Inlay restorations are solid fillings which are custom made to precisely fit a damaged or decayed tooth.  They are made from a solid substance such as gold, tooth-colored porcelain or composite material and are designed to restore the structural integrity and function of the tooth.

Inlays provide a very durable restoration option for decayed or damaged teeth as well as for teeth requiring replacement of defective fillings.  They also provide a more conservative restoration option than crowns as crowns require more removal of the tooth's structure before placement.

After an impression of the decayed or damaged tooth is made, it is sent to a professional dental laboratory where the custom inlay is made.  Once ready, the inlay will be carefully cemented into place by your dentist.

While inlays are long-lasting restorations, it's important to keep in mind that they may need to be replaced eventually.

Inlays can restore:

• Teeth fractured or otherwise damaged by trauma.
  
• Teeth damaged as a result of the aging process.
  
• Teeth damaged by decay.
  
• Teeth with large, fractured or defective fillings.
  

The inlay restoration process:

Restoring a tooth with an inlay will typically require two visits to your dentist.  The first appointment will be dedicated to taking impressions of the tooth and preparing the tooth for the inlay.

Once the tooth has been numbed, your dentist will remove any existing fillings or decayed material before cleaning and shaping the tooth.  Since inlays are made by a professional dental laboratory, your dentist will place a temporary filling on your tooth to keep it protected until your next appointment.  During the second appointment, your dentist will ensure an accurate and comfortable fit before permanently cementing the custom inlay into your tooth.