Are You a Candidate for Inlays?

When you have a cavity, you probably assume you’ll need a filling. However, that’s only one way to treat damage or decay in a permanent tooth.

Dr. Emmanuel Aguilar and his staff at American Dental Clinic offer cutting-edge restorative treatments designed to repair damaged, broken, or missing teeth. If you have a cavity, you could be a candidate for a cosmetic treatment called an inlay.

What sets an inlay apart

Inlays serve a similar purpose to a traditional dental filling. They both repair tooth damage by filling a hole or gap in your tooth’s surface. But they’re very different treatments.

When you get a filling, your dentist applies tooth-colored material inside the hole in your tooth and hardens it with a special light. An inlay, on the other hand, comes pre-molded specifically to your tooth. 

To custom-make restoration, we take an impression of your tooth. This process gives an inlay a barely visible appearance, making it a natural-looking cosmetic restoration.

When to consider an inlay

Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to repair tooth decay or damage. For example, a filling can repair any part of a cracked, worn, or broken tooth. Sometimes, however, severe decay or weakness can require more extensive protection, like a crown that completely covers the visible portion of the tooth.

Inlays also serve a specific purpose. This restoration fits into the grooves of a tooth, but it doesn’t extend beyond the tips (cusps). If you have decay on that area, or the biting surface of your tooth, an onlay could provide better solutions. These custom-made treatments are similar to inlays, but they extend over the tips of a tooth.

We might recommend an inlay for a variety of reasons, such as when:

• Cracks, chips, or decay don’t affect the cusp
• Damage requires a large filling that could weaken the tooth
• Decay or damage doesn’t require a crown

The only way to determine if an inlay is right for you is to schedule a comprehensive evaluation with us.

What to expect when getting an inlay

If we find that you're a good candidate for an inlay, the process is simple and straightforward.

During your first appointment, we prepare your tooth by removing any bacteria and decay. This process is painless because we apply a local anesthetic to numb your teeth and gums. And, if you have dental anxiety, we also offer sedation dentistry to keep you relaxed every step of the way.

After cleaning your tooth, we take an impression and send it to our in-house lab.

At your next visit, we use dental cement to secure your custom-made inlay into place, which usually takes less than 90 minutes.

Are you ready to see if you’re a good candidate for an inlay? Schedule your appointment at American Dental Clinic today. Don’t let gum disease progress.