![a tooth with a cavity](https://www.virginiadentalcenter.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/inlay-impression-cut-sheet/Image_002.jpg)
When repairing a cavity, an inlay can restore your tooth in a more durable manner than a traditional filling. An inlay is typically made of ceramic, composite resin, metal, or gold.
![teeth getting a mold](https://www.virginiadentalcenter.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/inlay-impression-cut-sheet/Image_004.jpg)
At the first appointment, your dentist will take an impression (or mold) to help make a temporary inlay for your tooth.
![teeth being worked on](https://www.virginiadentalcenter.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/inlay-impression-cut-sheet/Image_006.jpg)
Next your tooth is prepared by removing the decayed portion, leaving an area that will be replaced with the inlay.
![teeth getting an impression made](https://www.virginiadentalcenter.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/inlay-impression-cut-sheet/Image_008.jpg)
Your dentist will take another impression of the prepared tooth, and put in a temporary inlay while the final restoration is being fabricated by an expert lab technician.
![a tooth inlay hovering above the teeth](https://www.virginiadentalcenter.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/inlay-impression-cut-sheet/Image_010.jpg)
At a subsequent appointment, your dentist will remove the temporary inlay and replace it with the final restoration.
![teeth repaired with an inlay](https://www.virginiadentalcenter.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/inlay-impression-cut-sheet/Image_012.jpg)
Once completed, your tooth is free of decay and restored to its natural strength and function.
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