Repairing Cavities with Precision: Why Inlays Are Making a Comeback

Tooth decay is still one of the most common dental problems among children and adults all over the world. Historically, fillings and crowns have been used for centuries for the treatment of cavities but, much like bell bottoms and shoulder pads, we are experiencing a come back of sorts with improved methodology—especially when it comes to Dental Inlays in San Mateo. Due to their quality, precision, strength, and the fact that only healthy tooth structure need be removed, these restorations are becoming more and more popular, and provide excellent solutions for moderate tooth decay or trauma.

An inlay is an indirect restoration (filling) consisting of a solid substance (as gold, porcelain or less often a cured composite resin) fitted to a cavity in a tooth and cemented into place. Where as traditional fillings are modeled into the tooth at the time of the visit, inlays are made in a dental lab and then subsequently bonded to the prepared cavity. It makes for a better fit and a more durable result. In San Mateo inlays are gaining popularity amongst dental practitioners as a conservative but highly efficient treatment.

Dental Inlays in San Mateo – Materials The most common types of materials that are used for dental inlays are porcelain, gold, and composite resin. Porcelain and composite inlays are the aesthetic choice, which also compliments the color of surrounding teeth. Gold FillingsGold inlays, although not the most popular choice today because they are visible, are still desired for their strength and durability. Long-term studies have demonstrated gold inlays that are in good repair can last in excess of 20 years and therefore they are an excellent and cost-effective restoration.

One of the main reasons inlays are making such a comeback was because they preserve more of the natural tooth. This kind of mechanical retention frequently results in the removal of health tooth structure. On the other hand, inlays are placed into the cavity without any extra removal, preserving and keeping the tooth sparky and strong. This minimally invasive treatment is particularly valuable in patients who have a tooth with too much damage to be repaired with a simple filling, but not so much damage that they need a full crown.

Biomechanically, inlays spread biting forces more evenly throughout the tooth structure. This minimizes the chance of splintering and increases overall strength. A Journal of Dentistry study discovered that ceramic inlays were superior in the distribution of mechanical stress and protection from structural failure compared to direct composite resin fillings.

Improved Fit & Finish One more benefit of Dental Inlays San Mateo is the better fit and finish. As they are created using sophisticated digital imaging technology and fine laboratory fabrication, the restored tooth’s contours perfectly match that of the natural tooth. This accuracy decreases the likelihood of bacteria and food debris infiltrating the gap, which ultimately prevents secondary decay or infection.

Patients also appreciate the increased comfort and esthetics. Unlike metal fillings, porcelain and composite inlays replicate the translucency and opalescence of natural enamel and are virtually impossible to tell apart from real teeth. This makes them particularly efficient in the bonded restoration of the anterior and posterior visible teeth, those teeth for which functionality and aesthetics are important.

Dental inlays, while also a two-visit process (impressions and tooth preparation during the first visit, placement during the second) offer enough durability and performance to make the twice-the-time treatment a worthwhile investment. Cared for properly (by means of good oral hygiene and regular professional dental check-ups), inlays may 10 or 15 years or more, making them a reliable solution for cavities.

San Mateo Dental Inlays are changing the way that dentists think about cavity treatment. Because of their high marginal fit, Minimal De G and esthetic aspect, they are most frequently recommended to the patients. As dental technology advances, however, it’s becoming clear that inlays are more than a fad — they’re proof of how science, function, and beauty can be put to use to restore smiles with accuracy in the 21st century.