve never had before so these always make me worry. Thank you.

 

[Gordon]

Will I still be able to see the sides of the tooth with an onlay? It’s a lower first premolar tooth and is not visible when I smile.

Yes.

For example if the RCT tooth starts to discolour over time due to no nerve, will I have the white onlay on top, and start to see the tooth sides going a darker colour?

Yes, but not all teeth discolour after RCT. The big advantage of an onlay is it preserves a lot more tooth substance than a full crown does, this is generally a good thing. It's also good that the margins of the restoration are well clear of the gum area, mostly, which is better for gum health in the long run.

 

[Jojo3399]

@Gordon Thank you very much for the quick reply! This makes sense.

I feel better moving forward with booking in my onlay appointments

I have a permanent filling over the RCT tooth (completed 3 months ago) but with the onlay price I think I’m going to have to book the two appointments in over the next 3 or 4 months to spread the cost.

I hope it’s ok to wait 6/7 months between the permanent filling and the onlay.

Big thanks again!

 

[Jojo3399]

Hello @Gordon. So sorry for another question about this. I’ve attached a picture from my new treatment plan.

Do the red bits coloured at the side mean the onlay goes completely over the *whole tooth* at the top? That every bit of the tooth will be covered on top but not covering the sides towards the gum?

I am confused by the red bit in the middle, looking like it only covers the middle bit of the tooth.

Thank you.

 

[Gordon]

That picture doesn't make any sense, sorry. Looking at the hidden photo above it looks like they're covering all 5 surfaces but I can't tell how much they're going to cover.

Best thing is to ask your dentist what surfaces they're covering, if you don't understand then get them to explain, It's not valid consent for the treatment if you don't understand it

 

[Jojo3399]

Thank you! I will ask.