08
May
Can a Dental Filling Save a Decayed Tooth?
When decay threatens to destroy your smile, Drs. Gina and Christopher Gomez can restore its health and beauty with dental fillings. Gomez Family Dentistry is your one-stop shop for composite tooth-colored fillings near me in Pensacola, Florida. These FAQs explain more about composite dental fillings and how they’re used.
What are composite fillings?
Composite fillings are dental restorations made of tooth-colored, resin material used mainly to treat cavities. The filling comes in a paste-like mixture that’s applied in layers to your tooth, filling the space where decay was removed. It’s then cured with a special light to dry it in place. Through composite filling cavity treatment, you can repair and restore a decayed tooth to avoid having it removed.
What are the benefits of composite fillings?
The most obvious benefit is improved aesthetics. Most people appreciate the fact that the filling remains hidden. Composite fillings have many other attributes that make them a good choice for treating decay. These include:
- Mercury and metal-free, posing no harm to your health.
- Require less drilling for their application, leaving more of your natural tooth intact.
- Direct bonding with your tooth enamel to seal out future infection and decay.
- Don’t contract or expand your mouth with temperature changes to reduce tooth sensitivity.
How long do composite fillings last?
Like most dental restorations, composite fillings won’t last a lifetime. With proper care, however, this filling can last up to 10 years. Your oral hygiene, lifestyle, and dietary habits will impact the lifespan and effectiveness of your filling. Biting hard foods, chewing on ice, and teeth grinding can cause premature damage to a composite filling, making it necessary to replace it.
Real Patients, Real Results
Is it painful to get a composite filling?
No, it’s not. Our dentists will numb your mouth for cavity treatment to ensure you feel no pain, discomfort, or sensitivity. You can take OTC pain medication or use ice packs to relieve any soreness or discomfort after the anesthesia wears off.
Call our office for more information
New Patients: (850) 429-4664 | Existing Patients: (850) 435-3111
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How do I care for composite fillings?
Good oral hygiene habits are key to keeping your fillings healthy and working as they should. Regular brushing and flossing help keep plaque to a minimum, helping prevent future decay. Using an antibacterial rinse will also help in minimizing plaque buildup. Dr. Gomez will schedule routine dental visits for checkups and cleanings to ensure your fillings are in good shape and provide the protection you need.
Besides treating decay, how else are composite fillings used?
In addition to treating decay, composite fillings are often used as dental bonding to repair small chips or cracks in your teeth, build up a broken tooth, or close small gaps between your teeth. Bonding is a cosmetic treatment that can help improve your smile’s aesthetics.
Who can I see for composite resin cavity treatment near me?
Drs. Gina and Christopher Gomez from Gomez Family Dentistry are your go-to dentists for cavity treatment in Pensacola, FL. Contact us at (850) 429-4664 for all your dental care needs.
Christopher Gomez, DDS
Studied Chemistry at Florida International University. After college, he received a US Air Force Health Professions Scholarship and graduated at the top of his class from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in 2012. Then, he completed a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency Program at Keesler Air Force Base (Biloxi, Mississippi) and was stationed at Hurlburt Field Air Force Base, where he served the rest of his term as a Captain. Dr. Christopher completed a year-long Comprehensive Implant Residency Program in Bessemer, Alabama, which gave him specialized knowledge on dental implants. He is currently in a 2-year orthodontic program learning to do conventional orthodontics and clear aligners.
Gina Bertuglia Gomez, DDS
Studied Psychology and Spanish Studies at the University of Delaware before attending the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, where she met Dr. Christopher Gomez. Upon graduation from dental school, she completed a one-year General Practice Residency at Stonybrook University, NY. She has spent the last ten years in private practice in Gulf Breeze and Pensacola, Florida. Dr. Gina always keeps the patients’ best interests at heart and treats them the same way she would treat her family.