Learn about Dental Onlay Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Dental Onlay and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Dental Onlay

A dental onlay is a custom-made, indirect restoration used to repair a moderately damaged or decayed tooth that is too extensive for a simple filling but does not require a full dental crown. Fabricated in a dental laboratory from durable materials like porcelain, composite resin, or gold, an onlay is precisely bonded to the tooth, covering one or more of its cusps (the pointed parts). This conservative procedure preserves more of the natural tooth structure compared to a crown, as it only replaces the damaged portion. It restores the tooth's function, shape, and strength while providing a natural-looking, long-lasting solution that seamlessly blends with your smile.

Key Highlights

    Preserves more healthy natural tooth structure than a full crown.Provides exceptional strength and durability for chewing.Offers a precise, custom fit and a natural-looking aesthetic.Long-lasting solution with proper oral hygiene.Helps prevent further damage or fracture to the compromised tooth.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Moderate to large cavities or decay that is too extensive for a standard filling.
  • A fractured tooth where the damage does not extend below the gum line.
  • To restore a tooth with a large, old filling that is failing or has recurrent decay.
  • To replace a worn-down cusp or biting surface.
  • To strengthen a tooth that is structurally weakened but not enough to require a crown.

How to prepare

  • Initial consultation and examination, including X-rays, to assess the tooth.
  • Discussion of treatment plan, material options (e.g., porcelain, composite), and anesthesia.
  • First visit: Administration of local anesthesia to numb the area.
  • Removal of all decayed or damaged tooth structure.
  • Taking an impression (mold) or digital scan of the prepared tooth.
  • Placement of a temporary onlay to protect the tooth while the permanent one is fabricated in the lab.

Risks & possible complications

  • Sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure, which usually subsides.
  • Risk of damage to the tooth's nerve (pulp), potentially requiring root canal therapy.
  • Allergic reaction to materials used (rare).
  • Chipping or fracture of the onlay material, especially with hard foods.
  • Debonding or loosening of the onlay over time.
  • Recurrent decay at the margins if oral hygiene is not maintained.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Numbness wears off in a few hours; avoid chewing on that side until it does.
  • The permanent onlay is bonded at a second appointment, typically 1-2 weeks later.
  • Minor sensitivity is common for a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
  • Avoid very hard, sticky, or chewy foods on the restored tooth for the first 24-48 hours.
  • Maintain excellent oral hygiene with brushing and flossing.
  • Attend regular dental check-ups to ensure the onlay remains in good condition.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient procedure)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 1-2 days for initial sensitivity; full adaptation within a week

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering dental onlay in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for dental onlay compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 88 – USD 275 0 days (outpatient procedure) ~ 1-2 days for initial sensitivity; full adaptation within a week Know More
Turkey USD 656 – USD 2,049 0 days (outpatient procedure) ~ 1-2 days for initial sensitivity; full adaptation within a week Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

Sara Ali, a 35-year-old graphic designer,...

Sara Ali, a 35-year-old graphic designer, had always been self-conscious about her smile due to several large, discolored silver fillings from her teenage years. The one on her upper first molar had begun to cause trouble, trapping food and feeling rough along the edges. During a routine check-up, her dentist noted the filling was failing and decay was starting at the margin. Sara was adamant she did not want another metal filling or a crown that would require removing more healthy tooth. Her dentist suggested a tooth-colored composite or porcelain onlay, explaining it would remove only the decayed and filled portion, conserve her healthy enamel, and be indistinguishable from her natural tooth. Sara felt hopeful for the first time about fixing the tooth. The process was meticulous. The dentist used a shade guide to match her natural tooth color perfectly. The preparation was minimal, and a digital scan created a model for the lab. The temporary phase was slightly uncomfortable, but when the final porcelain onlay was placed, Sara was thrilled. The recovery was effortless. The outcome was transformative, not just functionally, but aesthetically. The tooth looked seamless. Emotionally, Sara moved from embarrassment and dread to empowerment and joy. Addressing the dental issue also resolved a long-standing source of self-consciousness, giving her a more confident, pain-free smile.

Dental surgeons for Dental Onlay

Explore experienced dental surgeons who regularly perform dental onlay and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Jagdish Kumar
  • 31 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

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Dr. Sonia Khorana
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

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Dr. Gaurav Walia
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

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Dr. J BRAHMAJI RAO
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad

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Dr. Harsh Mohan Pathak
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

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Dr. Komal Meena
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital,, Faridabad

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Dr. Riya Achamma Daniel
  • 4 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

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Dr. G Priyadharshini
  • 4 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

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Dr. Suvango Chakraborty
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

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Dr. Payel Karmakar De
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

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Dr. Arpitha
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

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Dr. Supriya Nambiar
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore

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Dr. Hephzibah Ghatge
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

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Dr. Pritham N Shetty
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Rajarshi Banerjee
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata

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Dr. Pragya Kaul
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

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Dr. Chandra Shekar L
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Ravinder Vurakaranam
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 600
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Sumit Agrawal
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Siliguri, Siliguri

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Dr. Vandana Daga
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

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