When a tooth is barely salvageable – What is an inlay?

The health of teeth is crucial for the quality of everyday life. Dental problems, especially cavities, complicate the lives of many people. Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential, as plaque and food residues on the teeth can cause serious issues. These factors contribute to the breakdown of tooth enamel, which can eventually affect the dentin and pulp. Seeking dental care in a timely manner can help preserve the integrity of the teeth and avoid more serious interventions.

What are the early signs of cavities?

The initial signs of cavities often go unnoticed, but they can be easily detected during regular dental check-ups. Dentists can identify opalescent color changes that indicate the initial damage to the teeth. If cavities progress, they can cause pain, especially when consuming cold, hot, or sweet foods. At this point, a dental examination becomes essential, as early treatment can help prevent larger problems.

Why do cavities develop?

The main cause of cavities is inadequate oral hygiene. If food residues are not removed from the surface of the teeth on a daily basis, plaque accumulates. This plaque provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria that produce acids. These acids damage tooth enamel, and if not treated in a timely manner, they can destroy the dentin layers and eventually reach the pulp. Therefore, cavities spread gradually, and the sooner we detect the problem, the easier the solution will be.

The opalescent color change of tooth enamel can be the first sign of cavities, which can be easily detected during regular dental check-ups. If the process progresses, the tooth may become sensitive, and pain may occur when consuming cold, hot, or sweet foods. At this point, visiting the dentist is unavoidable, as a simple filling can save the damaged tooth. The dentist typically cleans the decayed areas and covers the cavity with an aesthetic filling made from modern materials.

Fillings and alternative solutions

In addition to traditional fillings, there are other solutions that may be considered when the extent of the decay is such that a normal filling is insufficient. Dr. Krisztina Benkő, the dentist, mentions that in such cases, the use of inlays or onlays is justified. These are created after dental cavity preparation and provide an extremely precise solution for the restoration of teeth with significant material loss.

These inlays can be made from various materials, such as plastic, ceramic, gold, or zirconium-ceramic. One of their greatest advantages is that the dental technician can model details on the gypsum model that the dentist cannot create perfectly in the mouth. Inlays also help shorten the chair time, as they reduce the impact of moisture on the prepared cavity.

Material selection for inlays

Among the materials for inlays, gold stands out for its durability and precise fit. Gold is easily moldable, thus preventing gaps between the tooth and the filling where new cavities could form. Additionally, gold does not discolor and has a long lifespan. However, since the color of gold differs from that of natural teeth, it may not be the ideal choice for everyone from an aesthetic standpoint.

Ceramic-gold inlays are also popular as they provide an aesthetic appearance. The visible part made of ceramic looks nice, but the color of the underlying gold can be affected by the color of the ceramic, potentially resulting in a yellowish shade at the margin. Such inlays are also resistant to discoloration.

Plastic inlays are bonded into the cavity with special adhesive and can be ideal for restoring teeth with significant material loss. The advantage of these inlays is that they are not made in the mouth, thus avoiding the problem of shrinkage associated with traditional composite fillings. However, it is important for the patient to consult with their dentist when selecting the most suitable solution.

Before choosing inlays and various filling techniques, it is definitely worth discussing with a professional to make the best decision for the health of our teeth.