What Is A Dental Filling?
Cavities are one of the most common dental problems. They form when bacteria erode tooth enamel. In the past, cavities were treated with amalgam fillings, a mixture of metals like silver or mercury. However, amalgam fillings don't bond well with enamel, and mercury poses health risks. At Galloway Dental Associates in Miami, FL, we offer tooth-colored fillings made from composite resin to fill cavities and protect your teeth. Our team can also replace old metal fillings with composite resin for a more reliable and aesthetically pleasing result.
In addition to tooth fillings, we offer inlays and onlays, which are great options for treating decayed or damaged teeth. Used primarily on molars and pre-molars, inlays cover the indented center of a tooth while onlays extend over the rounded edges. Like fillings and dental crowns, inlays and onlays are available in various materials, including metal, porcelain, and composite resin.
How Is A Tooth-Colored Filling Performed?
Getting dental fillings or an inlay/onlay at Galloway Dental Associates is typically a simple process. First, we will numb the treatment area with local anesthesia. If you have any anxiety or a strong gag reflex, we may suggest additional sedation options to help you stay relaxed. Once you're ready, we will remove the decayed enamel using a special drill chosen based on the location and extent of the cavity. After the decay is cleared and the area disinfected, composite resin will be applied, shaped, and hardened with a special light. We will then polish the composite filling until it feels smooth and blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
For more extensive restorations, like inlays or onlays, the process begins the same way — by cleaning out the decayed area after numbing the gums. If your inlay or onlay is being custom-made in a lab, we will take impressions of your tooth and place a temporary filling while you wait for the restoration. Once your inlay or onlay is ready, we will bond it to the tooth, adjusting and polishing it to provide a perfect fit and natural feel.
What Are the Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings?
At our Miami, FL facility, we provide advanced oral treatments, including natural-looking fillings and inlays/onlays, which offer numerous benefits:
- Seamless appearance that blends with your teeth
- Protection against plaque buildup and decay
- Quick treatment for long-lasting results
- Comfortable and functional bite
- Minimally invasive alternative to crowns that preserves more of your natural tooth
- Stain-resistant and durable, providing lasting protection while maintaining a natural look
Both options provide durable, effective solutions for damaged or decayed teeth, helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
Galloway Dental Associates Reviews
My family, now configured to be mom (93, 3 weeks til 94 years old), my sis (59 years old), and myself (61 years old) has been relying on this practice for years, always happy with their services, staff, etc. Several months ago, the practice was sold to two fantastic dentists (they could even be twins) - these guys turned out to be fantastic! They're listeners, caring, honest, and even offer many alternatives to help with the costs, if you tell them you can't afford something; they also offer financing options. These people are caring, smart, capable, and understanding supermen and superwomen. They are just great. Can't say cheap though, but, now they take several health insurance plans which has saved me $1,000s in one month (implants, crowns, fillings, cleanings).
29
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Schedule A Dental Filling Today
Cavities may start small, but it's important to treat them early before they turn into more costly issues. At Galloway Dental Associates in Miami, FL, we use composite resin fillings to treat tooth decay and cavities, carefully matching the shade of your teeth for a seamless, healthy smile. Whether you choose a filling, inlay, or onlay, addressing tooth damage or decay early prevents painful and expensive complications. If you think you or your child have a cavity, contact us to schedule an exam and learn more about how we can restore your smile.