Procedure Description:

Made of a strong, natural-looking material, such as porcelain or composite, inlays are used to restore inside the cusps of the tooth. A conservative tooth restoration that requires far less removal of tooth structure than its metal counterpart, an inlay increases tooth strength and provides enduring protection for the tooth.

How It's Done

If a cavity is detected in a dental exam, or if you have a failing metal filling, and the decay is inside the cusp of the tooth, an inlay can be used to restore the tooth to health. The dentist will first take an impression of the tooth, then send the impression to an outside lab. The lab will custom build the inlay to fit the patient's tooth exactly. The patient will be fitted with a temporary inlay in the interim.

When the lab returns the inlay to the dentist, he or she will remove the temporary restoration, and bond the permanent inlay to the tooth. The inlay becomes part of the tooth, splinting it together and making it stronger. There is no space between the inlay and the tooth, ensuring that bacteria can not enter and cause a cavity. The color and shading of the inlay should make the restoration invisible to the naked eye.

Technology:

No advanced technology is necessary to create a porcelain inlay.

Recovery Expectations:

Recovery from the preparation for the temporary inlays as well as the bonding of the final restoration are similar to that of having a cavity filled. The patient may experience some discomfort or tenderness in the area. Ibuprofen can reduce the symptoms.

Complications:

Complications associated with an inlay are few. If the cavity was particularly deep, there is a chance that the doctor may need to perform a root canal. The temporary may also come loose if a patient does not avoid sticky or hard foods, but that can be reseated quickly at the office.

Am I a Candidate:

If you have a cavity within the cusp of your tooth, or if you have a failing metal amalgam in the cusp of your tooth, you are a candidate for an inlay.

Cost:

The cost for an inlay varies with the doctor's training and the cost of the laboratory, but typically ranges from $650 to $1,200.