A ceramic inlay is a dental filling made in a laboratory. This is made of resilient and fracture-resistant ceramic. It is mainly used to treat teeth that have been damaged by tooth decay. Compared to composite fillings, it is characterized by greater longevity and is almost indistinguishable from healthy tooth substance.
What is ceramic?
Ceramic dental fillings are characterized by higher longevity and are almost indistinguishable from healthy tooth structure. Ceramic inlays represent dental filling materials that are usually used to treat the consequences of dental caries of the posterior teeth. However, they are also used to treat dental defects caused by trauma. Therefore, they are used to restore damaged teeth. The inlay is an alternative to the other known gold inlays. Unlike plastic filling materials (amalgam, composite, cement), they are not made directly in the mouth, but in a dental laboratory. For this purpose, the laboratory relies on an impression of the teeth, which is preceded by the removal of destroyed (carious) tooth substance. The ceramic inlay combines the advantages of the other common fillings. The ceramic inlay has durability in common with the gold filling, although the average durability of gold is considered to be slightly higher. Ceramic fillings have in common with composite and cement fillings that they are almost indistinguishable from healthy tooth substance. The cost of a ceramic filling depends on the size of the defect, but also on other dental treatment costs. As a rule, the cost is between 300 and 700 euros per inlay.
Shapes, types and types
Ceramic inlays are made in the laboratory. There are different manufacturing processes available, which offer different advantages and disadvantages: In the sintering process, ceramic is applied in layers to a model die made of refractory material and sintered under high pressure and temperature. The technician must take into account that shrinkage of the material occurs during sintering. Optimal esthetic results are achieved due to the possibility of color layering. There is also the pressing process. A refractory hollow mold is made and filled with tough ceramic material under high pressure and then fired. After firing, a layer of ceramic stain is sintered on for coloration. The inlay has great stability because it is homogeneous and has no porosity. However, the layer of ceramic stain can be removed during grinding. Computer-assisted procedures are also used, sometimes in the dental practice. By means of a 3-D image, a precisely fitting inlay is milled from a ceramic block. These are individualized by firing on ceramic stain.
Structure and mode of operation
A tooth does not heal on its own. For this reason, external intervention is required. In this process, the ceramic inlay should restore the function and shape of the tooth in the best possible way. First, the filling should close the hole caused by decay and drilling, so that the tooth nerve is protected and the tooth gains stability. If the hole were not closed, the tooth would break within a short time. Furthermore, an optimal chewing function should be ensured. In addition to the functional factors, the aesthetic or optical factor also plays a major role. The ceramic inlay can hardly be distinguished from healthy tooth substance due to its tooth-like coloring. The manufactured inlays are bonded to the tooth in the patient’s mouth. This is usually done using a rubber dam. This prevents saliva or moisture from reaching the tooth. Before insertion, the fit of the ceramic filling is checked. The tooth is then cleaned with special polishing pastes. Once the tooth is clean and dry, etching gel is applied. The etching gel is used to increase the surface area of the bonding surface. Finally, the adhesive is applied. This is usually a two-component adhesive. Before the inlay is inserted, the adhesive is pre-cured using a UV lamp. Then the inlay is inserted and light curing is continued. The two-component adhesive has the advantage that adhesive that is not fully cured hardens over time. The teeth are polished after hardening to minimize the surface of the tooth. This gives bacteria that can cause caries less of a surface to attack.
Medical and health benefits
Special requirements are placed on a filling in the posterior region. Fillings in this area must be able to withstand the chewing pressure. It is problematic to use cement or composite fillings here. Over time, these can become leaky due to the high stress. This can lead to secondary caries, which must be treated. This in turn causes the tooth to lose tooth substance. Inlays are much more resilient than plastic filling material, seal the tooth optimally and give it longer-term stability. This protects the tooth and prevents premature tooth loss. The investment in a ceramic inlay can therefore pay off over time. An amalgam filling also has a higher longevity compared to cement fillings and composites. However, it should be taken into account that amalgam consists in part of the toxic substance mercury. This is mixed with the metals silver, tin, copper and zinc. Although the mercury is chemically bound after the filling has hardened, it can be released and absorbed over time. For example, through abrasion during chewing or removal of amalgam fillings. These substances are not relevant when choosing a ceramic inlay.
