Rochester Hills area patients ask, “What is a tooth onlay?”

At our Rochester Hills area practice, we offer a wide range of restorative and cosmetic dental services to restore the health, function, and appearance of our patients’ smiles. In addition to crowns and fillings, we offer dental inlays and onlays.

Sometimes, patients experience damage to the tooth that can’t quite be repaired with a filling, but also isn’t quite severe enough to require a dental crown. The challenge, as dentists, is we want to always opt for the most conservative treatment, while also ensuring that the structural integrity of the restoration will last a long time. For many patients in this situation, a dental onlay or inlay is the answer.

What are tooth inlays and onlays?

The onlay is sometimes referred to as a partial crown. These solutions are created off-site in a dental laboratory, based on impressions of the damaged tooth. Dental inlays are large fillings that are put within the cusp (the pointed, projected part) of a tooth. Onlays are used when the damage to the tooth extends beyond the cusp.

Onlays are popular because they preserve a large portion of the tooth structure. When full dental crowns are used, a portion of the healthy tooth structure must be removed to allow room for the restoration. Inlays and onlays are more conservative than crowns, preserving as much healthy tooth as possible.

At John L. Aurelia, D.D.S., PLLC, our team is trained extensively in giving our patients the best results using the most effective and conservative means possible. Our comprehensive services focus on improving quality of life and allowing our patients to make the most of their healthy, beautiful smiles. If you are in the Rochester Hills area and want dental care you can trust, call our team today at (248) 243-6044.

Dr. John Aurelia
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Dr. John Aurelia, DDS, brings over two decades of expertise in dentistry, having earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2003. An active member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American and Michigan Dental Associations, Dr. Aurelia has also completed advanced studies at the Dawson Academy and Pankey Institute. His dedication extends beyond practice, with a history of humanitarian work in the Dominican Republic and a focus on integrating cutting-edge techniques in implants and cosmetic dentistry. Known for personalized care, Dr. Aurelia is committed to enhancing patients' smiles and confidence.

Dr. Dina Khoury

Dr. Dina Khoury, a dedicated dentist with over 20 years of experience, graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1995. Following her education, she served veterans during her residency at the VA Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Khoury has spent most of her career in private practice, focusing on patients of all ages and specializing in cosmetic dentistry. As an active member of the Rochester community, she combines professional expertise with a personal commitment to patient care and local engagement.