Dental onlay?

[Cocogirl]

My dentist is a new one for me - just went to visit him for the first time last week. I grind in my sleeo and have a broken tooth (tooth #2, i guess) and he suggested an onlay. He said the onlay offered by my insurance is a cheap quality and recommended a "porcelain-cera-3 surf". The only problem is it costs $979!!!

I am happy to shell out the dough as long as I know I am getting what is
a) good quality and will last a long long time
b) at the right price

Since I know nothing about anything dentally related - I just wanted your opinion on the price and quality of what he is suggesting? Is there a big difference in quality between different types of onlays?

Thanks!

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[crazy_sherm]

This forum isn't really for advice on dental procedures, especially since we can't do an actual exam on you. More than likely, a mod will close this thread pretty soon.

If you have questions about what your current dentist is suggesting, either talk it out with him more or get a second opinion. You never HAVE to do anything just because your dentist says so. You always have the option of not doing anything or going somewhere else.

Is there a reason you chose this dentist? Did he come recommended by friends/family/coworkers?

 

[drhobie7]

I am happy to shell out the dough as long as I know I am getting what is
a) good quality and will last a long long time
b) at the right price

Quality largely depends on the dentist's skills, therefore it is impossible to comment on the quality of a restoration that hasn't been done yet. FYI, $1000 for an onlay is within range of usual and customary fees. Last, I think the fact that your dentist is offering an onlay instead of the easier, traditional full coverage crown is encouraging and shows consideration for conservative treatment.

 

[12YearOldKid]

Ultimately it is your decision. But it is very common for the dentist to recommend something that the insurance won't pay for.

Your insurance has one goal and one goal only - that is to make money. If that means that you get a base metal restoration in your mouth that fits poorly and will begin to corrode within a few years then so be it. You are just a number to them. Personally, I would rather pay a few hundred dollars extra for something that will last significantly longer.

Obviously, none of us can see you to know anything about your specific situation, but what your dentist has recommended sounds entirely reasonable.

 

[crazy_sherm]

Your insurance has one goal and one goal only - that is to make money. If that means that you get a base metal restoration in your mouth that fits poorly and will begin to corrode within a few years then so be it. You are just a number to them. Personally, I would rather pay a few hundred dollars extra for something that will last significantly longer.

Problem is the assumption that a ceramic onlay is inherently better than a gold one. Gold has historically been proven to last longer than either amalgam or composite, and is a much more conservative prep than a ceramic onlay. The luting of gold to the prep is also much less technique sensitive since it isn't bonded like ceramic. Being that far back in the mouth, one would be hard pressed to actually see the restoration anyway to demand such a highly aesthetic onlay. I'm actually kinda surprised the OP's insurance covers onlays at all.

 

[drhobie7]

Problem is the assumption that a ceramic onlay is inherently better than a gold one. Gold has historically been proven to last longer than either amalgam or composite, and is a much more conservative prep than a ceramic onlay. The luting of gold to the prep is also much less technique sensitive since it isn't bonded like ceramic. Being that far back in the mouth, one would be hard pressed to actually see the restoration anyway to demand such a highly aesthetic onlay. I'm actually kinda surprised the OP's insurance covers onlays at all.

I think the 12 year old was talking about a low quality metal not gold. We all know gold is the shiznit.

 

[1sanDDS]

You have presumably broken a tooth from grinding in your sleep and a dentist wants to replace that broken tooth with porcelain?????? Because it is better??

Porcelain and tooth structure have high compressive strength and low shear strength. Replacing a tooth that has broken from what appears to be shear -with a material that has a lower shear strength is idiotic.

If the facts of your case are as presented ...

I would RUN to another dentist for a second opinion.

 

[kilani]

We all know gold is the shiznit.

and $680/oz 😀

 

[lgreen_aci]

This forum isn't really for advice on dental procedures, especially since we can't do an actual exam on you. More than likely, a mod will close this thread pretty soon.

If you have questions about what your current dentist is suggesting, either talk it out with him more or get a second opinion. You never HAVE to do anything just because your dentist says so. You always have the option of not doing anything or going somewhere else.

👍

The end.

 

[aphistis]

Closing. If you want a second opinion regarding your treatment, consult another dentist. SDN isn't for soliciting treatment advice.