If you have a decayed tooth in need of repair, a dental inlay is one of several restoration options available. Many people are not familiar with inlays and may confuse them with fillings. The confusion is understandable as both inlays and fillings restore a tooth that is damaged due to decay. However, each is appropriate for different situations.
Generally speaking, a filling is appropriate for treating minor cavities. Because a dental inlay requires the removal of more tooth material, it is more appropriate for treating more extensive decay. Dental inlays are also stronger than regular fillings, so they may be more appropriate for treating the molars in the back of the mouth. The molars bear most of the responsibility for chewing food and are therefore subjected to high pressure.
However, there are other factors that go into determining whether you need a filling or a dental inlay. An inlay is only an option if there is sufficient tooth material remaining to support it. For example, if the cavity affects the center of the chewing surface, an inlay may be appropriate. On the other hand, if the damage affects the cusps of the tooth, you may require a filling or another restoration option.
There are several differences between an inlay and a filling. Here are a few of the most significant.
Inlays are more durable than fillings. Consequently, they make your teeth stronger as a result. According to Colgate, inlays make your teeth 75% stronger than they were prior to treatment. By contrast, a filling can actually weaken your teeth, especially if it is very large.
Because inlays are more durable than fillings, they tend to last longer as well. Inlays can last up to 30 years and have a lower failure rate than fillings.
Part of the reason that dental inlays are stronger than fillings is because of the materials that each is made out of. Dental fillings are made out of either a composite acrylic resin or a metal amalgam. Inlays are made out of stronger materials, such as gold or porcelain.
A filling made out of a composite resin resembles a tooth's natural appearance. However, an inlay made of porcelain looks even more natural. Nevertheless, this only applies to materials designed specifically to mimic the appearance of the tooth. Inlays and fillings made of metal do not look natural under any circumstances.
The procedure to place a filling can be completed in a single visit. The dentist removes the decayed tooth material and fills the remaining hole in the tooth with the composite or amalgam, shaping it to fill in the space completely. A dental inlay typically has to be fashioned in a lab, so once the decayed material is removed, an impression is taken of the tooth and sent to the lab to craft an inlay that fits exactly. A temporary inlay is placed in the interim, and once the permanent inlay comes back from the lab, a second appointment is required to cement it in place.
A dental inlay is different from a filling, but both are used to restore teeth with decay.
Request an appointment here: https://www.sacramentosleepdentist.com or call Dental Excellence of Greenhaven at (916) 293-0504 for an appointment in our Sacramento office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Dental Inlay in Sacramento, CA.
As you age, your teeth face challenges from numerous issues. Daily wear from chewing food or stress-related grinding, gum problems from bacteria build-up, and tooth damage from the foods and drinks you consume all play a role in the deterioration of your smile.You and your dentist share a common goal: caring for and preserving your…
Dental inlays might be the right option to treat tooth decay and other damage to your teeth. Leaving these types of issues untreated can be painful and cause more serious problems. Multiple options are available to relieve these conditions, but inlays might be the most effective solution. Your dentist will help you decide which one…
A dental inlay is not as familiar to many people as a filling. Still, this restoration method could be the most effective way to relieve tooth pain and restore your smile. Inlays have many benefits and advantages. You will not see some of these with fillings or other options. It is helpful to understand how…
Many restoration options can help you fix oral health problems and give you a new and improved smile. Restored teeth and a healthy mouth translate to a boost in self-confidence as well as appearance. Not only that, but a healthy mouth also benefits your overall health.Damaged or missing teeth can lower your self-perception and bring…
Scheduling an appointment with a cosmetic dentist helps you get closer to receiving your dream smile. Cosmetic dentists offer various services to address everything you do not like about your teeth. Whether one tooth is causing the problem or all of them, they have what you need.A cosmetic dentist can brighten anyone's natural teeth up…
Considering overdentures? Read on to learn more about this tooth-replacement solution from an implant dentist. Implant overdentures are a great way to replace a section or an entire row of missing teeth. Implant dentists may recommend overdentures for patients who want a permanent and long-term solution to teeth replacement and are capable of going through…