Fillings, Inlays & Onlays
Don’t let damage keep you from smile. Restore proper function with mouth-healthy fillings.
Pain, sensitivity, and discomfort in a tooth may all be a sign of something bigger going on. Built up bacteria can lead to decay, weakening the outer layers of tooth structure, thus requiring professional dental intervention. Luckily, a filling can fix this!
What are Dental Fillings?
A dental filling is restoration of form and function to a tooth, after the cavity, caused by a build-up of bacteria, is removed from the tooth. This not only restores the tooth from the damage done but helps prevent the tooth from incurring further damage.
There are many types of dental fillings. A common procedure in the early days of dentistry was the silver, or amalgam, filling. Nowadays, the majority of fillings are tooth colored. But there are also different types of tooth colored fillings. The most common, is the composite resin. This type of filling is used to replace smaller, more conservative cavities.
Cavities come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes cavities can get very large. One disadvantage with the composite resin filling is that when used to restore larger cavities, they can be subject to shrinkage, creating and open space between the edge of the filling material and tooth structure which allows an influx of bacteria between the tooth and the filling. This could potentially lead to a cavity underneath a filling… who would’ve thought such a thing could happen! This Is also why some people have sensitivity after fillings.
When larger cavities need restorations, we recommend an inlay or onlay. Inlays and onlays are fillings that are created using digital technology. They are composed of a strong ceramic material, that does not shrink, thus creating a longer lasting and more comfortable restoration.
The Benefits of Fillings, Inlays & Onlays
Getting a filling, inlay, or onlay is a simple procedure that comes with an array of benefits. They include:
What Happens When You Get a Filling, Inlay or Onlay?
The process of getting a filling, inlay, or onlay is pretty straightforward. First, we remove the decay from the tooth to ensure we’re working on a clean surface. From there, we’ll fill the hole with our proprietary material to keep the hole sealed and fully restore the shape and sturdiness of the tooth.
Do You Need a Filling, Inlay or Onlay in Fort Lauderdale?
When you’re in need of a tooth restoration, there is no time to wait. A filling in Fort Lauderdale can give you your comfortable and functional smile back! So, contact Hart to Hart Dental to schedule an appointment today!