Inlay
What Is a Dental Inlay? (And When Do You Actually Need One?)
Here's a scenario we see every day: you've just been told that old, large filling from college isn't cutting it anymore, but the good news is you don't need a full crown. Enter the dental inlay—the custom-fit restoration that saves the day (and your tooth).
Think of an inlay as a custom-made puzzle piece that fits perfectly into the chewing surface of your tooth. Unlike a basic filling that's packed and shaped directly in your mouth, an inlay is fabricated as a single, solid piece of high-strength ceramic or composite in a lab. It's the difference between an off-the-rack suit and a custom-tailored one; both work, but the custom fit is far superior in form and function.
The Real Reason Inlays Matter
Let's cut through the dental jargon. You need an inlay when a cavity or old filling is too big for a regular filling to handle reliably, but not so big that the tooth requires the full 360-degree protection of a crown.
The Large Filling Dilemma
When more than half of a tooth's biting surface is filled with traditional filling material, every time you chew, that filling acts like a wedge. Over time, this constant pressure can literally split the tooth. We see it constantly—patients who have had large fillings for 10-15 years come in with a cracked tooth that now needs a more expensive crown, or worse.
The Inlay Solution
An inlay is designed to work with your tooth, not against it. Because it is a solid, bonded piece of ceramic, it actually reinforces the tooth structure, holding it together rather than pushing it apart. It’s like custom-fit armor for the most vulnerable part of your tooth.
What to Expect: The Inlay Journey
Most inlays are a two-visit process, though same-day options are available with CEREC technology.
- Visit One: The Foundation. We remove all the old filling material and decay, then take a highly detailed digital impression of your tooth. You'll leave with a temporary filling that protects the tooth while our lab fabricates your custom inlay.
- Visit Two: The Transformation. This is when the magic happens. Your new, custom inlay is permanently bonded into place. The bonding process is crucial—when done correctly, the inlay and your tooth become one unified, incredibly strong structure.
Real Talk: What This Means for Your Wallet
Let's address the elephant in the room: cost. Yes, an inlay costs significantly more than a large filling. But here’s the long-term math most dentists don't break down for you:
- The False Economy of a Large Filling: A large filling may cost less upfront, but its shorter lifespan and high risk of causing the tooth to fracture often lead to needing a much more expensive crown down the road.
- The Inlay Investment: An inlay costs more initially, but it is designed to last for 20-30 years. It's an investment in avoiding much bigger problems (and expenses) in the future.
Making Your Inlay Last (Almost) Forever
The junction where your inlay meets your tooth is microscopic, but it's the most important part of the restoration. Excellent home care is the key to longevity.
- Brush the Margins: Angle your toothbrush 45 degrees toward your gumline to ensure you are cleaning that critical seam where the inlay meets the tooth.
- Floss Like You Mean It: Don't just pop the floss between your teeth. Wrap it in a "C-shape" around the tooth and clean up and down along the sides.
- Wear Your Night Guard: If you grind your teeth, a night guard is your inlay's best friend. It's a small investment that prevents the extreme forces of grinding from damaging your restoration.
Here's what we want you to remember:
A dental inlay is a superior, long-term solution for restoring a tooth with a large cavity. It is stronger, more durable, and actually reinforces your tooth in a way that a large filling cannot.
Every patient's situation is unique.
Choosing an inlay is a conservative decision that preserves healthy tooth structure and keeps your options open for the future. We will only recommend an inlay when it is the best clinical choice for your specific situation.
Have a large, old filling you're worried about?
Curious whether you might be a candidate for an inlay instead of a full crown? We're here to give you honest, personalized answers. Schedule a consultation at our Woodland Hills practice – let's talk about what's really best for your smile.