Inlay:
- A- smaller than amalgam.
- B- Bigger than amalgam.
- C- Depend on the caries.
The correct option is C- Depend on the caries. Here's why:
Amalgams are traditional fillings used for cavities.
Inlays are more precise, custom-made fillings that are cemented into the prepared cavity.
Size of an Inlay:
The size of an inlay compared to an amalgam for the same cavity depends on several factors related to the caries:
- Depth of the cavity:
Inlays can be shallower than amalgams, requiring less tooth removal for smaller cavities. For deeper cavities, inlays may need to be larger than amalgams to provide sufficient support.
- Shape of the cavity:
Inlays can be precisely contoured to fit the cavity shape, potentially requiring less material than an amalgam that needs to be packed and sculpted.
- Cosmetic considerations:
Inlays are available in tooth-colored materials, making them more aesthetically pleasing than amalgams, especially for visible areas. This may influence the size chosen for optimal cosmetic results.
Therefore, the size of an inlay compared to an amalgam cannot be definitively stated as always smaller or bigger. It depends on the specific characteristics of the caries and the desired outcome.
