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A dental filling is a procedure that repairs your damaged tooth and restores it to its normal function and shape. At Gulf Coast Dental, fillings treat cavities, small holes, or pits in your tooth surface caused by tooth decay. Our dentist will replace areas of the affected tooth with a composite resin material or another durable material. This will protect your tooth from further damage and restore its functionality so you can eat and speak normally again.

Why Do I Need A Filling?

There are several reasons why you would need a filling. The first is that you have a cavity or tooth decay. When you have a cavity, your tooth suffers significant damage. Over time, your cavity will grow and need to be filled. Another reason you may need a filling is because of a broken tooth. If a part of a tooth breaks off, it will cause pain and sensitivity and damage the inside of the tooth as the broken piece is exposed to bacteria. A third reason for getting a filling is a chipped or broken tooth due to injury or trauma to the mouth. When a filling is needed, your dentist will remove the damaged portion of the tooth and then fill the area with the composite material. The material used in the fillings is often the same material used for tooth bonding procedures so that your teeth can appear seamless and natural.

The Benefits of Dental Fillings

Some significant benefits of dental fillings are restoring the tooth's functionality and preventing further damage. If the decayed part of the tooth is not removed, bacteria will grow and cause pain and swelling. This can also cause infection to develop in the surrounding tissue. In addition, having a filling placed can prevent further tooth loss. Decay often spreads to other parts of the mouth, and if tooth decay is left untreated, it can eventually lead to the loss of many more teeth. This can be harmful to oral function and health.

Another benefit of dental fillings is that the procedure can be completed in just one visit in many cases. Your dentist will remove any decayed parts of the tooth with a drill and fill the hole with the chosen material. This will fully restore the functionality and appearance of the tooth.

If you experience a toothache or any noticeable issues with a tooth, don’t hesitate to visit Gulf Coast Dental at 1751 W 9 Mile Rd. Pensacola, FL 32534, or call (850) 944-5515. Leaving a cavity untreated could result in an infection or abscess in the surrounding tissues of your tooth, which could lead to more severe problems, such as a root canal infection.