The dental onlay is a common procedure used in dentistry. It is spelled as /ˈdɛntəl ˈɒnleɪ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The word "dental" refers to teeth or dentistry and is pronounced with a stressed "den" sound. The "onlay" part begins with an unstressed "on" sound that sounds like "awn." The stress is placed on the last syllable, "lay." An onlay is a type of filling that covers the tooth's biting surface when a cavity or damage is too extensive for a regular filling.
A dental onlay is a restorative dental treatment that is used to repair a damaged tooth. It is a type of dental filling that is designed to cover the chewing surface of the tooth, as well as one or more cusps, or points, of the tooth. It is usually made of a durable material such as porcelain, gold, or composite resin.
The purpose of a dental onlay is to restore and protect a tooth that has been compromised due to decay, fractures, or other forms of damage. It is typically recommended when the damage to the tooth is too extensive to be repaired with a traditional dental filling, but not severe enough to require a full dental crown.
The procedure for placing a dental onlay involves removing the decayed or damaged area of the tooth and taking an impression of the affected tooth and its surrounding teeth. This impression is then sent to a dental laboratory, where the onlay is custom-made to fit the specific size and shape of the tooth. Once the onlay is ready, it is bonded to the tooth using a strong dental adhesive.
Dental onlays are a popular choice because they provide a more conservative treatment option compared to dental crowns, as they require less removal of healthy tooth structure. They are also highly durable and can last for many years with proper care and maintenance. Overall, dental onlays offer a reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution for restoring damaged teeth while preserving their natural structure.
The word "onlay" originates from the combination of two words: "on" and "lay".
1. "On", meaning "upon", refers to something that is positioned or supported on top of something else.
2. "Lay", meaning "to place or put", refers to the act of arranging or situating something in a particular position.
The term "dental" relates to dentistry, specifically pertaining to teeth, oral health, and dental treatments.
Therefore, an "onlay" in dentistry refers to a type of dental restoration that is placed on top of the affected tooth structure rather than within it, in contrast to an "inlay". An onlay is typically used when there is more extensive damage to a tooth, and it covers a larger portion of the tooth surface than an inlay.