Inlays in West Palm Beach
A cavity or old filling that sits in the grooves between the raised points of a back tooth leaves you with a choice. A standard filling can work for small areas. When the damage is larger but the outer cusps are still strong, an inlay often makes more sense. An inlay is a custom-made restoration shaped to fit precisely inside that space. At Family Dental Care, we help patients throughout West Palm Beach decide whether an inlay is the right way to rebuild a tooth while keeping as much of the natural structure as possible.
An inlay is an indirect restoration. Instead of being shaped and hardened inside your mouth like a traditional filling, it is made to match the exact contours of the prepared area of your tooth and then bonded into place. Inlays fit within the cusps, the raised points on the chewing surface of molars and premolars. If the damage extends over one or more cusps, we may recommend its close relative, an onlay, which we also offer.
Inlays fill an important middle ground in restorative dentistry. Some teeth have too much decay or breakdown for a filling to hold up well over time. Those same teeth may still have too much healthy structure to justify the more extensive reshaping a crown requires. Because we provide fillings, inlays, onlays, and crowns, we can match the restoration to the tooth rather than steering every patient toward the same option.
Every inlay starts with a thorough dental exam. Our dentists, Dr. Michael Westcott and Dr. Sujay Trivedi, look at the size and location of the decay or damaged filling. They check the condition of the surrounding enamel and evaluate how much healthy tooth remains. We use cavity detection as part of that evaluation so we understand the full extent of the problem before recommending treatment.
Patients who tend to be good candidates for an inlay often have:
- A moderate to large cavity on the chewing surface of a back tooth
- An older filling that has worn down, cracked, or started to leak
- Strong, intact cusps that do not need to be covered
- A desire to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible
If an inlay isn't the best fit, we'll explain why and talk through alternatives. Depending on the tooth, that might be an onlay, a crown, or root canal therapy if the damage has reached deeper. We see patients ages eight and up, so families in West Palm Beach can often coordinate care for several members at one office.
What to Expect During Treatment
Inlay treatment typically takes place over more than one visit. At the first appointment, we numb the area for comfort. Then we remove the decay or old filling material and shape the remaining tooth so the inlay will seat securely. Next, we take an impression of the prepared tooth, which is used to create your custom restoration. We protect the tooth while your inlay is being made so you can go about your day normally.
When your inlay is ready, you'll return so we can check its fit, make any fine adjustments, and bond it firmly to the tooth. We also check your bite so the restoration feels natural when you chew. For patients who feel anxious about dental work, we offer oral sedation. You're welcome to ask about it when you schedule your visit to our West Palm Beach office.
Caring for Your Inlay
Once your inlay is bonded, you can care for it much like your natural teeth. Brush twice a day and floss daily, paying close attention to the edges where the inlay meets the tooth. Some patients notice mild sensitivity for a short time afterward. If anything feels high when you bite or remains uncomfortable, let us know so we can take a look.
Regular dental cleanings and exams with our hygienist and dentists give us a chance to monitor your inlay along with the rest of your smile. If you grind or clench your teeth at night, a custom night guard can help protect your restorations from extra wear. If a problem ever comes up between visits, we offer emergency dental appointments.
Insurance and Payment Options
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our team can help you understand how your benefits apply to restorative treatment like inlays. Before we begin, we'll review your treatment plan with you so you know what to expect.
We also welcome self-pay patients. If you don't have dental insurance, just let our front desk know, and we'll discuss your options. Patients from across West Palm Beach, as well as nearby Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens, rely on our office for clear communication about care and cost. To find out whether an inlay is right for your tooth, contact Family Dental Care to schedule an exam.