Current dentistry is based on tissue conservation. Minimally invasive procedures are gaining momentum since they offer aesthetic benefits in addition to durability and enhanced strength. Dental inlays are one such minimally invasive bonded restoration on vital teeth. These are effective alternatives to regular fillings since they can effectively restore a severely damaged tooth structure.
The dentist in Hollywood, FL, and their team offer state-of-the-art porcelain inlays that are aesthetically appealing and long-lasting.
Porcelain inlays- an introduction
Dental fillings that are fabricated outside the oral cavity and placed within your tooth to restore its form and function are known as inlays. A porcelain inlay is a tooth-colored restoration that is customized based on your oral impressions. These are specialized fillings that do not involve the cusps, like onlays.
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.
Porcelain inlays- use
Dentists often recommend a porcelain inlay for the following:
- Broken or fractured teeth that do not affect the cusps
- Large cavities that cannot be restored by regular fillings
- Cosmetic enhancement of the affected tooth
- Fractured restorations
- Endodontically treated teeth in which the cavity has compromised strength
Porcelain inlays- procedure
Porcelain inlay fabrication is a little tedious due to the extra lab work involved. The procedure is as follows:
First Visit
- Your dentist will evaluate and prepare the affected tooth by excavating the infected tissues.
- The prepared tooth will then be shaped accordingly to ensure the inlay fits the tooth snugly.
- Several highly accurate impressions of your teeth will be recorded and sent to the dental lab.
- Your dentist will select a suitable shade for the inlay according to your natural teeth.
- 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 porcelain inlay will be precisely cemented into your tooth.
- Necessary adjustments will be made to ensure a secure fit between the inlay and your tooth.
Porcelain inlays-benefits
Currently, porcelain inlays are popular dental restorations since they offer the following advantages:
- Blend with your natural teeth
- Are stain-resistant
- Preserve most of the natural tooth structure
- Provide additional 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
Summary
Modern dentistry has come a long way in terms of treatments and tooth maintenance. Porcelain inlays are one among them that help repair a damaged tooth that cannot be remedied by regular fillings. This can greatly enhance your smile and facial profile due to its aesthetic and strength benefits.
