What is dental inlay?

What is a dental inlay?

The dental inlay restores the chewing surface of the tooth. This type of restoration used to repair rear teeth with mild to moderate decay or cracked and fractured teeth that are not damaged enough for a porcelain crown.

Firstly, the dentist creates an impression of the tooth and send it to the laboratory, where the dental inlay will be made, using the specifications of the tooth that needs restoration. The porcelain the laboratory uses to create the dental inlay, will match the shade of the patient’s teeth.

When is it recommended to use a dental inlay?

Dental inlay is applicable, when it is not necessary to cover the entire chewing surface, while onlay covers one or more cups or the entire biting surface of the tooth. Inlay fills the space between the cusps, at the center of the tooth’s surface. It has a great advantage that it can be safely secured, it protects the remaining dental tissues and also helps to restore the original shape of the tooth.

How much does a dental inlay cost?

Prices of different types of dental inlay
Dental treatment Price per unit / Cost in € Price per unit / Cost in £
 Consultation 0 € 0 £
 Panoramic X-ray 0 € 0 £
 Resin dental inlay (Gradia) 225 € 203 £
 Ceramic dental inlay (porcelain) 275 € 248 £
 Full ceramic inlay 290 € 261 £

What type of material is dental inlay made of?

The inlay can be made of plastic, ceramic, zirconium ceramic and gold.

The plastic inlay is fixed using a special glue in the cavity. At the closing point of the filling, after sticking, polishing is the next step, to ensure the perfect closure. The plastic inlay may discolor after a while.

Gold does not discolour at all. It has a long lasting life. Its colour is completely different from the natural tooth and it is much more expensive.

Ceramic dental inlay is the most aesthetic solution. It is almost invisible because it can fully adapt to the colour of the natural tooth.

How to take care of your dental inlay?

You need to care your dental inlay the same way you care for your natural teeth. Preserving and controlling oral hygiene is possible with the help of proper tooth brushing technique, soft toothbrush, flossing and regular dental check-up (half yearly).