Fillings in Coral Gables, FL

A cavity is a hole that develops in your tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth. Cavities are caused by tooth decay or trauma to the tooth. If left untreated, the decay can spread to the inner layer of the tooth, called the dentin, and eventually reach the pulp of the tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels. The pulp can become infected and lead to an abscessed tooth. 

To treat cavities, our dentist at Shari A. Witkoff DMD will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the hole with a material such as composite resin, porcelain, gold, silver amalgam, or glass ionomer. These materials help restore the tooth’s function and shape and prevent further decay. 

Types of Fillings 

Amalgam Fillings 

This used to be the most common type of filling. It is a mixture of several metals, such as silver, copper, tin, zinc, and mercury. The mixture is highly durable and long-lasting, making it a good choice for back teeth that endure a lot of chewing pressure. 

Porcelain Fillings 

These tooth-colored fillings are made from ceramic. They blend in well with your smile and are stain-resistant, making them an excellent choice for front teeth. 

Composite Resin Fillings 

These fillings are tooth-colored and made from resin and powdered glass filler. They are popular due to their versatility and aesthetic appeal. Composite fillings can be used to treat cavities, breaks, and chips and blend in with the natural tooth structure.

Glass Ionomer Cement Fillings 

This type of filling in Coral Gables is made from glass and acrylic. It is less durable than amalgam fillings but is more aesthetically pleasing. It is also a good option for patients who have allergies to metal. 

The Procedure for Fillings 

The process of placing a filling begins with a thorough examination by our dentist. The dentist examines your teeth visually and may use X-rays to determine the extent of the damage caused by decay or trauma.

Before placing the filling, our dentist in Coral Gables administers local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth. This ensures you do not experience any pain or discomfort during the treatment.

With the area adequately numbed, the dentist uses a dental drill or laser to remove the decayed portion of the tooth. This step is crucial to prevent the further progression of decay and to create a clean and stable foundation for the filling. 

After removing decay, the dentist shapes the tooth to prepare it for the filling. The extent of tooth preparation depends on the filling material being used. Minimal tooth reduction is required for composite resin fillings, while amalgam fillings may necessitate more tooth structure removal.

The filling material is carefully placed into the prepared tooth cavity. Once the filling material is placed, the dentist shapes and sculpts it to mimic the natural contours of your tooth. This step ensures a comfortable bite and a seamless appearance. After shaping, the filling is polished to create a smooth, seamless surface. 

If you need a dental filling, visit Shari A. Witkoff DMD at 475 Biltmore Way, Suite 310, Coral Gables, FL 33134, or call (305) 444-4842. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices are vital to preventing the need for fillings in the future.