Is a Dental Inlay the Same as a Filling?

Do you need a dental inlay to repair one of your damaged teeth? Dental inlays are indirect dental restorations, meaning the dentist creates the restoration needed and then places it into the patient's mouth. Inlays are often confused with fillings, which are direct dental restorations, as dental fillings are directly put in the patient's mouth at the time of treatment.

Treating cavities: Dental inlays vs. fillings

Deciding whether a dental inlay or a dental filling is the right cavity treatment is an important decision. While both dental treatments play an important role in keeping dental patients' teeth healthy, dental inlays are the ideal option for treating larger cavities, and dental fillings are an ideal treatment for smaller cavities. The decision on which treatment is necessary is important, as it is possible for too large of a dental filling to weaken a tooth, which is the opposite of what should happen when teeth are treated for decay.

Since dental inlays and fillings are not the same, it is a good idea for patients to understand the difference if they need dental treatment to save one or more of their teeth.

About dental inlays

A dental inlay is a necessary indirect restoration option for patients diagnosed with so much tooth decay that a dental filling is insufficient when repairing the damaged tooth. Treatment involves removing all of the decayed tissue and then making an impression on the tooth so that the dentist can create the inlay for the patient. Once the dental professional creates the inlay, it is cemented into place, allowing the tooth to be durable and strong again.

Dental inlay pros include a durable cavity treatment, as dental inlays tend to last between 20 and 30 years. Dental professionals can also use them as an alternative to dental crown placement for many dental patients. Additionally, because dental inlays are larger than dental fillings, they offer damaged teeth a higher degree of protection.

About dental fillings

A dental filling is a necessary direct restoration option for dental patients who have been diagnosed with any level of tooth decay. Treatment involves removing all decay, which can be performed using a dental drill or a dental laser. After the decay removal, the next step is placing a filling into portions of the tooth where decay was present. Since there are few different material options nowadays for dental fillings, patients have choices, e.g., porcelain, gold, and amalgam.

Dental filling pros include the fact that they can treat cavities in just one dental appointment, and they make the once-decayed tooth healthy again. Dental patients must ensure that their teeth are in good shape, as healthy teeth mean a healthy mouth.

In need of tooth repair?

Now that you have read the above information, you should understand the difference between dental inlays and fillings. To ensure patients obtain and maintain a healthy mouth, they must make the right decisions concerning their dental treatments. To understand which dental restoration process is the right for you, schedule a consultation with our team today.

Request an appointment here: https://www.kennethbauerdds.com or call Kenneth J Bauer DDS & Daniel K Bauer DMD - Kenneth J Bauer DDS, A Professional Corporation at (707) 691-5250 for an appointment in our Santa Rosa office.

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