COMPOSITE FILLINGS

Natural-Looking Repair for Cavities and Tooth Damage

Composite (tooth-colored) fillings are a popular and effective way to restore teeth that have been damaged by decay, fractures, or wear. These durable restorations blend in beautifully with your natural tooth structure, making them ideal for both front and back teeth.

WHAT EXACTLY IS A COMPOSITE FILLING?

A composite filling is made of a tooth-colored resin material that bonds directly to your tooth. It’s used to fill the space where decay has been removed or to repair minor chips, cracks, or cosmetic imperfections.

Composite fillings are often preferred over silver (amalgam) fillings because they:

Match the natural color of your teeth
Bond securely to the tooth surface
Preserve more of your healthy tooth structure
Work well for both small and moderate repairs

SOME REASONS YOU MIGHT NEED A FILLING:

Cavities or tooth decay
Cracked, chipped, or worn teeth
Closing small gaps between teeth
Replacing old or damaged fillings

3D Illustration of Caries Removal & Composite Filling

DID YOUR DOC RECOMMEND

A FILLING?

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR APPOINTMENT

COMPOSITE FILLINGS ARE GENERALLY COMPLETED IN ONE VISIT.

Here’s what happens:

COMFORT COMES FIRST – We’ll numb the area, if necessary.
DECAY REMOVAL – The affected portion of the tooth is carefully removed.
TOOTH PREP – The area is cleaned and prepped for the filling.
FILLING PLACEMENT – The composite material is placed in layers, then shaped and polished for a smooth, natural finish

*If the cavity is deep or close to a nerve, we may place a protective liner for added comfort and protection.

AFTERCARE

& LONGEVITY

It’s normal to feel a little sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days after getting a filling, but this usually resolves quickly. With good oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and healthy eating habits, composite fillings can last for many years.

REPLACING OLD SILVER FILLINGS

Upgrade your smile with a more natural look.

If you have older silver (amalgam) fillings that are worn, cracked, or simply more noticeable than you'd like, we offer the option to replace them with composite (tooth-colored) fillings for a more natural, seamless appearance.

Composite fillings blend in beautifully with your teeth, making them a great choice not just for new cavities, but also for upgrading older restorations that may have become discolored or weakened over time.

Reasons to consider replacing amalgam fillings:

Cosmetic improvement – No more dark spots when you smile or laugh
Cracked or leaking fillings – Aging amalgam can expand, contract, or separate from the tooth over time
Mercury concerns – While amalgam is considered safe by the ADA, some patients simply prefer a mercury-free option
Better bonding – Composite resin bonds directly to your tooth, helping to support and preserve the natural structure

Our team will evaluate your existing fillings and let you know if replacement is recommended. In many cases, we can remove the old filling and place a composite one in the same visit.

If you're interested in refreshing your smile by replacing silver fillings, we’re happy to walk you through the process and create a personalized treatment plan.

IS IT WORTH REPACING MY OLD SILVER FILLINGS IF THEY ARE STILL WORKING?

It depends.

If your existing amalgam (silver) fillings are still intact, not leaking, and aren’t causing any problems, there’s often no immediate medical reason to replace them. However, many patients still choose to update their fillings for cosmetic, preventative, or overall health reasons.

Bottom line: If your silver fillings are in good shape, there's no rush — but if you’re interested in a more natural look or if your fillings are showing signs of wear, it may be worth replacing them.