What Is A Dental Onlay? A Look Into Why Many Patients May Not Have Heard About This Restorative Dental Option

While you have heard of many dental restorations available to you in the San Diego, California, area, certain terms may remain unfamiliar. One such treatment that many patients of Dr. Sanjay Dhir and the team at Dhir Dentistry are often unfamiliar with is the onlay. Despite being a beneficial and effective dental restoration option, onlays remain relatively unknown to many of Dr. Dhir’s patients. Why is that? Let’s take a look!

Limited Exposure 

Unlike more commonly discussed dental treatments such as fillings, crowns, or braces, onlays often receive limited exposure in public discourse. Popular media and educational materials focus on more prevalent dental procedures, leaving onlays in the shadows. As a result, patients may not come across this term in their everyday conversations or media consumption.

Confusion with Other Restorations

The terminology surrounding dental restorations can be confusing for individuals not familiar with the field. Patients might have heard about fillings, inlays, and crowns but may not necessarily distinguish onlays from these terms. This lack of clarity contributes to the lack of recognition of onlays as a distinct and valuable dental treatment.

Traditionally Less Common

Historically, onlays were less commonly employed than other dental restorations, such as fillings or crowns. This lower prevalence may have led to reduced awareness among both patients and the general public. However, advancements in dental technology and a growing emphasis on conservative and minimally invasive dentistry have increased the prominence of onlays in recent years.

Minimal Patient Involvement in Treatment Decisions

Patients are more likely to be aware of dental procedures they actively participate in or have a say in. With onlays, dentists often recommend them based on clinical assessments, and patients may not be as engaged in the decision-making process compared to more elective or cosmetic procedures.

Focus on Prevention Over Restoration

Dental education and awareness campaigns often emphasize preventive measures such as regular cleanings, fluoride treatments, and early detection of issues. While onlays are essential to restorative dentistry, the emphasis on prevention and more recognizable treatments may overshadow the discussion around restorative options like onlays.

To learn more about dental onlays, please call Dhir Dentistry today at (858) 358-5801.

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