Fillings and inlays
Nowadays tooth decay is not as common a pathology as it used to be, however conservative treatments are still the most widely used aesthetic restorations both to treat primary dental caries and to replace old non-aesthetic or unfunctional fillings.
Composite and ceramic inlays are the tooth-coloured materials available for the restoration of decayed teeth. Composite is made of resin and it is mainly used to fill in a tooth after removing the decayed area.
Ceramic or composite inlays are indirectly manufactured. After having removed the decay from a tooth, the dental cavity must be rounded off and a tooth impression will then be taken. An impression is a precise copy of the mouth and dental arch. Dental technicians use it as a basis to manufacture inlays which will then be bonded to teeth with cement.
Direct or indirect techniques are chosen according to the patient's clinical situation and the portion of healthy tooth remaining.
