Why choose us
Benefits of Inlays
Custom-Made in Our Lab
We craft your inlay in our on-site dental lab, so it is shaped to fit your tooth.
Saves Healthy Tooth Structure
An inlay repairs damage within the tooth's chewing surface, so we keep more of your natural tooth.
Strong, Lasting Repair
We use inlays to restore teeth that need more support than a standard filling can provide.
Comfort Options Available
If you feel anxious, we offer sedation options, including nitrous oxide, to help you relax.
Flexible Payment Choices
We accept all major PPO plans and self-pay patients, and we offer financing.
You bite into something crunchy and feel a twinge in a back tooth. At your exam, we find a cavity or an old filling that has started to break down. The damage is too large for a simple filling to hold up well, but most of the tooth is still strong, so a full crown would remove more structure than necessary. For many patients in this situation, an inlay is the right fit. At 805 Dentistry in Thousand Oaks, Dr. Dar Radfar and our team use inlays to repair damaged teeth while keeping as much of your natural tooth as possible.
An inlay is a custom-made restoration that fits into the grooves and hollows of a back tooth's chewing surface. It sits within the cusps, which are the raised points of the tooth, and does not cover them. A filling is shaped and hardened directly in your mouth. An inlay is different. We make it outside the mouth to match the exact shape of the prepared area, then bond it into place as one solid piece.
Inlays sit between fillings and crowns in the range of restorative care. If the damage extends over one or more cusps, we may recommend an onlay, which covers more of the biting surface. If the tooth is badly weakened, a crown may be the better choice. We offer fillings, inlays, onlays, and crowns, so we can recommend the option that matches what your tooth actually needs.
Inlays help children and adults whose back teeth have moderate decay or damage confined to the center of the chewing surface. They are also useful when an older filling needs replacing and the space it leaves is too large for another filling to last. Because we care for the whole family, we see this need across a wide range of ages.
During your exam, we look at how much healthy tooth remains, where the damage sits, and how your bite comes together. Inlays may be a good option in situations like these:
- A cavity that is too wide or deep for a standard filling but has not reached the cusps
- A worn or cracked older filling that needs replacing
- A back tooth that takes heavy chewing pressure and needs a durable repair
- A patient who wants to preserve as much natural tooth as possible
Does getting an inlay hurt?
Getting an inlay generally feels similar to getting a filling. We numb the area before removing decay or old filling material. If you feel anxious about dental work, tell us. We offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation to help patients feel more at ease.
Treatment usually involves preparing the tooth, recording its shape, and then placing the finished inlay. Our office has an on-site dental lab, which lets us coordinate the fabrication of your restoration closely. We check the fit and your bite before bonding the inlay so it feels natural when you chew.
How do I care for an inlay, and how long will it last?
You care for an inlay the same way you care for your natural teeth. That means brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and keeping up with regular cleanings and exams. The inlay itself cannot decay, but the tooth around its edges can, so good daily habits matter.
How long an inlay lasts depends on your habits, your bite, and your overall oral health. If you grind or clench your teeth, we may suggest a night mouth guard to protect your restorations. Our team also has a strong focus on TMJ treatment, so we can look into jaw-related issues that put extra stress on your teeth. At each checkup, we examine your inlay and the surrounding tooth so we can address small concerns early.
Will insurance cover my inlay, and do you offer financing?
Many dental plans include coverage for restorative treatment such as inlays. We accept all major PPO insurance plans and can help you understand what your plan may cover before treatment begins. Coverage details vary from plan to plan, so we review your specific benefits with you.
If you don't have insurance, we welcome self-pay patients. Financing is also available for those who prefer to spread out the cost of care. We'll talk through your options openly so you can make a decision that works for your budget.
Is an inlay right for my tooth?
The best way to know if an inlay is right for your tooth is an exam. From there, we'll explain what we see and walk you through your choices. Patients come to us from Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Camarillo, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, and nearby communities across the region.
If a back tooth is bothering you or an old filling is wearing out, we're here to help. Contact 805 Dentistry to schedule a visit, and let's find the repair that keeps your smile strong and comfortable.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Exam and Planning
We examine your tooth and talk with you about whether an inlay is the right fit.
- 2
Preparation and Placement
We remove the damaged area, then bond your custom inlay securely in place.
- 3
Aftercare and Checkups
We share simple home-care tips and check your inlay during your regular visits.