An onlay is a dental restorative tool useful in covering extensive dental cavities that fillings cannot cover. It is made of a compact material engineered in the laboratory and customized according to your needs. After installation, it may end up falling out, and it is essential to address the problem promptly to avoid any complications and damage to your teeth. Several things can happen if an onlay falls out, and they include:
Your Exposed Tooth Becomes Vulnerable
When an onlay falls out, your teeth can become susceptible to bacterial infiltration or decay. These tools are designed to strengthen your damaged teeth, and once they fall off, the teeth become vulnerable to external elements such as food particles and harmful bacteria. This will increase the risk of tooth decay.
Also, you may experience tooth sensitivity. The primary goal of onlays is to insulate your teeth from temperature changes and pressure. When the onlay is not there, your tooth will be sensitive to cold and hot temperatures and chewing and biting forces. The sensitivity can lead to discomfort.
Schedule an Appointment After your Onlay Falls Off
When you note that the onlay has dislodged from its initial position, you must schedule an appointment with our dentist as soon as possible. We will assess the nature of the damage, evaluate the dental tool, and decide on the best treatment approach. If the onlay is not damaged and can be reinstalled, we return it to the correct position. However, if it is severely damaged or its integrity is questionable, we may need to fabricate a new onlay. In some instances, we can also recommend a new restoration method, such as a crown, but this will depend on the extent of damage.
Notably, you should not attempt to fix and reattach the onlay on yourself as it can cause improper placement and inappropriate bonding, damaging your teeth. If you note your onlay has fallen off, visit us as soon as possible.
Dental Blog | Prosthodontist Houston, TX | Alexandra Garcia, DDS, MS Dr. Alexandra Garcia is offering this blog as a resource to the community. Click here to learn more about procedures, home care, and a variety of other dental topics! Alexandra Garcia, DDS, MS, 777 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 625, Houston, TX 77056 + (346) 250-2930 + dralexandragarcia.com + 12/2/2024 + Tags: dental implants Houston TX +