Porcelain inlay is a good alternative to composite filling which falls out easily, as it is cemented in place for long term use.

Porcelain inlay is a form of dental restoration used to repair a damaged tooth. Compared with dental fillings, it can prevent the restored tooth from recurrent tooth decay. Also, an inlay is customized on the basis of the teeth impression, so it is esthetic and unnoticeable. But how long can this material last? Is it easy to fall out?

Before and After Inlay Restoration

How is the porcelain inlay made?

Porcelain inlay is made outside the mouth. The process starts from removing the decayed tooth tissue, followed by the impression-taking, and then the design and production of the inlay. The finished inlay is cemented to the natural tooth using composite adhesive after the surfaces of the tooth and the inlay are etched. With that, the tooth is repaired.

To put it simple, inlay restoration is like a jigsaw puzzle in which the inlay is made to replace the missing part of a tooth. So technically the cementation of the inlay is very important. Poorly bonded inlay is easy to fall off.

How long can porcelain inlay last? Is it easy to fall off?

According to the dentists of Shenzhen AKJ Dental Hospital, porcelain inlay is barely fall out if placed in a professional way, and it can last for around 10 years theoretically. But clinically its service life is associated with various factors like,

1. Whether the patient meets the indications: porcelain inlay can only be used to restore slightly damaged tooth. Seriously damaged tooth with no enough space for bonding must be repaired by a dental crown. The dentist’s professional evaluation of the indications can ensure a good outcome and long service life of the inlay to some extent;

2. The maintenance of the patient: porcelain inlay is a prosthesis to a natural tooth which must be taken good care of, such as avoiding eating solid food, brushing teeth carefully everyday in the morning and at night, using dental floss or oral irrigator, and maintaining good oral hygiene.

3. The skills of the dentist: no matter it is porcelain inlay or other restorations, the more professional the dentist is, the more esthetic the outcome will be. This relies on the skills and esthetic judgment of the dentist.

Even though it is impossible to tell exactly how long a porcelain inlay can last, you’re always suggested to find a professional institution for the procedure.  Otherwise, the inlay may work like a regular composite filling, which is a waste of manpower, materials and money.