Dental inlays are dental restorations used for fixing a tooth that is decayed beyond the scope of dental fillings but not so severe as to require a dental crown. Inlays preserve the tooth’s structure and are more durable than dental fillings.
Dentists often use porcelain and composite resin material to create inlays when aesthetics are important, but gold material can also be used. If you recently got dental inlays, this article will teach you how to get many years of use from your dental restoration.
Inlays are applied to the grooves (also known as pits and fissures) of the tooth, and they extend deep into the tooth’s roots. They usually last anywhere between five and 20 years. Although there is no assurance that they will last this long, it is possible to make them last. The truth is that the durability of the dental inlay depends on different factors.
For instance, a dental inlay exposed to significant wear and tear and inadequately maintained will probably fail in no time. With adequate oral care and routine cleaning, a dental inlay has a better chance of lasting for a long time.
The following are ways to extend the lifespan of dental inlays:
The patient’s oral hygiene plays a crucial role in the lifespan of a dental inlay. Ideally, patients should brush their teeth twice daily and floss, especially before going to bed to prevent plaque accumulation on the teeth. To complement hygiene, a dental rinse may be advisable. If a patient sticks with their oral care routine properly, they can expect the inlays to last several years before needing a replacement. Excellent oral hygiene will also help keep other teeth healthy, as well.
Aside from regularly cleaning the teeth, patients can extend the lifespan of their restoration by avoiding bad oral habits such as teeth grinding, biting their nails and opening items and bottles with their teeth. These practices put undue pressure on the teeth, and a wrong bite could cause extensive damages to the teeth and the inlay. If a patient consistently grinds or clenches their teeth, they can consult their dentist for a permanent solution such as nightguards or stress relief techniques.
Biannual visits to the dentist are essential to keep the teeth in good shape. During the dental appointment, the dentist will clean the teeth thoroughly to remove tartar, and they will also recommend appropriate treatment if they detect an issue. Failure to keep up with dental appointments could cause a simple problem to worsen, which may eventually mean the need for tooth removal or root canal therapy.
Dental inlays do not need special care. Maintain proper oral care as you would if you did not have any dental restoration. If you care for the dental inlay, you can expect them to last a long time before needing repair. If you are considering dental inlays, contact our office for more information.
Request an appointment here: https://www.smilesbydesignhuntsville.com or call Smiles by Design, PC at (256) 660-3233 for an appointment in our Huntsville office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
In recent years, Invisalign® has become increasingly popular to straighten misaligned teeth. There are many benefits of this type of orthodontic treatment over traditional braces. Patients can remove the aligners to brush and floss the teeth, making oral hygiene measures much easier. Treatment time is often shorter, and the clear trays are not as noticeable…
Many people undergo teeth whitening procedures to make their smile look healthier and to increase their self-esteem. Although this procedure is largely painless unless you have very sensitive teeth, it is common to question the safety of products used to whiten your teeth. The safety of whitening procedures depends on many factors. Here are some common…
Patients who qualify for and choose the Invisalign® system of teeth straightening over braces receive a series of customized clear aligners. These fit snugly over the teeth so as to be nearly invisible to observers. The treatment does not take as long as traditional straightening with braces and is typically more comfortable for the patient…
Invisalign® dental aligners are an excellent option for patients who want to avoid the look and feel of traditional metal braces while straightening crooked teeth or closing gaps between teeth. Compared to braces, most observers do not realize when someone is wearing clear aligners.For this treatment, dentists take impressions of patients' upper and lower teeth…
In recent years, Invisalign® has become increasingly popular to straighten misaligned teeth. There are many benefits of this type of orthodontic treatment over traditional braces. Patients can remove the aligners to brush and floss the teeth, making oral hygiene measures much easier. Treatment time is often shorter, and the clear trays are not as noticeable…
Many people undergo teeth whitening procedures to make their smile look healthier and to increase their self-esteem. Although this procedure is largely painless unless you have very sensitive teeth, it is common to question the safety of products used to whiten your teeth. The safety of whitening procedures depends on many factors. Here are some common…