Dental Fillings in Tampa, FL
A cavity, small chip, worn area, or damaged existing restoration can weaken a tooth and allow the problem to progress. A dental filling replaces the affected portion of the tooth and restores its shape, chewing surface, and function.
At Flex Dental, Dr. Benjamin J. Gubernick evaluates the size and location of the damage, the amount of remaining tooth structure, your bite, and your aesthetic preferences before recommending a filling material or another restorative option.
A direct restoration for a cavity or smaller area of damage.
A dental filling is used to restore a portion of a tooth that has been damaged by decay, wear, fracture, or the failure of an older restoration. The affected material is removed, the area is cleaned and prepared, and a restorative material is placed in the resulting space.
Fillings are generally best suited to areas where enough healthy tooth structure remains to support the restoration. If damage is more extensive, Dr. Gubernick may discuss an inlay, onlay, dental crown, root canal treatment, or another option.
Restores missing structure
Filling material replaces the tooth structure removed because of decay or minor damage.
Recreates tooth contours
The restoration is shaped to reproduce the natural chewing surface and contact with neighboring teeth.
Seals the prepared area
The filling closes the space left after damaged or decayed tissue has been removed.
Supports comfortable function
The completed restoration is adjusted so the tooth works comfortably within the patient’s bite.
Cavities are common—but they are not the only reason.
Dental cavities
When tooth decay creates a permanent hole in the enamel or dentin, the decayed tissue may need to be removed and the remaining space restored with a filling.
Small chips or fractures
Selected minor chips or fractured areas may be repaired with restorative material when enough healthy tooth structure remains.
Worn tooth structure
Grinding, clenching, acidic exposure, or mechanical abrasion may wear selected areas of a tooth and create sensitivity or structural concerns.
Loose or broken fillings
Existing restorative material may fracture, wear, loosen, or lose its seal and require evaluation or replacement.
Decay around a restoration
New decay can develop at the edge of an existing filling or elsewhere on the same tooth.
Sensitivity or bite changes
New sensitivity, discomfort when chewing, or a noticeable change in a restored tooth may indicate that an examination is needed.
Early mineral loss and a true cavity are not the same thing.
In its earliest stage, tooth decay may appear as an area where enamel has lost minerals but has not yet formed a physical hole. Depending on the location and risk factors, early lesions may be managed with fluoride, improved home care, dietary changes, monitoring, or another preventive approach.
Once the enamel has broken down and a cavity has formed, the damage cannot grow back on its own. Restorative treatment is commonly needed to remove decayed tissue and repair the tooth.
Material selection should be based on more than appearance.
Filling materials differ in color, strength, wear resistance, bonding characteristics, moisture sensitivity, placement requirements, cost, and suitability for different areas of the mouth.
Dr. Gubernick will discuss options based on the size and location of the cavity, your chewing forces, the amount of remaining tooth structure, aesthetic preferences, and other clinical factors.
Composite Resin Fillings
Composite resin is a tooth-colored restorative material made with a resin matrix and reinforcing glass or quartz filler. It can be shade-matched to surrounding teeth and bonded directly to prepared tooth structure. Composite is commonly considered for small- to moderate-size restorations on front or back teeth.
Dental Amalgam Fillings
Dental amalgam is a silver-colored restorative material made from a mixture of metals. It has a long history of use and may be considered in selected areas where durability, chewing load, moisture control, or cost are important factors. It does not match the natural color of the tooth.
Glass Ionomer Materials
Glass ionomer materials are tooth-colored and may release fluoride over time. They are generally best suited to smaller, lower-stress restorations, selected root-surface areas, liners, bases, or other specific situations. They are not typically selected for large, heavily loaded restorations.
Ceramic Inlays and Onlays
When damage is too extensive for a routine direct filling but does not require full crown coverage, a custom ceramic inlay or onlay may be considered. These indirect restorations are fabricated outside the mouth or through a digital workflow and bonded to the prepared tooth.
The amount of healthy tooth remaining helps guide the decision.
A filling repairs a localized portion of a tooth. A crown covers most or all of the visible tooth above the gum line. The right restoration depends on the extent of damage, tooth location, bite, symptoms, and other clinical findings.
A filling may be appropriate when:
Enough healthy tooth structure remains to retain and support a direct restoration.
- The cavity or defect is relatively localized.
- The remaining tooth walls provide adequate support.
- A direct restorative material is suitable for the location.
- The tooth does not require full-coverage protection.
A crown may be considered when:
The tooth has lost too much structure for a predictable direct filling or needs more extensive reinforcement.
- Decay or fracture involves a large portion of the tooth.
- A large existing filling has weakened the remaining walls.
- The tooth needs appropriate restoration after root canal care.
- A direct filling cannot adequately restore shape or function.
Precise restorative care from examination to final polish.
The exact procedure depends on the tooth, the depth and location of the damage, the restorative material, and whether additional treatment is needed.
Examination and diagnosis
Dr. Gubernick examines the tooth, reviews any symptoms, and may use dental X-rays to determine the location and extent of decay or damage.
Numb the treatment area
Local anesthetic may be used to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues and help keep you comfortable during treatment.
Remove decay or damaged material
Decayed tooth tissue, unsupported structure, or failed restorative material is carefully removed.
Clean and prepare the tooth
The prepared area is cleaned and conditioned according to the restorative material being used. A bonding system may be applied for composite fillings.
Place the restorative material
Tooth-colored composite may be placed and cured in layers. Other filling materials follow material-specific placement and setting procedures.
Shape the natural contours
Dr. Gubernick shapes the filling to recreate the tooth’s chewing anatomy and appropriate contact with adjacent teeth.
Check the bite and polish
The bite is evaluated and adjusted when needed. The finished restoration is smoothed and polished before you leave.
The restored tooth still needs protection from new decay.
A filling repairs an existing problem, but it does not make the tooth immune to future decay, fracture, wear, or gum disease. Plaque and decay can develop around the edge of a restoration or elsewhere on the tooth.
Filling longevity varies. Material, restoration size, tooth location, bite forces, grinding, oral hygiene, diet, moisture control during placement, and the condition of the supporting tooth can all affect performance.
Brush with fluoride toothpaste
Brush twice daily and pay attention to the gum line and all surfaces of restored teeth.
Clean between your teeth
Floss or use another recommended interdental cleaner to remove plaque where a toothbrush cannot reach.
Limit frequent sugar exposure
Frequent sugary or starchy snacks and drinks can create repeated acid attacks that increase cavity risk.
Avoid chewing hard objects
Ice, pens, fingernails, and other hard non-food objects can damage natural teeth and restorations.
Address grinding and clenching
Tell the team if you grind your teeth. A protective appliance may be recommended in appropriate cases.
Keep regular dental visits
Routine examinations help monitor the filling, tooth structure, bite, surrounding gums, and risk of new decay.
Changes in sensitivity or your bite deserve attention.
Some temporary sensitivity can occur after restorative treatment, but persistent, worsening, or new symptoms should be evaluated. A problem may involve the filling, the supporting tooth, the bite, the dental pulp, or another nearby structure.
Do not attempt to repair, file, or replace a filling yourself. Contact Flex Dental so the tooth can be examined and the cause of the change identified.
Benjamin J. Gubernick, DDS
Dr. Gubernick completed advanced postdoctoral training in restorative, surgical, and comprehensive dentistry through a General Practice Residency at the Malcolm Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville.
Dental fillings in Tampa on South Dale Mabry.
Flex Dental welcomes new patients who need cavity treatment, tooth-colored fillings, replacement restorations, preventive care, crowns, root canals, and comprehensive family dentistry.
310 South Dale Mabry Highway, Suite 120
Tampa, FL 33609
(813) 999-1092
English, Spanish, and Portuguese
Questions about cavities and tooth-colored fillings?
These answers provide general education. A dental examination and appropriate diagnostic records are needed to determine whether a filling or another treatment is right for your tooth.
What is a dental filling?
A dental filling is a restoration used to repair a localized area of tooth structure lost because of a cavity, wear, fracture, or another form of damage. The affected material is removed, and the space is restored with a suitable filling material.
How do I know if I have a cavity?
Early cavities may not cause symptoms. As decay progresses, patients may notice sensitivity to sweets, cold, or heat; tooth pain; visible discoloration; a rough area; food trapping; or discomfort while chewing. Dental examinations and X-rays can help identify decay that is not obvious.
Does every area of tooth decay need a filling?
No. Early mineral loss before a physical cavity forms may sometimes be managed with fluoride, improved oral hygiene, dietary changes, monitoring, or another preventive approach. Once tooth structure has broken down and a cavity exists, restorative treatment is commonly needed.
What types of dental fillings are available?
Direct restorative materials can include composite resin, dental amalgam, glass ionomer, and resin-modified glass ionomer. Selected larger defects may be treated with an indirect ceramic or metal inlay or onlay. Material selection depends on the tooth, cavity size, chewing forces, moisture control, appearance, cost, and other factors.
What are tooth-colored fillings made from?
Composite resin fillings generally contain a resin matrix reinforced with glass or quartz filler. The material can be matched to the color of surrounding teeth and is commonly placed and light-cured in layers.
Are tooth-colored fillings suitable for back teeth?
Composite fillings may be used on front or back teeth, particularly for small- to moderate-size restorations. The suitability of composite depends on cavity size, available tooth structure, chewing forces, moisture control, and other clinical conditions.
Should I replace an intact silver-colored filling?
The FDA does not recommend removing an intact amalgam filling solely because it contains mercury unless replacement is considered medically necessary by a healthcare professional. Removing a sound restoration can require the removal of additional healthy tooth structure. Dr. Gubernick can examine an existing filling and discuss whether replacement is clinically appropriate.
Is getting a dental filling painful?
Local anesthetic may be used to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues. Experiences vary, and temporary sensitivity can occur after treatment. Tell the team about dental anxiety, sensitivity, or past difficulties so comfort options can be discussed.
How long does a dental filling appointment take?
Treatment time varies based on the number of teeth, cavity size and location, restorative material, accessibility, and whether additional care is needed. Many direct fillings can be completed in one appointment, but Dr. Gubernick will provide a more specific estimate after examining the tooth.
How long do dental fillings last?
No filling has a guaranteed lifespan. Longevity depends on material, restoration size, tooth location, bite forces, grinding, oral hygiene, cavity risk, diet, moisture control, and the condition of the supporting tooth. Fillings should be monitored during regular dental examinations.
Can a tooth develop decay around a filling?
Yes. A filling material does not develop a cavity, but the natural tooth can develop new decay near the restoration margin or elsewhere. Fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between the teeth, limiting frequent sugar exposure, and regular dental care remain important.
When would I need a crown instead of a filling?
A crown may be considered when decay, fracture, or an existing restoration has left too little healthy tooth structure for a predictable filling. Crowns provide greater coverage, while fillings repair a more localized area.
What should I do if a filling falls out?
Contact Flex Dental and avoid trying to permanently repair the tooth yourself. Keep the area clean, avoid chewing hard foods on that side, and seek guidance if you develop pain, swelling, or sensitivity. Call (813) 999-1092 for assistance.
How much does a dental filling cost in Tampa?
Cost varies based on the material, number of tooth surfaces, location of the tooth, extent of damage, insurance benefits, and whether additional treatment is needed. Flex Dental can provide an individualized estimate after examining the tooth.
Patient education references
These independent resources provide general educational information and do not replace an examination, diagnosis, or individualized treatment recommendation from a licensed dentist.
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: Dental Fillings ↗
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: Tooth Decay ↗
- American Dental Association: Dental Filling Options ↗
- American Dental Association: Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings ↗
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Cavity Treatment Options ↗
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Dental Amalgam Information ↗
Repair the cavity before it becomes a larger problem.
Meet with Dr. Benjamin J. Gubernick to determine whether a dental filling, preventive treatment, inlay, onlay, dental crown, root canal, or another option is appropriate for your tooth.