Fillings

Gulfport Dental Filling Services

As we eat and drink in our lives teeth often begin to decay. Depending on the extent of the damage and amount of decay, a filling works to restore damaged teeth and get them back to normal function and shape. Gulf Coast Dental knows the importance of strong teeth with dependable fillings. Read on to learn more about a professional filling service!

What Happens When You Get A Filling?

First, your dentist will numb your mouth using a local anesthetic or treat you with Nitrous Oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. Next, the dentist will remove the decayed tooth material typically using a drill. Once the tooth has been drilled, they will clean the affected area, and fill the cleaned-out cavity with a filling material. This filling will help prevent further decay by closing any cracks or spaces where bacteria might enter.

Dental Fillings

There are a variety of filling materials available including gold, silver, plastic and porcelain. We will work with you to determine which material is best for you, depending on the extent of repair, where in your mouth the filling is needed, and the cost. Each of the filling materials is briefly explained below:

• • Gold fillings are custom-made in a laboratory and then cemented into place. While gold fillings are often the most expensive choice, many consider gold as the best filling material. Gold inlays are well-tolerated by gum tissues and may last more than 20 years.
  • Amalgam (silver) fillings are a more inexpensive choice and are also well-tolerated. However, due to their dark color, they are more noticeable than porcelain or composite restorations and are not recommended for fillings in very visible areas such as front teeth.
  • Composite (plastic) resins are custom-made to the exact color of the patient’s teeth, creating a more natural appearance. While these white fillings may be less noticeable than other materials, they usually only last between 3 and 10 years. Teeth bonding may not be ideal for large fillings as they may chip or wear over time. They can also become stained from coffee, tea or tobacco.
  • Porcelain fillings are created in a lab and then bonded to the tooth. They can be matched to the color of the tooth, resist staining, and are about the same cost as gold fillings. A porcelain restoration generally covers most of the tooth, making the filling nearly undetectable.

Call our office today for more information or to schedule your dental filling services.