Is one of your teeth damaged due to a cavity or fracture? Do you have an old filling that needs to be replaced? Or does the structure of your tooth simply need support? Inlays are a practical solution that provide a less invasive alternative to crowns or root canal treatment.
In this guide, our Montreal dentists explain everything you need to know about dental inlays!
What are dental inlays?
Inlays are used to repair broken teeth, including incisors or molars that have been damaged by a cavity, without relying on a complex procedure or invasive full tooth covering.
This dental treatment is specifically designed for moderate situations where the existing damage is too extensive for a basic filling but does not require the installation of a full dental crown.
If you tend to grind your teeth, your dentist may also recommend an inlay as a preventative measure against fractures. In other cases, an inlay may be recommended as a replacement for a conventional filling.
What is a filled tooth?
A filled tooth refers to a tooth that has been treated to remove a cavity and restored with a filling material, commonly known simply as a “filling.” The filling process involves removing the decayed section of the tooth, cleaning the remaining cavity, and filling it. When filling teeth, dentists use highly durable materials for adults (such as amalgam, composite resin, or gold) and less durable materials for children (such as glass ionomer cement).
Two types of dental inlays: inlays and onlays
Depending on your dental restoration needs, there are two different types of inlays available:
- Inlays: These are particularly useful for restoring teeth with cavities or minor damage. They provide a strong, unobtrusive solution that preserves most of the natural tooth structure.
- Onlays: These are indicated when damage, due to decay or fracture, extends beyond the center of the tooth. Onlays are used when a larger restoration is needed to strengthen the tooth structure and recreate its original shape.
Installing a dental inlay
To have an inlay installed, you usually need to make two visits to your dentist. During the first visit, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing cavities or old fillings as needed. They will then take an accurate impression so the lab can create an inlay or onlay that is tailor-made for an optimal fit. Your new inlay needs to look good and also function perfectly with your other natural teeth.
Between appointments, your dentist will send the impression to a dental laboratory where the inlay will be fabricated from porcelain, composite resin, ceramic, or even gold. Each possible material offers specific benefits in terms of durability, strength, and visual appeal.
A temporary restoration can be placed on your tooth while you wait for the inlay to be made. During the second visit, the inlay will be adjusted and then cemented in place. Now your tooth is restored to its previous shape and function.
Benefits of inlays
Dental inlays offer several advantages over traditional fillings and crowns, including:
- Better durability: Inlays are extremely strong, and they can easily withstand the force of chewing and daily wear and tear.
- Less damage to tooth structure: Inlays require the removal of less of the original tooth tissue than crowns, which means your dentist can preserve more of the natural structure of your tooth.
- An aesthetic advantage: Porcelain and composite resin can be matched exactly to the color of the patient’s teeth, providing a more natural appearance than metal fillings.
- Biocompatibility: Materials like porcelain are biocompatible, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or tooth sensitivity.
Cost of inlays
The cost of a dental inlay can vary greatly. Individual inlay price depends on several factors, including the material used and the complexity of the restoration. Although inlays are generally more expensive than traditional fillings, they offer a more durable solution that will continue to look good over time. Inlays can be a more economical choice in the long run!
Note that many dental insurance plans will cover some of the costs of installing inlays, which reduces the financial burden on the patient. To get an accurate estimate, we recommend consulting your dentist or dental insurance provider directly.
Call Clinique Dentaire 1935 for inlays that will last!
Ignoring a damaged tooth can lead to severe complications that require more complex procedures, such as a crown or root canal. In the most critical situations, it can even lead to tooth loss.
We rely on our expertise and CEREC technology at Clinique Dentaire 1935 à Montréal to offer you just the right treatment to bring back your smile. We’ll listen to what you need and help you decide if an inlay is right for you. Just contact us now to take control of your oral health!