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We all know what a filling is for a tooth, but have you heard of dental inlays? Dental inlays are larger than a filling but smaller than a crown and are used primarily on the surface of the tooth rather than the tradition filling which drills into a tooth and then filled with a non corrosive substance protecting the internal structure from further damage. A dental inlay on the other hand, restores the surface area of a decayed tooth without the long invasive drilling.

Dental inlays are a more beneficial treatment of tooth decay when that decay is localized to the surface of the tooth. An inlay is cemented to the cusps of the chewing surface and requires no drilling.

There are two types of dental inlays, indirect and indirect, and are they are made with composite resins, which is a type of plastic, ceramics or gold. Dental inlays can last for years as long as the patient maintains regular dental hygiene and care.

Direct inlays can be molded, fitted and hardened right in the dentist’s office. A composite substance is molded over the tooth, after the decayed part of the tooth is removed.

The mold is then removed and hardened in a special kind of oven. It is then cemented onto the tooth and polished. Some adjustments to the fitting can be made by the dentist in order to ensure a perfect fit.

Indirect inlays are similar to direct inlays but are sent out of the office for the actual construction of the inlay after the patient is given a temporary filling.

The benefit of an indirect inlay is the type of construction materials that can be used, but it does require at least a second visit to the dentist.

Dental inlays are a great alternative to traditional and invasive filling procedures as long as the tooth decay is localized to the surface of the tooth, but they still require regular maintenance and proper dental hygiene to extend the life of the dental inlay.

Speak with your dentist about this option during your visit and find out if this procedure is appropriate; you will be pleased with the result if you do.