Fill Me In: What Are Composite Fillings?

Composite fillings repair teeth using a mixture of tooth-colored resin and fine glass particles. The dentist shapes and bonds the material directly to the tooth, sealing off decay and restoring strength. Unlike silver fillings, composites blend seamlessly with your enamel. The dentist cures the filling with a special light, hardening the material in layers for a strong, precise fit. Most patients don’t notice the difference between their natural tooth and the composite.

Signs You Might Need One (Yes, You!)

Cavities aren’t the only reason someone might need a filling. Watch out for these symptoms that could mean it’s time to visit us:

Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets
A visible hole or dark spot on your tooth
Sharp pain when biting down
Chipped or cracked teeth
Rough, broken, or missing existing fillings

Why Composite Fillings Beat the Metal Ones

Composite fillings give your smile a cosmetic upgrade while offering serious protection. Here’s why our patients (and our dentists) prefer them:

Natural-looking color: We color-match the material to your tooth shade.
Bonded strength: The resin bonds tightly to your tooth, helping prevent future cracks.
Less drilling: The dentist preserves more of your healthy tooth structure.
Mercury-free: No metals, no worries—just modern, safe materials.
Immediate set: You can eat shortly after your appointment.

How the Dentist Places a Composite Filling

The dentist starts by removing the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth. After cleaning and prepping the area, they apply the composite in layers. Each layer gets cured with a light until the filling is fully hardened. Then, the dentist shapes it to match your bite and polishes it smooth. Most appointments take less than an hour. Thanks to gentle numbing and a skilled, friendly team, you can expect to be comfortable.

Smile Goals: When a Filling Just Isn’t Enough

Sometimes, a filling isn’t quite the right tool for the job. If the decay is too deep or the damage too wide, we might recommend one of these restorative upgrades instead:

Dental crowns: Protect and cover a badly damaged or cracked tooth with a full-coverage cap.
Inlays and onlays: Repair large cavities or fractured teeth with a custom-made porcelain or composite piece.
Root canal therapy: Remove infection from the inside of the tooth when decay reaches the pulp.

Combo Platter: Other Services That Pair Well With Fillings

You might need a composite filling for a bigger dental game plan. Here are three complementary services we offer to keep your smile strong and healthy:

Root canal therapy: The dentist saves infected or severely damaged teeth by removing the pulp, cleaning the root canals, and sealing the space.
Dental crowns: We place crowns when teeth are damaged and need structural support for proper function.
Bridges: Fill the space left by missing teeth using a connected series of crowns for a restored, functional bite.

Kids Need Fillings Too (And We Make It Easy)

Cavities happen, especially with kids. Our team keeps your child calm and comfortable during every step of the process. We use tooth-colored fillings even for baby teeth, helping kids avoid teasing and build confidence in their smile. Parents can stay in the room, and our friendly team walks your child through each step using simple, stress-free language.

What Happens After You Get a Filling?

After the dentist places your composite filling, your mouth might stay numb for a few hours. Once that wears off, you can eat and drink normally. Some people notice mild sensitivity for a few days, but that fades fast. Brush and floss like usual, and visit us every six months for cleanings. Your filling can last over 10 years with good care.

Keep Your Fillings Fresh and Functional

Treat your composite fillings like you treat the rest of your teeth—gently, but thoroughly. Here’s how to make them last:

Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
Avoid chewing hard objects like ice or pens
Skip sticky candies that might pull at your fillings
Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings