What is an inlay?
A dental inlay is a type of dental restoration used to repair a tooth with mild to moderate decay or damage, which doesn't warrant using a crown.
Unlike fillings, which are moulded into place during a single visit, inlays are fabricated in a dental lab and then cemented or bonded to the tooth during a later visit.
Inlays are not very common anymore because dental filling materials have improved significantly over time and most well-skilled dentists can place long-lasting fillings which are cheaper and quicker than inalys.
Key facts about inlays
Materials: Dental inlays are made from various materials, including gold, composite resin, or porcelain. The choice of material often depends on the location of the tooth, aesthetic considerations, and cost.
Procedure: The process usually involves two dental visits. In the first visit, the dentist prepares the tooth by removing decay and then takes an impression of the tooth, which is sent to a dental lab. A temporary inlay might be placed on the tooth. The permanent inlay is fitted and bonded to the tooth in the second visit.
Durability and Aesthetics: Dental inlays are known for their durability and can last longer than traditional fillings. Porcelain and composite inlays can be matched to the tooth's colour, making them a more aesthetically pleasing option than gold.
Use: Inlays are ideal for restoring a tooth’s chewing surface and are typically used when the damage is not extensive enough to require an entire crown but the cavity is too deep or large to place a good quality filling.
Advantages: Inlays provide a superior fit and are more durable and longer-lasting than traditional fillings. They are less likely to discolour over time and can offer a better seal against bacteria in deep cavities.
Limitations: Inlays can be more expensive than regular fillings and require more than one dental visit. Inlays will also require more natural tooth tissue removal than a filling.
Dental inlays are an effective and aesthetically pleasing way to restore a tooth's structure and function while preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible.
What’s the procedure for a dental inlay?
In most dental practices, an inlay will require two appointments. Some clinics have access to on-site labs or milling machines and can make the inlay on the same day.
Appointment 1 - Preparation of the tooth
Your dentist will:
Provide you with local anaesthetic to make sure your tooth is numb
Remove the existing fillings or decay in your teeth
Prepare the tooth for the inlay; this means drilling the tooth to the correct height and shape for the inlay
Take an impression or a digital scan of your tooth to send to the lab
Place a temporary inlay in the tooth
The temporary inlay will ensure you don’t experience too much discomfort between your appointments. Your dentist will advise you about any specific measures you need to take to look after the temporary inlay, depending on the material they have used.
Appointment 2 - Fitting the inlay
Your dentist will:
Numb the tooth
Remove the temporary inlay
Check the fit of the inlay and adjust it as required
Glue the inlay into place
Polish away any sharp areas on the inlay
Adjust the inlay to make sure you are biting on the tooth properly
Aftercare and maintenance of inlays
Immediately after the treatment
There may be some discomfort around the tooth due to the nature of the work. Slight sensitivity and aching are typical for a few days after having an inlay fitted as the tooth underneath settles. If this ache worsens or the sensitivity remains after one week, contact your dentist, who may need to check that the inlay is fitted correctly.
Cleaning the inlay
You must take good care in cleaning your inlay. Regular brushing alongside flossing and interdental brushing is essential to stop bacteria from getting trapped at the edges of the inlay and causing decay.
Routine check-ups
Your dentist will inspect the inlay every year during your routine checkups and will take x-rays regularly to ensure no decay starts around the edges of the inlay.
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