Unbiased oral health information

Procedures

Inlays

Advantages & benefits

The following are advantages or intended benefits of this procedure. Some of them may not apply in individual circumstances.

  • Restores the affected tooth to its normal contour and function. Inlays may make it easier to restore the contact between two adjacent teeth than a filling would (in cases where a significant amount of the tooth structure is missing).
  • Inlays are tooth sparing when compared to onlays and crowns. When composite resin and ceramic is used, bonding the restoration in place is possible, and may provide more strength than a traditionally cemented (glued) metal inlay would provide.
  • Removing decay reduces the number of active bacteria in the mouth.
  • Early intervention by restoring cavities before they get bigger preserves tooth structure and can extend the tooth's life.
  • Preserving the teeth preserves the jaw bones, and the contours of the face.
  • Preserving the teeth prevents unwanted tooth movement and changes in the bite.