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 Valley Harvest Dental Care is here to answer any questions you may have. Reach out to our Napa office to learn more or to schedule a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://valleyharvestdentalcare.com or call Valley Harvest Dental Care at (707) 690-6090 for an appointment in our Napa office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Inlay in Napa, CA.
A general dentist is the dental equivalent of a primary care physician. A general dental professional is the person dental patients can go to for routine preventative care and diagnosis of any oral health problems. There are multiple benefits to establishing a relationship with a general dentist.Maintaining oral health is important for both the health…
A general dentist may recommend a mouthguard to protect the teeth from damage that can occur from teeth grinding, sports injuries, or physically strenuous jobs. Grinding can be difficult to treat, but a patient can be helped by a thin mouthguard on the upper or lower teeth to prevent friction from occurring. Other types of…
Braces come with many benefits for patients, but one disadvantage that a general dentist may point out is staining. Stains are not an unavoidable result of having braces on for long periods of time. However, braces can make it harder to thoroughly clean teeth on a regular basis, which can eventually lead to stains. Here…
Among the most common dental problems that a general dentist treats are cavities. Most people will experience this form of tooth decay at some point due to:Dry mouthSugary foods and drinksPoor oral hygieneGeneticsThere are several types of cavities, and each can lead to complications without prompt treatment.A general dentist first considers a cavity's location when…