Inlay

An inlay is a type of indirect dental restoration designed to repair damage or decay within the central chewing surface of a tooth without covering the cusps. It is made to fit the specific shape of the prepared cavity and restores strength and function while preserving more natural tooth structure than a full crown.

Inlays are fabricated in a dental laboratory from materials such as porcelain, composite resin, or gold and are permanently cemented or bonded into place. They are durable and, depending on the material and oral hygiene, can last many years, though they may need replacement if they crack or if new decay develops at the margins.