When damage to one or more cusps compromises a tooth's structure, a dental onlay rebuilds it to its optimal shape, appearance, and function. If the tooth's structure is weak and could crack if filled with traditional filling material, your Dr. May recommend an Onlay. This treatment helps to restore optimal shape and function while saving as much of the natural tooth as possible. At the first appointment, a numbing agent is applied to the area and your tooth is prepared to make room for the Onlay. Then using an intraoral scanner, the prepared tooth is imaged to aid in the design of the final onlay. The images and information are sent to a dental laboratory where an expert technician will fabricate your custom onlay. A temporary is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it while you wait for the custom onlay to be made. When your permanent onlay is ready, your doctor removes the temporary, makes final adjustments, bonds it into place, and smooths any rough spots. Once completed, your tooth is restored to optimal strength, function, and appearance.