Fillings & restorations
White fillings that look like part of the tooth
Composite resin matches your natural tooth color, bonds directly to the tooth, and preserves more healthy structure than the silver fillings of years past.
Why composite fillings
Composite resin — sometimes called "white fillings" — is the modern standard for most cavities. It's matched to the shade of your natural tooth, it bonds directly to the tooth structure (so we can preserve more healthy tooth), and it's strong enough to handle normal chewing forces. Done well, you can't tell the difference between your filling and the tooth around it.
What a filling appointment looks like
- 1. Numbing. Topical gel first, then local anesthetic. You won't feel the work.
- 2. Decay removal. We remove only the affected tooth structure, preserving as much healthy tooth as possible.
- 3. Bonding & placing. The composite is layered into the prepared space and cured (hardened) with a special light.
- 4. Polishing & bite check. We polish the filling smooth and check that your bite feels natural.
When a filling isn't enough
If a cavity is too large for a filling to handle, or if a tooth is cracked, we'll talk through other options. Inlays and onlays are precision porcelain restorations that handle larger areas of damage; crowns cover the entire tooth and protect it from further breakage. Whichever direction we go, you'll know the cost, the timeline, and the tradeoffs before we start.
Common questions
Frequently asked
- Are fillings still made of silver (amalgam)?
- We use tooth-colored composite resin fillings for nearly every restoration. Composite bonds directly to the tooth, looks natural, and preserves more healthy tooth structure than older silver amalgam. Amalgam is still safe and FDA-approved, but it's not our default.
- How long do composite fillings last?
- With good home care, most composite fillings last 7 to 15 years. Some last much longer; some need replacement sooner depending on size, location, and chewing forces. We watch your fillings at each cleaning visit and let you know if one needs attention.
- Is the procedure painful?
- Not for the vast majority of patients. We use topical numbing gel first, then local anesthetic, so you don't feel the work itself. After the anesthetic wears off, mild temperature or pressure sensitivity for a day or two is normal.
- How long does a filling appointment take?
- Most single-tooth fillings take 30 to 60 minutes. Multiple fillings or larger restorations may take longer. We can usually do several at once if it makes your schedule easier.
- Can I eat right after?
- Wait until the anesthetic wears off (usually 1 to 3 hours) before eating or drinking hot things — it's very easy to bite your lip or tongue while numb. Composite fillings are fully cured when you leave, so you can chew on them right away once the numbness is gone.
- What if my old silver filling is failing?
- We can replace it with a tooth-colored composite. If the cavity has gotten too large for a filling to handle, we'll talk through other options like an inlay, onlay, or crown.
- How can I prevent more cavities?
- Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, limiting sugary or acidic snacks throughout the day, and keeping up with six-month cleanings. Sealants on permanent molars (for kids and sometimes adults) add an extra layer of protection.
We'd love to see you on Thomson Drive
Call, message, or schedule online — whichever's easiest for you.