A broken or weakened cusp
A chip that involves a biting point may leave the tooth open to more cracking if only the gap is filled. The dentist works out how much is affected and whether covering that part makes sense.
Restorative Dentistry
Dental Onlays in Burlington
Felt a sharp edge where part of a molar used to be? A broken corner of a back tooth sometimes needs more than a filling. Find out whether an onlay could rebuild it and protect what remains.
For Burlington adults with a chipped molarGet a broken cusp assessed
A rough edge your tongue keeps finding
It often happens during an ordinary meal: something crunches, and afterwards one corner of a back tooth feels jagged. Often the piece that gave way is a cusp, one of the raised points of the chewing surface, and frequently it sat beside an older filling.
Rebuilding that corner well may call for more than a standard filling. A dental onlay is a fitted restoration that replaces the missing section and reaches over the cusps that need support. Where the rest of the tooth is sturdy, it may be an alternative to covering the whole tooth with a crown.
From Burlington, you can book a visit with our Milton team to have the break examined. We will explain what we find, whether partial coverage is suitable and how it compares with the other approaches. Questions about preparation, comfort, looks and upkeep are all welcome.
What the examination looks for
Check the tooth, not only the chip.
Your dentist looks at the entire tooth before suggesting a design. The goal is to see whether a cusp needs reinforcing and whether the remaining structure can hold a partial-coverage restoration securely.
A filling next to the break
Breaks often happen beside large older restorations. Once that filling is reassessed, an onlay might be the answer, or another option might suit better. The findings decide, not the size of the old filling alone.
A wish to save natural tooth
It is reasonable to ask what can be left uncovered. Preserving structure helps only when the design also gives the tooth the protection and chewing function it needs.
A painful tooth, a possible crack running deeper or a nerve problem may lead to a different plan. Choosing an onlay never replaces working out why a tooth is sore.
Rebuilding the missing corner
Shaped around what broke
When the tooth is a good candidate, an onlay replaces the lost section and covers the cusps at risk while keeping other areas of the tooth. Its shape can follow the outline of the damage and the way that tooth works against the rest of your bite.
This approach still means preparing the tooth, and it does not suit everyone. Whether the onlay can be bonded or retained well, the material and the amount of sound structure all matter. Ask what the restoration is intended to do and why it is suggested over a crown.
Patient information: Cleveland Clinic — inlays and onlays
Strength across the chewing surface
An onlay can extend over chosen cusps instead of only sitting in a cavity. Your dentist should show which areas it covers and how they relate to the break.
Saving structure, sensibly
Keeping healthy tooth is valuable, yet so is not leaving a weak cusp unprotected. Ask how your design weighs one against the other.
A better fit with neighbouring teeth
The restoration is checked against the teeth beside it and those it bites on. If food has been packing into the broken area or your bite feels uneven, mention it during planning.
What the visits involve
Each step is explained before it happens.
The pattern of appointments depends on how your onlay is made and what the tooth needs. Ask how many visits are planned, whether a temporary restoration will cover the tooth and what might change along the way.
Look at the break and agree on a plan
The dentist examines the fracture, any nearby fillings, your symptoms and your bite, using suitable images or tests. You hear the proposed coverage and alternatives before the tooth is prepared.
Smooth and shape the tooth, then record it
With comfort measures suited to you, the tooth is shaped for the restoration. A record of its form is taken by an appropriate method, and any temporary piece needed in the meantime is explained.
Trial the onlay
Its fit, contact with neighbouring teeth and the way it meets your opposing teeth are checked. You can comment on appearance where it matters, and the dentist decides on any adjustments.
Secure it and check how you bite
The onlay is fixed with a method suited to its material. Your bite and the finished surface are reviewed, and you are given guidance on eating, cleaning and follow-up.
Once the corner is rebuilt
Care for the seams as well as the surface.
The onlay now forms part of your biting surface, but the natural tooth and the margins between them still need attention. Use the instructions from your appointment and report problems that continue or appear later.
Follow the timing for eating
Ask how soon you can chew on that side and whether numbness or the cement used affects the advice. How hard the tooth feels is not a good test of readiness before the team has explained the precautions.
Clean the edges every day
Brush with fluoride toothpaste and clean between the teeth as advised. If the new shape makes flossing harder, ask us to show you a method that works rather than leaving that area out.
Note what caused the break
If you grind, clench or have broken teeth before, tell the dentist so protection can be considered. Report a high bite, new chips or discomfort that lingers.
Broken tooth questions(905) 876-4488
Before you book: answers about onlays
Restorations make more sense when your dentist explains the design for your own tooth. Use these answers to prepare your questions.
A corner of my molar broke but it does not hurt. Can it wait?
A painless break can still leave sharp edges or weakened walls that crack further. Book an assessment soon and avoid chewing hard food on that side. Call promptly if pain, swelling or sensitivity develops.
Can the broken piece be glued back on?
Occasionally a fragment can be reattached, but often it cannot. Keep any piece you find in a clean container and bring it along. The dentist will explain what is possible.
Why not fill the broken corner and be done?
A filling may be enough if the surrounding cusps are strong. When a cusp itself has broken, extra coverage may be needed to support it. Ask which walls are weakened and why that changes the recommendation.
Can an onlay be done if the break is near the gum?
It depends on how far the damage extends and whether the restoration can be sealed and secured well. Deep breaks sometimes call for a different approach. Your dentist can explain what the examination shows.
Which materials are used for onlays?
Several materials exist, including tooth-coloured options. The best one depends on appearance, space, your bite and clinical needs. Ask what suits your design and what limits each material carries.
Could the tooth still need a root canal after an onlay?
Yes. A restoration cannot guarantee the nerve will stay healthy, and the original damage or later changes can affect it. Report new or persistent pain so it can be assessed.
From Burlington to our Milton clinic
Have the broken corner looked at.
Book at our Bronte Street practice to discuss a chipped chewing surface or a repair that has started to fail. We can tell you whether an onlay suits the tooth and compare its coverage, preparation and upkeep with other reasonable choices.
Phone the team about a fresh fracture, strong pain or swelling so we can discuss timing before you set out.
Visit Milton Dental ClinicUnit 1, 342 Bronte St. S, Milton, ON L9T 5B7Get directions
Clinic hours
- Monday–Thursday
- 11am–7pm
- Friday–Sunday
- By appointment only
Areas we serve
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