Inlay Core: Complete Guide to Dentures

When a tooth is too damaged to directly support a crown, the dentist can propose the installation of an inlay core. Nutrident.fr explains you in which cases to use the inlay core and how this prosthesis is articulated which must be then surmounted by a crown.

How does an inlay core look like?

The inlay core is also known as a “post tooth”. It is a very discreet dental prosthesis, composed of two elements: a metal part fixed in part in the root of the tooth, and its upper part which projects, the stump. The crown is then fixed on this pivot, in order to take the exact shape of the natural tooth. The effect is therefore completely invisible.

When to use an inlay core?

The inlay core is useful for a tooth that is too dilapidated to directly support a crown. Indeed, this one must be able to be fixed on a stable and robust part. If the tooth is too damaged, the metal rod of the inlay core acts as a support. The inlay core is therefore used to replace a tooth that is too decayed or fractured.

Advantages of the inlay core

The first advantage of the inlay core is that it does not require the removal of the root of the tooth, which only needs to be devitalized. It is always recommended to keep the natural teeth as much as possible.

Since the new tooth based on the inlay core is fixed independently of the other teeth, it avoids the need to intervene on the adjacent teeth, as in the case of a bridge or partial denture.

The junction between the root and the crown is robust and perfectly sealed. You can be sure that your inlay core will withstand masticatory pressure and that you will avoid infiltrations in the root that could cause inflammations and abscesses due to bacteria.

Materials used to make inlays

Only a few decades ago, it was not uncommon to see people with gold teeth. It is still possible today to have your gold crown made, but the requests are quite exceptional. Gold is a bio-compatible material that does not react with the root of the tooth or the gums. Moreover, it lasts very long. The disadvantage is obviously aesthetic, but it appeals to some.

The crown can also be made of a nickel-chromium alloy for a silver color. Here again, discretion is not an option and you risk allergy problems and reactions with certain foods. This type of alloy should no longer be offered to you.

If you do not want your inlay core to be noticed, you should choose a porcelain, ceramic or mixed crown, i.e. ceramic-metallic. Porcelain will give you the closest resemblance to your natural teeth.

Your dentist uses a color chart to match the color of the adjacent teeth and communicates the reference to the dental technician who makes your crown.

The mixed crown is composed of a metal structure that is then covered with ceramic. The rendering is very discreet, but not perfect. It is indeed possible to guess the metal structure at the gum level.

It is therefore preferable to avoid this type of crown for the incisors, but it poses no problem for the other teeth, because, even with your widest smile, it will be almost impossible to suspect the presence of metal. The ceramic part matches the color of your other teeth for the most discreet look possible.

How is the inlay core placed?

The first step is to devitalize the tooth. All pulp in the root canals is removed and replaced with a dense material that provides a seal.

In a second step, the dentist proceeds to the cutting of the tooth. It removes decayed or broken parts to prepare a surface suitable for the future crown.

Once the carving is complete, he takes an impression on which the dental technician will base the crown and post.

In the final session, the dentist seals the post into the root and the crown.

The result must be perfectly invisible (except for gold prostheses) and must fit into the jaw naturally.