La Crosse
3143 State Road Suite 100, La Crosse, WI 54601
Why choose us
Benefits of Onlays
Keeps Healthy Tooth Structure
An onlay covers only the damaged part of a tooth, so we can protect more of your natural tooth than a full crown would.
Strengthens Damaged Teeth
When decay or a crack is too large for a filling, an onlay helps restore strength to the chewing surface.
Custom Made Nearby
Our on-site dental lab helps us craft your onlay close to home here in the Coulee Region.
Natural-Looking Results
Your onlay is shaped and shaded to blend in with the teeth around it.
Comfort Built In
The Ascent Experience brings small comforts like warm towelettes, blankets and headphones to every visit.
When a back tooth has a large old filling that has started to crack, or a cusp has chipped off while the rest of the tooth is still solid, a filling may no longer be enough and a full crown may remove more tooth than necessary. An onlay often fits in between. At Rivertown Dental, our general dentists place onlays at our offices in La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia and Viroqua, so patients across Wisconsin's Coulee Region can have this kind of restorative care close to home.
An onlay is a custom-made restoration that replaces the damaged part of a tooth, including one or more of its cusps, the raised points on the chewing surface. It is made outside the mouth to match the shape of your tooth, then bonded into place. Because it covers only the area that needs it, an onlay lets us keep more of your natural tooth structure than a crown, which covers the entire visible tooth.
Onlays are closely related to inlays, which we also provide. An inlay sits within the cusps, in the grooves of the chewing surface. An onlay extends over one or more cusps. Which one fits your tooth depends on where the damage is and how much healthy structure remains.
Onlays are most often used on molars and premolars, the teeth that take the most force when you chew. They can help adults and teens in several different situations, including:
- A large filling that is breaking down, leaking or cracking around the edges
- A cusp that has fractured or chipped, while the root and most of the tooth are healthy
- Decay that is too extensive for a filling but does not reach far enough to require a crown
- Wear on the chewing surface that has weakened part of the tooth
Not every damaged tooth is a good match. If decay or a fracture has reached deep into the tooth, it may need root canal therapy, a crown, or in some cases an extraction and a tooth replacement option. We offer all of these, so we can recommend what makes sense for your tooth rather than fitting you into a single treatment.
How do I know if an onlay is right for me?
The way to find out is a dental exam, where we look at the tooth closely and take digital X-rays to see what is happening below the surface. Those images show us how far decay or cracking extends and how much sound tooth remains to support a restoration.
We will explain what we see in plain language and walk you through your options, including the reasons we might suggest an onlay over a filling or a crown. There is no judgment about how long it has been since your last visit. If you have had dental work in the past that left you nervous, tell us. The Ascent Experience: advanced care, genuine comfort, and a better experience from start to finish. That includes small things like a warm towelette, a blanket, a support pillow, headphones and essential oils during your appointment.
How do I care for an onlay, and how long does it last?
You care for an onlay the same way you care for your natural teeth: brush twice a day, clean between your teeth every day, and keep up with regular cleanings and exams with our hygienists. Those routine visits let us check the edges of the onlay and the surrounding tooth so small problems can be caught early.
How long an onlay lasts varies from person to person. It depends on your oral hygiene, your bite and habits like grinding or clenching. If you grind your teeth at night, we may talk with you about a night mouth guard to help protect your onlay and your other teeth. Avoid chewing ice or hard objects. If something ever feels off or the tooth becomes sensitive, call us so we can take a look.
How can I pay for an onlay?
We work with many dental insurance plans, and coverage for restorative treatment varies by plan. Call the office you plan to visit and our team can help you confirm what your plan includes. We also welcome self-pay patients.
For patients without insurance, our Rivertown Membership Plans, also called the VIP Program, include Classic, Deluxe and Kids plans. They cover cleanings, exams, X-rays and fluoride and include a discount on treatment. Membership plans cannot be combined with insurance. We also offer third-party financing through Cherry, CareCredit and Proceed Finance for patients who qualify, so you can spread the cost of care over time.
If a cracked filling or a chipped back tooth has been bothering you, we would be glad to help. Call the Rivertown Dental office nearest you in La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia or Viroqua to schedule an exam, and we will help you decide on the next step for your tooth. Dentistry, Done Differently.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Exam and Explanation
We examine the tooth, take digital X-rays and explain in plain language whether an onlay is the right fit.
- 2
Preparing and Placing
We gently clean out the damaged area and bond your custom onlay securely onto the tooth.
- 3
Ongoing Care
Regular brushing, flossing and checkups at any of our four offices help your onlay serve you well.
Questions
Onlays FAQs
What is a dental onlay, and am I a good candidate?
An onlay is a custom restoration that covers and rebuilds part of a tooth's chewing surface, often a good fit when damage is too large for a filling but a full crown isn't needed. At our Rivertown Dental offices across the Coulee Region, we decide based on an exam and X-rays of the tooth, so the best way to know is to come in and let one of our dentists take a look.
How much does an onlay cost, and will insurance help pay for it?
The cost depends on your tooth and the material we recommend, so we review it with you before any treatment begins. We work with many dental insurance plans, and we suggest calling your office to confirm your coverage. If you don't have insurance, ask about our Rivertown Membership Plans (VIP Program), or about financing through Cherry, CareCredit or Proceed Finance, subject to approval.
Does getting an onlay hurt?
We numb the area before we begin, and most patients feel pressure rather than pain during treatment. Our Ascent Experience comfort touches, like warm towelettes, blankets, support pillows, headphones and essential oils, help you relax. If you feel anxious about dental visits, ask us whether nitrous oxide or IV sedation for adults may be right for you.
How long does onlay treatment take, and what is recovery like?
The number of visits depends on your tooth, and we will walk you through the plan before we start. Your onlay is made to fit your tooth, and our on-site dental lab helps keep that process close to home. Afterward, your bite and the tooth may feel a little different for a short time, and we're happy to check anything that doesn't feel right.
How long do onlays last, and what are the alternatives?
How long an onlay lasts varies with your bite, your habits and how well you care for your teeth, so regular cleanings and exams play a big part. Depending on how much of the tooth is affected, a filling, an inlay or a crown may be a better choice. We'll explain each option clearly and help you choose what makes sense for your tooth.