If your dentist or dental hygienist finds tooth decay or other damage in your mouth that requires restoration, you may wonder what kind of covering will go over your tooth once the damage is repaired. A dental inlay is an excellent option. Let’s go over what inlay restoration is and what sets it apart from other tooth restorations.
What is an Inlay Restoration?
An inlay restoration is a custom-made filling that goes into the grooves of your tooth in question. Inlay restorations are most commonly used as restoration for large fillings or fractured fillings, broken or fractured teeth, decayed teeth, and as a cosmetic enhancement.
An inlay restoration is a pretty simple process. Your dentist will numb the damaged area and then drill into the affected tooth in order to clean out decay. Once it is cleaned, the dentist will take an impression of the top crevice area of the affected tooth and send it to a lab. Then, a dental inlay will be created out of composite material, gold, or tooth-colored porcelain. The inlay will provide near invisible dental restoration.
Dental inlays are much more durable than regular fillings. The material that inlays are made of also comes with significant benefits compared to traditional filings. According to the Journal of Dental Health, Oral Disorders & Therapy, metal fillings can actually weaken tooth strength by as much as 50%. On the other hand, Inlays and made of porcelain and composite materials can increase tooth strength up to 75% and last between ten and 30 years.
If you think you may be a good candidate for an inlay restoration, or you’d like to talk more about the procedure, contact your local dentist.
Need a dental in the Long Beach, CA area? Dr. Stephen Coates and his dental team are ready to help! Call us now to book an appointment at 562-434-6414 or request an appointment here.