An inlay is a pre-molded porcelain filling used to correct an extremely damaged tooth. Porcelain Inlays in Honolulu are lab created to perfectly fit in the tooth. Each inlay consists of a single piece of porcelain that is cemented in place. There are many reasons your dentist may recommend an inlay over a traditional filling.
Damage on Biting Surface
The primary function of your teeth is to chew. However, if a tooth has an extensive amount of damage, it may no longer be strong enough to withstand chewing. Porcelain Inlays in Honolulu are often indicated if the damage extends throughout the biting surface of a tooth.
Inlays are only used on biting surfaces. If the damages crosses over to the cusp of the tooth, an onlay or a crown may be recommended. Once in place, the patient should be able to chew their favorite foods with ease.
Too Much Damage for a Filling
While fillings are the primary treatment for cavities, there are times when a filling isn’t enough. If the damage is so widespread that a large amount of tooth structure has to be removed, a typical filling may actually weaken the tooth. To prevent the tooth from cracking later on, the dentist may suggest an inlay.
Since inlays are made out of a single piece of porcelain, there’s no worry of the inlay itself breaking apart. Once in place, it will completely fill the hole and make the tooth stronger. Teeth that are treated with inlays function like normal.
Tooth Can’t Support a Dental Crown
It’s very common to cover a damaged tooth with a dental crown. In order to place a crown, the tooth must be thoroughly prepared. This involves reshaping the tooth down to a small nub. If the biting surface of the tooth is fractured, however, it may be too weak to support a crown.
If the dentist tries to cover an already weakened tooth with a crown, they risk the tooth breaking even more. The crown is likely to fail. To avoid this, the dentist will instead try to save the tooth with a porcelain inlay.
Only a dentist can determine if a tooth should be treated with a traditional filling, dental crown or an inlay. A damaged tooth should be examined as soon as possible. Click Here if your smile could benefit from restoration dentistry.
