Inlays are a good solution for teeth that are moderately decayed. They can restore teeth that are cracked and decayed, but not severe enough to need a dental crown.

Reasons to have a dental inlay

• Cosmetic: porcelain can match any tooth colour and can be almost invisible.
• Using porcelain stops any expansion in the cavity due to hot and cold – No bacteria will be able to form in spaces.
• Inlays make teeth 70% stronger.
• Less tooth reduction is needed when preparing the tooth for an Inlay.
• Durability – an inlay can last up to 25 years
• Using an inlay can prevent more extensive restorative work at later stages.

Procedure for Inlays

First Visit

The tooth will be prepared using a fast dental hand piece. This is vital to ensure that all decay is removed and no extra tooth structure will be removed.

All the damaged filling material will also be removed at this point. An impression will be taken of the tooth and your new inlay can be sent off to the technicians to be created. At this point the dentist will place a temporary filling material.

Second Visit

On this visit the dentist will remove the temporary filling material he has placed. The tooth will be cleaned and a clean cavity awaits your new inlay.

The dental inlay will be carefully bonded into the cavity and a light will activate the bonding cement. All excess bonding material will be removed and the tooth cleaned.

The biting surface will be adjusted to ensure an even biting surface Your new inlay will be permanently sealed and you will have a new stronger tooth.