No matter how careful you are, you may have a dental emergency at some point. If you trip and fall, experience a sports injury, or even bite down on something too crunchy, you could end up with a chipped or cracked tooth. Depending on the severity of the damage and your discomfort level, your dentist may determine that a dental inlay is the best form of restoration for your damaged tooth.
What Is a Dental Inlay?
A dental inlay fits precisely into the grooves in your teeth. It differs from a filling, which is poured into the hole left when you have a cavity removed. Inlays are made in a lab and are commonly used in restorative dentistry in Philadelphia. They cover the center of the tooth rather than the cusp.
When Is an Inlay Used in Emergency Dentistry?
If you damage a tooth, your dentist may recommend restoring the biting surface using an inlay in the following circumstances:
- Fracture or break in the center of the tooth that doesn’t impact the tooth edge.
- A large filling may weaken the tooth structure.
- The nature of the injury doesn’t allow for mounting a crown, which requires removing much of the tooth.
Your dentist can help you determine whether you need an inlay or another restorative dentistry procedure.
What Is the Inlay Procedure Like?
The installation of a dental inlay typically doesn’t cause any additional pain. If you were experiencing pain or tooth sensitivity due to a cavity, chip, or crack, this would actually bring you relief. Cosmetic dentists in Philadelphia also use inlays for cosmetic purposes when clients want a less pronounced correction than fillings or crowns.
The dentist starts out by numbing the impacted area. They then drill into the tooth to remove decay or level out the area around the crack or chip. Once the area has been properly prepared, the dentist makes an impression at the top of your teeth. Composite resin or porcelain material is typically used to construct the inlay, which is then placed on top of the impacted tooth.
Contact Center City Emergency Dentist with any questions you have regarding our services. Stop by immediately if you have a dental emergency that may require an inlay.