How often does your dentist find cavities during your routine dental visits? Oral hygiene is essential, and even with regular teeth brushing, you might occasionally find yourself with a cavity. Tooth decay is the second most common disease after the common cold, so you’re not alone if you’ve had your fair share of cavities. Luckily, there are many dental restoration options available — but it can be hard to narrow down which choice is right for your specific type of tooth decay.
The goal of dental restoration is to restore your tooth to its natural state and reduce any discomfort you’re having. If you’re experiencing tooth erosion, Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can help you determine if dental fillings or dental inlays are the ideal options for your teeth. Our team can walk you through what to expect during each procedure and the difference between the two.
What Are Dental Fillings?
If your dentist discovers a cavity during your dental exam, they may recommend treating it with a dental filling. During this process, the dentist will remove the tooth portion that is decayed or rotted from the cavity using a drill or laser. Once the damaged section is removed, they will use metal or porcelain material to fill up the space. In doing so, the filling enables you to go about your daily life with a normal feeling bite.
Dental fillings are a relatively quick and painless process, which is why they’re such a popular choice for resolving small or medium-sized cavities. However, they can become damaged over time and expand due to exposure to extreme temperatures or crack from excess pressure. If damaged, your dentist will likely drill out the existing filling and restore it to its original condition.
What Are Dental Inlays?
Like dental fillings, dental inlays are used to remedy cavities and decayed teeth — but the process for an inlay varies from that of a filling. To begin the tooth restoration process, your dentist will take an impression of the tooth’s damaged area and send this to a dental lab. From there, the dental lab will create an inlay that is built to the exact specifications of your tooth’s cavity. Once the inlay has been made, your dentist will need to drill out the decayed portion of the tooth and fit the inlay inside that space. After the inlay is inserted into your tooth, your dentist cements it in place to sit comfortably within your natural tooth — helping to strengthen your tooth from the inside out.
Dental inlays are the ideal treatment option for large cavities where a filling might not hold onto the natural tooth. Because the inlay needs to be specially created for your cavity’s size and shape, the process requires two appointments before your cavity is fixed, which may feel a bit uncomfortable for a few days between appointments.
Schedule an Appointment with Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
Understanding the difference between dental inlays and fillings will help you feel more confident as you head into your next dental appointment and you’re faced with a cavity. Both options provide their own set of benefits, and your dentist will be able to help you determine which dental restoration procedure is the best option for your teeth. If you still have questions about dental restoration services, don’t hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable cosmetic dentistry team.
For all dental concerns, Dr. Rath offers preventative care, as well as non-metal fillings if you are experiencing tooth decay. To prevent or treat tooth decay, schedule an appointment with the leading cosmetic dentist in Billings, MT.
