An inlay restoration is a custom made filling made of composite material, gold, or tooth-colored porcelain. Porcelain inlays are popular because they resemble your natural tooth. A porcelain inlay is can usually be comleted in one visit in our office through the use of CAD/CAM computer imaging technology. 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/mercury amalgam and composite fillings. They are more conservative than crowns because less tooth structure is removed in the preparation of inlays.
Unlike a traditional filling, your inlay restoration is fabricated outside of your mouth and then bonded to your tooth. Because the inlay is formed outside of your mouth, we can form it under controlled conditions that will achieve a much stronger restoration.
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:
What does inlay treatment involve?
In our office, an inlay procedure usually requires one appointment.
While your tooth is numb, we remove all decay and/or old filling materials. The resultant space is then cleaned and carefully prepared, shaping the surface to properly support an inlay restoration. A highly accurate 3-dimensional digital image is then recorded. We design your inlay using the latest in CAD/CAM computer technology. Then inlay is milled from a block of extremely dense porcelain matched to the color of your tooth. Upon completion, your porcelain inlay is bonded to the remaining structure of your tooth resulting in an extremely stong, durable, and good-looking restoration.
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.
Be sure to view our video presentation under: Dentistry on Video/ Crowns, Bridges, and CEREC.