Ceramic inlays | The inlay as a restoration for a destroyed tooth

Ceramic inlays

Ceramic inlays are an alternative to the gold inlays just described. They consist of particularly resistant, unbreakable ceramic and must also be produced in the dental laboratory. The advantage of this material is the fact that the ceramic can be matched to the natural color of the tooth and therefore appears almost invisible.

Furthermore, too weak tooth walls can be stabilized and strengthened by the inlay. Even when making an inlay from ceramic, the carious defect must be completely removed and the tooth must be completely drained in advance. In contrast to the preparation of a tooth in the course of a gold inlay, corners and edges must be avoided with the plastic version.

The dentist can then determine the patient’s tooth color with the help of a color scale. There are three basic types of ceramic inlays. Frequently found: After production in the dental laboratory, the inlay is inserted into the tooth with a composite adhesive. Since ceramic is very well tolerated in most cases and hardly causes any allergic reactions, it can be used in almost all patients, but it may contain small traces of radioactive substances. The only significant risk of triggering an allergic reaction is posed by the composite adhesive used.

  • Silicate glass ceramics
  • Aluminium oxo ceramics and
  • Zirconia ceramic application.

Costs

The restoration of a decayed tooth with an inlay is not part of the contract medical care. This means that the statutory health insurance companies do not usually cover the costs incurred. In such cases, the health insurance company only pays the share of the costs that corresponds approximately to the costs of a comparable health insurance service (for example, a normal tooth filling).

A so-called additional cost agreement, which is concluded between the dentist and the patient, regulates the necessary co-payment amount. The patient pays between 450 and 600 euros for a more striking but longer lasting gold inlay. The costs for a ceramic inlay are usually higher, the patient pays on average several hundred to 1200 euros extra.

The exact cost of the inlay is calculated according to the German scale of fees for dentists (GOZ), laboratory and material costs are added. The co-payment amount to be paid by the patient is exactly the difference between the total price calculated according to the scale of fees for dentists and the payment of the statutory health insurance. In addition, patients with supplementary dental insurance have the option of having the additional costs covered by this insurance.