Dental Inlays: When a Filling Isn’t Enough
Sometimes a tooth needs more support than a traditional filling can provide, but enough healthy tooth structure remains that a full dental crown may not be necessary. A dental inlay is a custom-made restoration that fits precisely within the damaged portion of a tooth to restore strength, function and appearance.
A dental inlay is a custom-made restoration used to repair damage or decay within the chewing surface of a tooth. It fits inside the raised cusps of the tooth and may be considered when the area is too large for a conventional filling but does not require the more extensive coverage of a crown.
Why Would I Need an Inlay Instead of a Filling?
For a small or moderate area of decay or damage, a traditional filling may be all that’s needed. As the amount of missing or weakened tooth structure increases, however, a larger filling may not always provide the best restorative solution.
An inlay is made specifically to fit the prepared area of the tooth. Depending on the condition of the tooth, it can provide an alternative between a direct filling and a full-coverage crown.
An inlay may be considered when a tooth has:
An area of decay too extensive for a smaller filling
A large or failing existing filling
Damage within the chewing surface of the tooth
Enough healthy structure remaining that a full crown may not be necessary
What’s the Difference Between an Inlay and a Crown?
The biggest difference is how much of the tooth the restoration covers.
An inlay fits within the chewing surface of the tooth and generally preserves more of the tooth’s outer structure.
A crown covers most or all of the visible portion of the prepared tooth and is generally considered when the tooth needs more extensive protection.
Dr. Christine Chin evaluates how much healthy tooth structure remains, where the tooth is damaged and the forces placed on the tooth when you bite before recommending one restoration over another.
What’s the Difference Between an Inlay and an Onlay?
Inlays and onlays are closely related restorations, but they cover different amounts of the tooth.
An inlay generally fits within the cusps—the raised portions of the chewing surface. An onlay extends farther and covers one or more of those cusps when additional tooth structure needs protection.
Which restoration is appropriate depends on the location and extent of the damaged or weakened tooth structure.
Will a Dental Inlay Look Natural?
Tooth-colored inlays can be designed to blend with the surrounding natural tooth. The restoration is made to fit the prepared area closely while restoring the tooth’s shape and chewing surface.
Different restorative materials may be appropriate depending on the tooth, its location, your bite and the amount of tooth structure being restored.
Dr. Chin can explain which material she recommends for your particular situation and why.
What Happens When I Get a Dental Inlay?
Treatment begins by evaluating the tooth and determining whether an inlay is an appropriate restoration.
If treatment proceeds, local anesthetic may be used for comfort while decay, damaged tooth structure or an old restoration is removed as needed. The tooth is then carefully prepared for the new restoration.
An impression or digital record may be used to create an inlay designed specifically for the prepared tooth. Depending on how the restoration is made, a temporary restoration may be placed while the final inlay is being completed.
When the final restoration is ready, Dr. Chin checks its fit and your bite before it is securely bonded or cemented into place.
Does Getting an Inlay Hurt?
Local anesthetic can be used while the tooth is being prepared to help keep treatment comfortable.
Some temporary sensitivity or tenderness can occur after restorative dental treatment. Your dental team will explain what to expect and when you should contact the office if something doesn’t feel right.
How Long Does a Dental Inlay Last?
Dental inlays are designed to be durable, but like fillings, crowns and other restorations, they do not last forever.
Their lifespan can be influenced by the condition of the underlying tooth, the material used, your bite, grinding or clenching habits, oral hygiene and the forces placed on the restoration.
Regular dental examinations allow Dr. Chin to monitor both the restoration and the tooth supporting it.
Do I Need an Inlay, Filling or Crown?
You shouldn’t have to figure that out on your own.
The appropriate restoration depends on how much of the tooth is damaged, where that damage is located, the strength of the remaining tooth structure and how the tooth functions in your bite.
Dr. Chin can show you what she sees, explain the available options and recommend the level of restoration appropriate for your tooth.
Restorative Dental Care Near Beaverton
Cedar Hills Dental Care has cared for more than 10,000 smiles since 1986. Dr. Christine Chin brings more than 35 years of dental experience to evaluating damaged teeth and helping patients choose an appropriate restorative option while preserving healthy tooth structure whenever possible.
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This information is intended for general dental education and is not a substitute for an examination or individualized dental advice.