A dental inlay is often necessary for teeth that are in bad shape, whether it be due to cavities or accidental injuries such as cracks or chips. However, among dental restorations, inlays are not the most common type. Most people are familiar with dental fillings or crowns, but general dentists also recommend dental inlays for additional types of problems. Because dental inlays are not as familiar to most people, it is a good idea to review how they work and what the process is like. Ready to learn more?
Dental inlays are indirect dental restorations that are placed in between the cusps of a tooth. They are custom created in a dental lab, which requires patients to visit their dentist's office multiple times throughout the process. Dental inlays are typically made of composite resin or porcelain, depending on the patient's desire and the dentist's recommendation. Both materials can be made to match the patient's original tooth color, which makes for a discreet and aesthetically-pleasing restoration.
During the first appointment, the dentist will numb the treatment area using a local anesthetic, ensuring the patient will feel little to no discomfort. Once the area is numb, the dentist will use a dental drill to remove dental decay from the tooth. If there is a crack or chip in the tooth, the dentist will use a different dental tool to smooth the surface of the tooth.
Then, the dentist will take an impression of the tooth that requires the dental inlay. Then, the impression will be sent off to the dental lab. The dentist will place a temporary seal over the treated tooth to protect it from bacteria while waiting for the permanent inlay.
Once the dental inlay is done, the patient will return to the dental office. The dentist will use dental cement to secure the inlay in place. A follow-up appointment may be required to ensure that the dental inlay fits and works as designed while remaining comfortable and healthy.
Dental inlays are typically recommended when a patient has a cavity that is too large for a dental filling. Additionally, they are recommended when the tooth doesn't have enough surface space for a dental crown to be used. Outside of cavities or tooth decay, dentists recommend inlays for patients that have minor cracks or chips in between the cusps of a tooth.
Would you like to learn more about the dental inlay process? The Pembroke Dental & Spa is here to answer any questions you may have. Reach out to our Pembroke Pines office to learn more or to schedule a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://pembrokedentalspa.com or call Pembroke Dental & Spa at (954) 526-2226 for an appointment in our Pembroke Pines office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry Services in Pembroke Pines, FL.
Besides ourselves, one other person plays a highly important role in maintaining our oral health, our general dentist. You see, the dentist is responsible for much of the work that goes into our mouths, and without them, most of us would be at a loss as to what to do to protect our teeth, tongue,…
We all try our best to look out for our oral health, but the only way to truly keep up with our oral health is with preventative care provided by a general dentist. Brushing and flossing and oral hygiene are important, but there is so much that a dentist does that accounts for keeping us…
Bad breath can feel uncomfortable and embarrassing, even more so when it does not seem to go away. If you are struggling with chronic bad breath, a general dentist can help. Many treatment options are available, some of which take place at home. In this article, we will explore the common causes of bad breath…
Even though dentistry consists of many different services, you might be surprised to learn that many of them are performed by a general dentist. While certain specialists handle certain procedures, a regular dentist takes care of many of the more common or popular services.We have put together our list of the top 5 services offered…