We use dental inlays as a form indirect restoration. Indirect restoration is the process of creating a piece of material outside of the mouth by using previous dental records in order to ensure a snug and comfortable fit within the mouth. Indirect restoration refers to the material being shaped outside of the mouth rather than a short-term fix. While the dental inlay is being created, we may fit you with a temporary piece that will protect your teeth from damage and you from pain. Once the piece has been crafted, we will fit it in your mouth using a durable bonding adhesive. Dental inlays are not for every purpose, but they do make good fixes for restoring a damaged tooth.
Dental inlays are good options for people who have experienced dental damage to teeth due to oral hygiene complications or trauma. The first thing to note about dental inlays is that they are more commonly used in molars than other types of teeth. Inlays can be used to solve only specific instances of tooth degradation.
CRITERIA FOR A DENTAL INLAY
The first criteria we assess when seeing if a patient is eligible for a dental inlay is the quality of the tooth trauma. If trauma to the tooth does not alter the shape or size of the naturally occurring cusps of the teeth, then a dental inlay may be ideal to correct the problem. Second, we may suggest a dental inlay if the tooth has deteriorated a substantial amount and are afraid that the material used when making fillings will not be strong enough to support the tooth. Finally, inlays might be necessary if there is great tooth degradation and we would not be able to support a crown.
If you are considering an inlay, we ask that you consult our office first to know if will be necessary. Inlays should only be used in certain circumstances, and we will be happy to help you decide whether it is the right path for you to take. Please call our office to schedule a consultation today.