An onlay is a custom restoration that repairs a tooth with damage too large for a filling but not extensive enough to require a full crown. At our Carrollwood practice, Dr. Mustafa Adel uses onlays as a conservative middle ground that restores strength while preserving more of your natural tooth.

Where a crown covers the entire tooth, an onlay restores only the damaged portion, typically the chewing surface and one or more cusps. This means less healthy tooth structure has to be removed, which aligns with our philosophy of preserving natural teeth whenever possible.

Onlays are crafted from durable, tooth-colored ceramic that is bonded precisely to the tooth. The result is a restoration that strengthens the tooth, restores its natural shape and chewing function, and blends in so well it is virtually invisible.

Because they are made in a lab or milled digitally to fit exactly, onlays offer an excellent seal and a precise fit. This protects the tooth from further decay and distributes chewing forces evenly, helping the tooth resist future fracture.

Choosing an onlay over a crown, when appropriate, is a clear example of conservative dentistry in action. By restoring only what is damaged and keeping the rest intact, we protect the long-term health of the tooth.

Not every tooth is suited to an onlay; some damage genuinely requires a crown. Dr. Adel will evaluate your tooth and recommend the most conservative restoration that will reliably last.

To learn whether an onlay is right for your tooth in Carrollwood, Tampa, call (813) 964-8585 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mustafa Adel.