Dental fillings are the most common dental restorations. Fillings are restorations that repair teeth damaged by decay or injury. They prevent further erosion, strengthen weakened teeth, and improve the appearance of your smile. Fillings may be made of various materials, including composites and glass ionomers, and our dentist in Pensacola, FL at Gulf Coast Dental will choose the best material to meet your needs. Fillings are also used to replace old, worn amalgam fillings.

What Is a Cavity?

Several factors can cause a cavity or hole in your tooth. These may include poor oral hygiene, sugary foods, or tobacco use. 

Certain tooth-filling materials may be better for teeth with cavities. For example, a tooth filled with composite resin is not as strong and more likely to fracture. On the other hand, a tooth filled with porcelain is more vital, does not fracture easily, and can last for 15 to 20 years. A cavity can be prevented with good oral hygiene habits, including brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing once daily.

What Should I Expect During the Dental Filling Procedure?

Getting a dental filling requires just one short visit to our office and will begin by numbing the area with a local anesthetic. If necessary, we may also provide a dental sedation medication to help you feel more relaxed and comfortable. Then we will remove decay from your tooth, clean the area, and fill the cavity with a filling material.

Types of Dental Fillings

Gold Fillings

Gold fillings are also known as dental inlays or dental caps. This is another type of filling material that is made of gold. Gold is a metal that is very well tolerated by the body.

Gold is an excellent choice for fillings because it is very durable. The material will hold up under years of biting and chewing. Gold fillings can withstand the force of your bite, which is why they are used so often.

Tooth-Colored Fillings (Composite)

Composite resin fillings are a dental restoration used to repair a tooth affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. Composite fillings are matched to the same color as your teeth, making them more aesthetically suited than other fillings. 

Porcelain Fillings

Porcelain fillings provide a natural look that blends with the tooth. Porcelain fillings match and blend in with the shade of the tooth, making the filling almost invisible. Because these fillings match the tooth’s natural enamel, they resist staining. They also are durable and will last a long time.

To learn more about the advantages of dental fillings, contact Gulf Coast Dental at 1751 W 9 Mile Rd. Pensacola, FL 32534, or call (850) 495-6899.