Inlays in Woodland Hills
If a filling has cracked, a cavity has grown too large for a simple filling, or a back tooth has started to feel weak when you chew, you may be a good candidate for an inlay. At 805 Dentistry, our Thousand Oaks office regularly sees patients from Woodland Hills who want a durable, natural-looking repair that saves as much of their own tooth as possible. Below, we explain what an inlay is, who it helps, and how we make treatment straightforward for you.
An inlay is a custom-made restoration that fits into the grooves and center of a tooth's chewing surface, between the raised points called cusps. We use inlays when damage is too extensive for a standard filling but not severe enough to need a full crown. The inlay is made outside the mouth to match the exact shape of the prepared area. Then we bond it into place as one solid piece.
Inlays sit within a broader group of restorative options at our practice, alongside dental fillings, onlays, and crowns. An onlay is similar but extends over one or more cusps, and a crown covers the entire tooth. We offer all of these options, so we can recommend the one that fits your tooth instead of steering you toward a single option. For many Woodland Hills patients, an inlay is the middle ground that repairs the damage while keeping more healthy tooth structure intact.
Inlays work well in several common situations. These include a moderate cavity on a molar or premolar, an old filling that has worn down or broken, or decay that has spread across the center of the biting surface. Because inlays are made to precise dimensions, they are often a good fit for back teeth that handle heavy chewing forces.
Here are some of the benefits patients often consider:
- Conservative treatment that preserves more natural tooth than a crown
- A precise, custom fit shaped to the prepared area of your tooth
- A natural appearance that blends with the surrounding tooth
- A solid, single-piece restoration in place of material built up in layers
We serve children and adults of all ages, so we can evaluate inlays for teenagers and grandparents alike. Not every tooth is a candidate. If decay reaches the nerve or a tooth is badly cracked, we may recommend another treatment first, such as root canal therapy. Our team includes a board-certified endodontist who treats cracked teeth. That lets us handle more complicated cases within our own practice instead of sending you elsewhere.
What happens during inlay treatment?
Inlay treatment usually begins with an exam and imaging, followed by preparation of the tooth and placement of the finished restoration. During the first part of the visit, we numb the area, remove decay or the old filling, and shape the tooth so the inlay will seat securely. We then record the shape of the prepared tooth so the inlay can be made to match.
Our office has an on-site dental lab, which keeps the fabrication of your restoration close to the team caring for you. Once the inlay is ready, we check the fit and your bite, then bond it to the tooth. If dental visits make you anxious, we offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation, and a board-certified dental anesthesiologist is on staff. These options can help Woodland Hills patients who have put off needed work feel more at ease.
How do I care for an inlay, and how do I pay for it?
You care for an inlay much as you would a natural tooth: brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep up with regular cleanings and exams. Routine visits let us check the edges of the inlay and catch new decay early. If you clench or grind your teeth, ask us about a night mouth guard to help protect your restorations. We also treat TMJ disorders, so we can look at jaw-related causes of grinding.
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and file the paperwork for you. We also welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available if you would like to spread out the cost. At your consultation, we will review your treatment plan and costs with you before any work begins, so you can make a decision without surprises.
Why do Woodland Hills patients choose our office for inlays?
Woodland Hills families choose us because we offer general, cosmetic, and specialty care under one roof. If your inlay evaluation shows that you also need gum treatment, a root canal, or 3D imaging, our specialists can provide that care here. Your restorative work stays coordinated under Dr. Dar Radfar's direction.
We also offer emergency dental appointments. If a filling breaks or a tooth suddenly becomes sensitive, you can reach us without waiting weeks. Call our office to schedule an exam and find out whether an inlay is the right repair for your tooth.