Dr. Nix will sometimes recommend an inlay restoration for his patients. Inlays are a custom made restoration made of tooth-colored composite, gold, or tooth-colored porcelain. An Inlay is contructed by a professional dental laboratory and is permanently bonded into the tooth by your dentist.
Inlays can be utilized to conservatively repair teeth that have large defective fillings or have been damaged by decay or trauma. Inlays are an ideal alternative to conventional silver and composite fillings. Also, they are more conservative than crowns because less tooth structure is removed in the preparation of inlays.
As with most dental restorations, inlays are not always permanent and may someday require replacement. They are highly durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful long lasting smile.
Reasons for inlay restorations:
How does an Inlay differ from a composite filling?
Inlays are a superior product when compared to a composite filling. Inlays are lab processed, which makes them stronger and when bonded into the tooth gives you a better fitting restoration that will last longer than a filling. Because of this, Inlays also cost significantly more that routine fillings.
Inlays are, most of the time, constructed in a laboratory and then cemented into your tooth at a second appointment. A dentist can construct an inlay in his own in-office lab, but this takes special equipment, so most dentists choose to send the inlay to an outside laboratory.
The composite filling is placed directly into the tooth at the first appointment. You can tell if you're only getting a filling , and NOT an inlay, if the dentist does NOT take an impression of the opening he has made in your tooth, but simply places the filling after he prepares (grinds) the tooth. Without this impression he cannot fabricate an inlay!
Beware of those who place routine fillings and call them Inlays.
What does getting an inlay involve?
An inlay procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate impressions (molds) that will be used to create your custom inlay and a temporary restoration.
While the tooth is numb, the dentist will remove any decay and/or old filling materials. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared, shaping the surface to properly fit an inlay restoration. A temporary filling will be applied to protect the tooth while your inlay is made by a dental laboratory.
At your second appointment your new inlay will be carefully and precisely cemented into place. A few adjustments may be necessary to ensure a proper fit and that your bite is comfortable.
You will receive care instruction at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, a proper diet, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new inlay.