Filling vs. Dental Inlay: What to Know

Many patients are not as familiar with a dental inlay as they are with fillings. If you feel the same way, you should learn more about this treatment. Inlays and fillings have some similarities but differences as well. Both can benefit your oral health and smile. The more you know about both of these restoration methods, the more likely you can make the right choice for treatment. Living with tooth pain or damage does not have to last when you can turn to either of these options.

Keeping teeth healthy and strong

Everyone should have a goal of maintaining good-looking, well-functioning teeth. Good oral health can also positively impact a person’s overall wellness. As soon as an individual starts getting teeth, brushing is vital. People of all ages should brush at least twice a day with fluoride-based toothpaste. Daily flossing is also important. These two habits will keep cavities away by removing bacteria, plaque, and tartar from the teeth.

Visiting the general dentist regularly will also help. At a semiannual checkup, the dentist will examine the patient’s teeth and gums. The dentist can identify emerging conditions and devise an effective treatment plan. Eating a healthy diet low in sugars can also reduce the risk of cavities and other problems with teeth and gums.

Filling: what it is and what it does

A filling is a restoration that can help repair cavities and prevent further tooth decay. The dentist places it in the hole in the tooth where decay has formed. Fillings today are usually made out of composite resin or ceramic. However, metal fillings of gold and silver are still available. The latter are stronger and more durable but can hamper the aesthetics of a smile.

The dentist can use fillings to care for minor or moderate cavities. The process of getting one usually takes less than an hour. It will require the use of a local anesthetic to make the patient comfortable. Fillings can last up to 10 years or more, especially if the patient adopts good brushing habits.

Dental inlay: what it is and what it does

Inlays are not as common, but this method is becoming more popular among dentists and patients. Unlike a filling, which the dentist puts directly into the tooth, an inlay is pre-molded. A technician makes it at an off-site lab according to the dentist’s specifications. It will be the right size and shape for the cavity. The inlay fits into the grooves of the tooth and does not extend over the cusps.

A dental inlay is a good choice for larger cavities. It can more effectively support cavities that fillings cannot. An inlay can also build up a cracked or chipped tooth. It is usually made of composite resin and lasts longer than a filling.

Talk to your dentist about inlays today

If you are not sure whether you are a good candidate for a dental inlay, make an appointment with the dentist. This could be a good alternative to getting a filling. If you have tooth pain from a cavity or damage to your tooth, help is available. You could soon enjoy healthier teeth thanks to inlays.

Request an appointment here: https://www.smilesinpa.com or call Jenny Chen Pediatric and Family Dentistry at (610) 400-1588 for an appointment in our West Grove office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Inlay in West Grove, PA.