What is dental inlay?

The dental inlay restores the chewing surface of the tooth. This type of restoration used to repair rear teeth with mild to moderate decay or cracked and fractured teeth that are not damaged enough for a porcelain crown.

Firstly, the dentist creates an impression of the tooth and send it to the laboratory, where the dental inlay will be made, using the specifications of the tooth that needs restoration. The porcelain the laboratory uses to create the dental inlay, will match the shade of the patient’s teeth.

Dental inlay is applicable, when it is not necessary to cover the entire chewing surface, while onlay covers one or more cups or the entire biting surface of the tooth. Inlay fills the space between the cusps, at the center of the tooth’s surface. It has a great advantage that it can be safely secured, it protects the remaining dental tissues and also helps to restore the original shape of the tooth.

You need to care your dental inlay the same way you care for your natural teeth. Preserving and controlling oral hygiene is possible with the help of proper tooth brushing technique, soft toothbrush, flossing and regular dental check-up (half yearly).