Dental Inlays
If a tooth has a large cavity it may be advisable, especially for the back teeth, to have an Inlay instead of building up the tooth with Composite, which is achieved by building layers.
An Inlay is made in a laboratory by one of our technicians and can be made from different materials such as porcelain or gold.
An inlay is similar to that of a crown but instead of covering the outside surface of a tooth it is placed within the tooth. The treatment usually takes place over two separate appointments; within the first appointment the tooth structure will be prepared. This will involve removing any damaged or decayed tooth surface. You will be given some local anesthetic to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure.
An Impressions or a mould of the tooth is then taken in order to make the Inlay we will then discuss what shade and material would be most suitable for you.
Once our lab technicians have carefully crafted your Inlay you will then come back for a second appointment to fit the Inlay. On the fitting appointment we will remove the temporary Inlay and fit the permanent Inlay using a strong cement.
Will I require a temporary inlay?
Yes, you will be fitted with a temporary inlay for the time in between the two visits.
How long will an inlay last?
An Inlay can potentially last for decades if looked after correctly. It is important to keep up with regular dental health examinations and have a thorough oral hygiene regime at home to ensure the Inlay and remaining natural tooth is intact.
