Inlays in Palm Beach
When a cavity or old filling sits in the grooves between a back tooth's chewing cusps, it can be too large for a simple filling but not damaged enough to need a full crown. That middle ground is where an inlay fits. For Palm Beach patients who want to keep as much natural tooth as possible, an inlay restores the inner chewing surface of a molar or premolar while leaving the healthy outer walls in place. At Family Dental Care, our office in neighboring West Palm Beach makes this conservative restoration easy to fit into your routine.
An inlay is a custom-made restoration shaped to fill the space inside the cusps of a back tooth after decay or a worn filling has been removed. Unlike a filling, which is placed soft and hardened in the tooth, an inlay is made outside the mouth to match the exact shape of the prepared area. It is then bonded into place as a single solid piece. Inlays are closely related to onlays, which we also provide. An onlay extends over one or more cusps when the damage reaches further across the biting surface.
Because an inlay replaces only what is missing, it is often the more conservative choice compared to a crown, which covers the entire tooth. Our dentists, Dr. Michael Westcott and Dr. Sujay Trivedi, look at the size and location of the damage, how much healthy structure remains, and how your teeth come together when you bite. From there, we recommend the option that best protects the tooth over time. Sometimes that is an inlay, and sometimes a filling, onlay, or crown is a better fit.
Many of our Palm Beach patients come to us with a large older filling that has started to break down. Others have a new cavity between the cusps of a molar, or a chipped area on a chewing surface. Inlays can help in situations like these:
- Moderate decay that is too extensive for a standard filling but does not involve the cusps
- Replacing an aging or failing filling on a back tooth
- Restoring a cracked or fractured area confined to the center of the tooth
- Preserving healthy tooth walls instead of reducing the tooth for a crown
Candidacy starts with a thorough dental exam, including cavity detection, so we understand the full picture. Healthy gums also matter, since a restoration is most stable when the surrounding tissue is in good condition. If we find gum concerns, we can address them first with gum disease treatment or scaling and root planing. If a crack runs deeper or the nerve is involved, our team can evaluate the tooth for other care, such as root canal therapy, before restoring it.
The Inlay Process and Recovery
The process usually takes two visits. At the first appointment, we numb the area and gently remove the decay or old filling material. Next, we shape the space so the inlay will seat securely and take an impression of the prepared tooth. We place a temporary restoration to protect the tooth while your custom inlay is made. At the second visit, we remove the temporary, check the fit and bite of the final inlay, and bond it firmly into place. Then we polish it so it feels smooth against your tongue and neighboring teeth.
If dental visits make you anxious, let us know. We offer oral sedation for patients who want extra help relaxing. Afterward, it is normal for the tooth to feel slightly sensitive to temperature or pressure for a short time. Brush and floss as usual, and keep up with regular cleanings so we can check the inlay and the margins around it. If you clench or grind at night, we may suggest a night mouth guard to help protect your restoration and natural teeth. If anything feels uncomfortable or your bite seems off, call us and we will take a look.
Convenient Care and Payment Options for Palm Beach Families
Palm Beach residents often value having one office that can handle many needs. Our multidisciplinary team provides general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry for patients ages eight and up. That means the dentist who places your inlay can also handle cleanings, crowns, implants, and urgent concerns. If a tooth suddenly breaks or starts hurting, we offer emergency appointments, so you have a familiar place to turn.
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our team can help you understand how your benefits may apply to an inlay before treatment begins. We also welcome self-pay patients. We will review your treatment plan and costs with you up front so there are no surprises. If you live in Palm Beach and have a worn filling or a cavity that needs attention, contact Family Dental Care to schedule an exam and find out whether an inlay is the right way to restore your tooth.