A dental inlay is a restoration for teeth that are cracked, worn down, or have cavities. A dentist will remove the decayed portion of your tooth and replace it with an inlay bonded to your natural tooth structure. The dentist can also use metal alloys like gold, silver, platinum, or palladium to create the inlay material, depending on what you prefer. With this treatment option, you will continue to have normal chewing function and an improved appearance! For more information about dental inlays, make sure to keep reading below!
Types of inlays and how they are used
There are three different types of inlays. The first is an indirect inlay which can be used if the dentist wants to preserve more tooth structure but still needs to restore the shape or strength of a broken down molar, pre-molars, or canines. This type replaces only part of the tooth and leaves most of it intact instead of making one large filling as traditional fillings do.
The second kind is known as a direct core build-up used to strengthen the core of a tooth that has been severely weakened by decay. This method gives you back an extremely strong restoration, one that can hold up against multiple chewing forces and last for many years.
The third type is also known as a direct inlay build-up or, even better known as a complete crown because it takes the place of a broken down tooth entirely. This is used to repair severely decayed teeth, have been cracked or have large fillings that cannot be repaired with onlays.
Who can benefit most from dental inlays?
Dental inlays are a great option for anyone who has a too weak or decayed tooth to hold up any form of restoration. People with teeth that have been cracked, chipped, and weakened by decay can benefit from this type because they cannot carry the weight of traditional fillings but still need their teeth repaired. They also make good candidates for dental implants, which require healthy teeth next to them to function properly.
If you've been considering a dental inlay, be sure to contact our office. We can answer any questions or schedule a consultation with one of our dentists who specialize in this treatment plan.
A dental inlay is a restoration for teeth that are cracked, worn down, or have cavities. A dentist will remove the decayed portion of your tooth and replace it with an inlay bonded to your natural tooth structure. The dentist can also use metal alloys like gold, silver, platinum, or palladium to create the inlay material, depending on what you prefer. With this treatment option, you will continue to have normal chewing function and an improved appearance! For more information about dental inlays, make sure to keep reading below!