What type of restoration does an inlay represent?

An inlay is a type of dental restoration designed to fit precisely within the confines of a tooth, specifically in the area between the cusps of a posterior tooth (like a molar). This middle area is often where decay or damage occurs, and the inlay provides a strong and durable solution for restoring the tooth's structure and function.

When an inlay is placed, it is custom-made to fit the prepared area, and it is typically constructed from materials such as porcelain, gold, or composite resin. This allows it to blend aesthetically with the natural tooth while also providing strength comparable to that of the original enamel.

In contrast, options that suggest coverage of the entire tooth surface would refer to crowns or caps, which encase the whole tooth rather than just filling specific areas. Restoring the tooth root would imply endodontic treatment (such as a root canal), which is a fundamentally different procedure focusing on the interior of the tooth. Temporary fillings are employed as interim solutions and do not have the lasting durability or precision fit characteristic of inlays. Thus, the focus of an inlay on filling the space specifically between the cusps of a tooth makes option B the correct choice.