Tooth-Colored Fillings

Tooth-coloured fillings, also called composite resin fillings, repair teeth affected by cavities, minor cracks, or surface chips. The composite material is a blend of plastic resin and fine glass particles that can be shade-matched to blend in with the surrounding tooth.

Unlike traditional silver amalgam fillings, composite fillings bond directly to the tooth. That lets the dentist remove only the decayed or damaged part and keep more of the healthy tooth. The result is a restoration that works well and is far less visible than metal.

A composite filling is usually completed in a single appointment. Here is what to expect:

1. 1

   Local anesthetic

   The area around the tooth is numbed so you stay comfortable throughout the procedure.

2. 2

   Decay removal

   The decayed or damaged part of the tooth is carefully removed, leaving healthy tooth structure in place.

3. 3

   Surface preparation

   The tooth surface is cleaned and lightly etched so the composite material bonds securely.

4. 4

   Composite placement

   The resin is applied in thin layers. Each layer is hardened with a curing light before the next is added, building up the restoration step by step.

5. 5

   Bite adjustment and polish

   Once the filling is shaped to match your bite, it is smoothed and polished so it feels comfortable and natural.

With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, composite fillings typically last many years. How long a filling lasts depends on its size and location, your bite, and how well you care for your teeth at home.

Larger fillings, or fillings in teeth that take heavy chewing forces such as back molars, may wear sooner. They could eventually need replacing or upgrading to a different restoration, such as an inlay or onlay or a crown. The dentist checks your fillings at each visit.

Some cavities cause no symptoms early on, which is why regular checkups and X-rays matter for catching decay before it progresses. Common signs that a filling may be needed include:

• Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
• A visible dark spot, discolouration, or hole on the tooth surface
• A rough or uneven texture you can feel with your tongue
• Food consistently catching between or on a specific tooth
• A dull or sharp ache in or around a tooth

If you notice any of these, call 780-432-3430 to book an exam. Only a dental examination and X-rays can confirm whether a filling is needed.