A filling has lost a piece
A partly broken repair can leave a ledge or opening. What replaces it is decided once the dentist can see how much sound tooth is left, rather than on the size of the original filling alone.
Restorative Dentistry
Dental Inlays in Acton
Have you started chewing on one side to spare a damaged molar? From Acton, you can have that tooth examined, along with your bite, to see whether an inlay could restore it or whether it needs a different repair.
When one side does all the workGet a favoured-side molar checked
Getting both sides of your mouth back to chewing
Habits shift quietly. A molar loses a corner of its filling, food starts to feel strange on that side, and before long every meal goes to the other side of the mouth. Bringing that tooth back into use is often the real goal. An inlay is one possible way: a custom restoration made outside the mouth for a prepared space inside the cusps, then bonded in place.
Its suitability depends on the tooth. An inlay is usually discussed when a direct filling is not the preferred route and yet the cusps are strong enough that covering them with a crown is unnecessary. Your bite matters too, since the forces a restoration has to withstand influence the design and the material.
When you come in from Acton, tell us which side you have been favouring and for how long. Mention any clenching or grinding you are aware of, earlier repairs and what you would like from treatment. We can then describe what we see and whether a fitted restoration suits the tooth.
Why the tooth needs attention
Avoiding it rarely fixes it.
Chewing elsewhere may ease discomfort for a while, but the tooth still needs to be assessed. The dentist looks at the size of the damage and, just as importantly, at the strength of the walls surrounding it.
The bite has changed on that side
Damage can alter how the upper and lower teeth meet. Ask which parts of the tooth are healthy, and whether a restoration could stay within them or would need to protect a cusp under heavy load.
You are not sure what the options mean
A model or an image of your own molar can show the difference between filling, inlay, onlay and crown far better than the words. Ask to see one.
Pain, a possible crack or signs that the nerve is affected need diagnosing first. The design of the eventual restoration is a separate decision that does not replace that step.
What a suitable inlay can do
A surface built to take your bite
Made to fit the prepared tooth and checked against your bite before bonding, an inlay can rebuild a suitable defect while leaving healthy cusps around it uncovered.
Like any restoration, it has limits. Preparation is needed, and the material, fit, remaining tooth and the forces you put through it all shape the advice. If you clench or grind, ask how that affects the choice, and what an inlay offers over a direct filling.
Patient information: Cleveland Clinic — restorative dentistry and inlays
Restored contours and contacts
The design can recreate the missing surface and how it meets both the neighbouring teeth and the opposing tooth. Ask which features are most important to get right for comfortable chewing.
Healthy cusps left alone
Strong cusps may not need to be reduced and covered. Keeping them is sensible only while they can still handle the loads your bite places on them.
Materials considered for the load
Bite forces, position, visibility and space all influence which material is suitable. Ask which options would work here and how they compare in strength, appearance, limitations and cost.
Treatment, stage by stage
The bite is checked at every step.
How many visits are needed depends on how the inlay is made and what the tooth requires. Ask whether a temporary will be placed and how to use that side of your mouth while you wait.
Examine the tooth and your bite
The dentist reviews the damaged area, symptoms, earlier restorations and how your teeth come together. Imaging or tests may confirm that an inlay is appropriate, or show that something else needs treating first.
Prepare and record
Once you agree to proceed and comfort measures are used, the tooth is shaped for the chosen restoration. Its form is captured with a scan or impression, and any temporary protection is explained.
Fit and bite check
The inlay is tried in and assessed for fit, contacts and how it meets the opposing teeth, including in side-to-side movements. Appearance can be reviewed too. Adjustments are made before it is secured.
Secure it and talk about habits
A bonding or cementing method suited to the material is used. After a final check, you are given guidance on eating, cleaning and whether a night guard or other protection should be discussed.
Using the tooth again
Ease back into chewing on both sides.
An inlay restores lost structure, though the natural tooth around it still relies on daily prevention. Follow the guidance from your fitting, and tell us if chewing on that side feels uncomfortable.
Start gently
What you can eat at first may depend on the material and on numbness. Ask when normal chewing can resume, and avoid nipping your tongue or cheek while you are still frozen.
Keep the margins clean
Brush with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth each day. If a contact traps food or catches floss, mention it so it can be examined rather than leaving you to avoid that side again.
Tell us if it feels high
A tooth that hits first when you close, stays sensitive or has a rough spot should be reviewed. Do not try to adjust it yourself, and avoid testing it on hard foods.
Questions from Acton(905) 876-4488
Bite, habits and the restoration
Knowing what a fitted repair replaces, and what pressures it will face, helps you weigh it up. These questions may be useful when you talk about your tooth.
Can I have an inlay if I grind my teeth?
Grinding or clenching does not automatically rule one out, but it does influence the design and material. The dentist may suggest a different restoration or discuss protection such as a night guard. Mention any grinding you know about.
Is it harmful to keep chewing on only one side?
Favouring one side often means a tooth on the other side needs attention. It is best to have the avoided tooth examined rather than wait, so the cause can be found and treated before damage progresses.
How is my bite checked after the inlay goes in?
The dentist usually uses thin marking paper and asks you to close and move your jaw. This shows where the teeth meet so any high spots can be adjusted before or after bonding.
When can I chew normally on the restored side?
That depends on the material and whether you are still numb. You will be given specific advice at the fitting appointment. Start gently, and call if chewing is uncomfortable after the freezing wears off.
Does an inlay replace the whole biting surface?
No. A conventional inlay restores the area between the cusps and leaves those points uncovered. If a cusp needs reinforcing, an onlay or another design may be suggested. Ask which parts of your tooth would be covered.
Will I still need checkups for that tooth?
Yes. The tooth around the inlay can still decay, especially at the margins, and the restoration should be monitored. Regular examinations, fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth all help. Report changes you notice.
Inlay assessments for Acton
Put that side of your mouth back to work.
Arrange a visit to our Bronte Street practice for a molar you have been avoiding or a filling that has broken. We will examine the tooth and your bite, then talk you through whether an inlay, a filling or more coverage fits.
When you call, tell us about any pain, swelling, recent breakage or grinding, so we can allow enough time for the examination.
Visit Milton Dental ClinicUnit 1, 342 Bronte St. S, Milton, ON L9T 5B7Get directions
Clinic hours
- Monday–Thursday
- 11am–7pm
- Friday–Sunday
- By appointment only
Areas we serve
- Milton
- Oakville
- Mississauga
- Georgetown
- Halton Hills
- Acton
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- Erin
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- Alton Village
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