Among all the dental problems, tooth decay is the most prevalent problem suffered by different age groups globally. Your dentist will promptly aim at eliminating the infection and restoring the tooth to its original form and structure. However, you may suffer extensive tooth decay that may not be restored through regular fillings. In such cases, your dentist may opt for a dental inlay.
The family dentist in Lakeview, Chicago specializes in porcelain inlays that are durable in restoring your decayed tooth with superior aesthetics.
What is a porcelain inlay?
A porcelain inlay is a type of tooth-colored dental restoration that is fabricated indirectly with the help of a model. Dental technicians create a model that is fabricated from oral impressions to design an appropriate inlay restoration.
Porcelain inlays are excellent alternatives to conventional silver and composite fillings. This is because they are aesthetically superior, do not involve extensive tooth preparation, and preserve most of the natural tooth structure.
Why do you need a porcelain inlay?
A porcelain inlay is usually recommended for the following conditions:
- Broken or fractured teeth that do not affect the cusps of your teeth
- Large cavities that cannot be restored by regular fillings
- Cosmetic rejuvenation of the tooth
- Fracture of existing restorations
How do dentists restore the tooth with an inlay?
Fabricating a porcelain inlay usually requires two visits due to the extra lab work involved.
First Visit
- Your dentist will evaluate the affected tooth and do the necessary tooth preparation by removing the infected tissues.
- The prepared tooth will then be shaped and contoured to ensure the inlay fits the tooth snugly.
- Several highly accurate impressions of your teeth will be recorded and sent to the lab.
- An appropriate shade will be selected for the inlay that matches your natural tooth.
- Meanwhile, your dentist will provide a temporary filling to protect your prepared tooth from reinfection, and increased sensitivity.
Second Visit
- After about a week, your new inlay will be precisely cemented into your tooth
- Your dentist will make necessary adjustments so that the inlay fits the tooth well
What are the benefits of a porcelain inlay?
Porcelain inlays offer several benefits. They:
- Blend with your natural teeth
- Are stain-resistant
- Save you from extensive dental procedures like root canal therapy and crowns
- Preserve most of the natural tooth structure
- Provide adequate strength to your teeth to withstand the masticatory forces and pressure
- Are cost-effective restorations
- Are durable and long-lasting
- Can effectively restore a failed dental filling that is prone to fracture
Final note
Porcelain inlays are valuable restorative procedures. Opting for these restorations may be the best choice due to their aesthetic superiority, high strength, and durability with a longer life span.
