Inlays in West Hills
A small cavity or a worn-out filling in a back tooth can quietly change how you eat. You might start chewing on one side, avoid cold drinks, or notice food catching in the same spot after every meal. For many patients in West Hills, an inlay solves that kind of everyday problem. It repairs a damaged tooth with a custom-fitted restoration and preserves as much of your natural tooth as possible. At 805 Dentistry, we place inlays as part of our restorative care for families throughout West Hills and the surrounding communities.
An inlay is a custom-made restoration that fits inside the grooves and chewing surface of a tooth, usually a molar or premolar. A traditional filling is shaped directly in the mouth. An inlay is crafted to match the exact shape of the prepared area, then bonded into place as a single, solid piece. It sits within the cusps, the raised points of the tooth, rather than covering them.
Inlays fill an important middle ground in restorative dentistry. Some damage is too extensive for a standard filling to support well, but too limited to justify covering the whole tooth with a crown. In that range, an inlay lets us rebuild the tooth's structure without removing healthy enamel unnecessarily. When damage extends over one or more cusps, we may recommend an onlay instead. We offer onlays as well, so we can choose the option that truly fits your tooth.
Patients from West Hills often come to us looking for one practice that can handle a wide range of dental needs. We describe ourselves as a one-stop shop for the whole family's dental care, and restorative treatment like inlays is a core part of that. Dr. Dar Radfar and our team see children and adults of all ages. Your inlay can be part of the same care relationship that covers your cleanings, exams, and preventive visits.
Our office also has an on-site dental lab, which supports the custom restorative work we do. If a tooth turns out to need more than an inlay, we can talk through other options under the same roof. These include crowns, root canal therapy, or periodontal care with our board-certified specialists. That continuity spares West Hills patients from being passed between offices as their needs change.
Am I a good candidate for an inlay?
You may be a good candidate if a back tooth has decay or damage that is moderate in size and the outer cusps are still healthy and strong. During a dental exam, we evaluate the tooth with digital imaging and a careful look at the surrounding structure. Then we explain whether an inlay, a filling, an onlay, or a crown makes the most sense.
Common situations where we consider an inlay include:
- A cavity too large for a conventional filling to support reliably
- An older filling that has worn down, cracked, or started to leak
- A chipped or fractured chewing surface that leaves the cusps intact
- A patient who wants to conserve more natural tooth than a crown requires
Healthy gums and a stable foundation matter too. If we find gum disease or deeper damage, we address it first so your restoration rests on solid ground.
What happens during the inlay process, and how should I care for it?
The process typically involves preparing the tooth, creating a custom restoration, and bonding it in place. First, we numb the area and remove decay or old filling material. Then we shape the tooth and capture its exact contours so the inlay can be made to fit precisely. We protect the prepared tooth while the restoration is made. At your next visit, we check the fit and bite before bonding the inlay securely. For patients who feel anxious, we offer sedation options, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation through our board-certified dental anesthesiologist.
Aftercare is straightforward. Brush twice daily, floss carefully around the restored tooth, and keep up with regular cleanings and exams so we can monitor the inlay over time. If you grind or clench your teeth, ask us about a night guard to help protect your restorations. Let us know promptly if your bite ever feels off.
How can I pay for an inlay?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available. Our team will review your coverage and explain your options before treatment begins, so you can plan with confidence.
Cost depends on the size of the restoration and your individual plan, so we provide an estimate after your exam rather than guessing in advance. If you live in West Hills and have a back tooth that is bothering you, schedule a visit with 805 Dentistry. We will help you find the right way to restore it.