When tooth structure has been compromised with decay, a filling or inlay may be needed to repair it.
If the tooth has a small area of decay, a filling is a great option to replace the damage portion of the tooth while preserving the majority of tits natural structure.
The filling material can be silver amalgam or composite. (white filling) It is placed directly onto the tooth and shaped within the mouth to match its contour. Once completed, the filling halts decay and keeps the tooth healthy for a number of years. Benefits of a filling include, conservation of tooth structure and the ability to be completed in a single day visit. A filling has a shorter life span and more prone to potential long term issues, like recurrent decay or cracking.
An inlay, is an indirect dental restoration used as a best option when a cavity is too large for a filling. It is more durable and it reinforces the surround tooth structure when the damage has been extensive.
The key difference with an inlay is that it is designed and created outside the mouth, an impression or digital scan is taken for optimal fit after the decay is removed. Compared to a filling, an inlay is typically less prone to recurrent decay due to the precise fit of the restoration. Additionally, due to advance materials that can be used in crafting it, an inlay is more durable and leaves the tooth less likely to develop cracks overtime. However, depending on the technology used to fabricated, an inlay may required multiple visits to complete and is costlier than traditional filling. In the right circumstances, both filling and inlay are excellent solutions for repairing decayed, or damaged teeth. The right choice is based on your unique needs.