Tooth Colored Dental Fillings, Onlays and Inlays

At Mangrove Dentistry in Oldsmar, we are delighted to serve patients from all over the Tampa Bay and Clearwater area with immediate appointments and gentle, compassionate care. If you have developed a cavity, it is important to find it as soon as possible. Whenever you come in for an exam or dental cleaning, we will take a thorough look at all your teeth to find signs of dental decay. Seeing the dentist minimally every six months will help ensure any cavities are discovered and can be treated before they cause significant damage.

If a dental cavity is found, a simple tooth-colored composite filling is usually all that is needed. Composite fillings can be done relatively quickly and without pain, using local anesthetic. The decayed part of the tooth is removed and the tooth is treated to eliminate bacteria where the composite filling will be bonded. The filling material is packed into the cavity and shaped to restore the shape of your tooth. The composite is cured (hardened) with a light that bonds it permanently to the tooth. Before you go home, Dr. Tran will check your bite to make sure your filling provides an optimal occlusal contact with the opposing teeth and will be comfortable when you bite and chew. He will finely polish the filling and tooth structure to make any needed adjustments.

The composite resin used for dental fillings comes in a range of natural shades, and Dr. Tran can select the color that matches the surrounding tooth structure. This way, when you smile and laugh, others will not see your fillings. In fact, you will not see them, even when you look closely in a mirror. Composite resin will bond with your tooth more strongly than metal. It can strengthen your weakened tooth more effectively than silver amalgam and last a very long time.

There are cases where Dr. Tran may recommend a porcelain inlay or onlay instead of a composite filling or dental crown. An inlay fits within the grooves that are within the cusps of a tooth. An onlay is a larger restoration that fits within the grooves but also wraps over the tops of the cusps, covering more tooth surface. A porcelain inlay or onlay is sometimes used to fill a cavity or to repair a cracked tooth that is not decayed.

Highly durable porcelain fillings in the form of dental inlays and onlays can be custom made in our partnering dental lab. If you select one of these better quality filling materials, your tooth will be prepped, an impression made, and a temporary filling placed while the lab creates your restoration. At a second appointment, the temporary filling will be removed, and your inlay or onlay will be bonded to the tooth.

Understanding Dental Decay

Cavities result when bacteria interact with sugar or starches to form acid. The acids gradually wear away dental enamel unless you are diligent about your oral hygiene and regularly visiting the dentist for prophylactic dental cleanings. When decay starts, you may develop small, white spots on your teeth. At this point, a thorough cleaning can typically halt damage to your teeth. However, these spots do not always appear, and if the erosion process continues, the acid and bacteria will eventually affect the underlying layers of your tooth. Without proper care, the bacteria will spread. Eventually, the cavity could compromise your entire tooth. You might even develop gum disease or cavities in your adjacent teeth.

If you or someone in your family has not been to the dentist every six months, cavities may go undiagnosed for a long time and grow. We strive to make patients feel comfortable, so if dental anxiety has been holding you back from regular oral health care, please give us a call. You don’t want to wait until you develop a toothache, dental sensitivity, or striking discoloration. With routine exams and dental cleanings—if you do your part with daily recommended oral hygiene practices, we can usually prevent dental decay as a team. Even if you do develop a cavity, we will be able to detect it early, and Dr. Tran will treat it with a filling.

Are You Concerned About Dental Decay?

Tampa-Clearwater area dentist, Dr. Toan Tran, and his team at Mangrove Bay Dentistry in Oldsmar, take pride in serving patients with the highest quality, individualized care. Our office is conveniently located near the corner of W. Hillsborough Ave. and Race Track Rd within a short drive of many Tampa Bay-Clearwater communities, including Oldsmar, Westchase, The Eagles, Twin Branch Acres, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Lutz, Odessa, and Town ‘N Country.

Give our friendly front desk a call today—813-891-9898.