When tooth decay has developed, or an existing filling has become insecure, then treatment is required. We clear the affected part of the tooth from decay, and the resulting cavity – as long as it is small – is repaired with a filling.

Modern and high-quality composite is used for small fillings, as it is virtually invisible and stable when chewing. Amalgam fillings do not match the cosmetic and health standards of modern dentistry, as well as being unstable in the long run due to their significant shrinkage. For this reason, we use only high-quality composite filling material in our practice at Reichenbachplatz. They contain a high percentage of ceramic particles, and are thus longer lasting and more aesthetic.

In contrast to simple fillings, composite fillings are introduced into the cavity in several layers. Through a sophisticated adhesive process, they form a firm attachment to the tooth. As the colour can be matched to your natural tooth, the filling is next to invisible.

Composite fillings are elaborate to work with, and require more time than the equivalent amalgam or simple filling. This increased expenditure is not unfortunately completely covered by state health insurance. Nevertheless, a composite filling is still well worth the extra cost. The increased expense is paid back through the significantly longer life of the filling.

Composite fillings are layered onto the tooth – this means that an ideal contact point to the neighbouring or antagonist teeth can be difficult or even impossible to form. The increasing size of a defect can lead to shrinkage in the setting of the filling, resulting eventually in over sensitivity and newly forming decay through the formation of cracks at the edges. Contrastingly, an inlay is an indirect filling, individually produced in our expert lab. Our dental technicians can produce a perfect construction of the dental substance and bite conditions, in lab conditions.

Finally the inlay is applied to the cavity in a precise fit – similar to the missing piece of a jigsaw puzzle.

Inlays are produced in ceramic or gold. Gold inlays are also long lasting: however they can be seen due to their gold colour, and so are not requested as often any more. In our practice we prefer the use of ceramic as a high-quality alternative.

Ceramic inlays are impressive due to their ideal aesthetics and high stability. Compared to simple or composite fillings they are more expensive, but are on the other hand much longer lasting with better material qualities. Ceramic is highly biocompatible, and does not trigger infections or allergies by releasing monomers, as synthetic materials can. Ceramic inlays do not become discoloured or shrunk over time, as can happen with composite or simple fillings. The hardness of ceramic is similar to a natural tooth, so it won’t get worn down in form or height the way that direct fillings can be, through chewing.

Normally two appointments are necessary for an inlay treatment:

During your first visit, we thoroughly clear the decay, take a dental impression, then close the cavity with a temporary filling.

In the second appointment the inlay produced by the technician will be checked exactly for fit, before being securely attached to your tooth.