When you have a toothache, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist. You need to push aside oral health because the problems can worsen over time if they are left untreated. Especially if you have a cavity, to stop the damage from spreading, your dentist can implant a dental inlay on the affected tooth. Dental inlay does not only stop the cavity, but it’s also one type of dental cosmetic treatment to enhance your looks and smile.
What is a dental inlay?
A dental inlay is a type of filling that is used to replace a part of a tooth that has been lost to damage or tooth decay. The traditional inlay used to be only made of gold, but then the modern inlays are now made of more tooth-like materials such as ceramics, porcelain or special dental composites.
Inlay vs Crown
Getting either an inlay or crown would have many similarities. Both procedures would entail that the decay would be removed from the tooth so that it could be restored to full health. However, if you get an inlay instead of a crown, it would mean that there is considerably less decay or damage to the afflicted tooth. The procedure to put a crown would entail removing the damaged part of the tooth and also reshaping it to fit its new artificial covering. As for an inlay, only a part of the tooth will have to be replaced by the artificial material.
How to choose an inlay
There are several types of inlays, and they each have their dental purposes and benefits.
Porcelain. This is a newly developed type of inlay, and it is chemically bonded to the tooth underneath when it is connected. This makes it difficult to remove, but then it makes the tooth underneath extremely prone to decay because it is not only cemented but chemically bonded.
Gold. Older dentists would prefer this material because of its strength, but then the color is extremely noticeable.
Composite. The composite material is strong, but then it can easily become discolored over time.
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