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Composite Fillings

A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc.  The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling.

There are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.  You and your dentist can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth.  Composite fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today.  Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth, and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or more visible areas of the mouth.

As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced.  They are very durable and will last many years, giving you a long lasting, beautiful smile.

Reasons for composite fillings:

  • Chipped teeth.
  • Closing space between two teeth.
  • Cracked or broken teeth.
  • Decayed teeth.
  • Worn teeth.
How are composite fillings placed?

Composite fillings are usually placed in one appointment.  While the tooth is numb, your dentist will remove decay as needed.  The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed.  If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection.  The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.

It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first placed, however this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling.

You will be given care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment.  Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new fillings.

Frequently Asked Questions
Composite Fillings, TX

A composite filling is a tooth-colored restoration made from a blend of plastic resin and finely ground glass or ceramic particles. It is used to repair teeth damaged by decay, cracks, chips, or wear. Unlike traditional silver amalgam fillings, composite fillings can be custom-shaded to match the natural color of your tooth, making them virtually invisible in your smile.
Composite fillings have become the most popular choice for cavity repair because they look natural, bond directly to the tooth structure for a stronger restoration, require less removal of healthy tooth, can be used on both front and back teeth, and are mercury-free. Their aesthetic and functional benefits make them ideal for patients who want a beautiful, healthy smile.
Composite fillings can be used for a wide variety of dental issues, including filling cavities, repairing chipped or broken teeth, closing small gaps between teeth, reshaping uneven teeth, covering exposed roots from gum recession, and replacing old metal fillings. Their versatility makes them one of the most useful restorative materials in modern dentistry.
With proper care, composite fillings typically last 7 to 10 years, and many last even longer. Their lifespan depends on factors like the size and location of the filling, your bite habits, oral hygiene, and diet. Fillings on back teeth that handle heavy chewing may wear faster than fillings on front teeth. Regular dental checkups help us monitor and maintain your fillings.
Yes. Composite materials have been thoroughly tested and are considered safe by the American Dental Association and other major health organizations. They contain no mercury and are well-tolerated by virtually all patients. Composite materials have been used in dentistry for decades and have an excellent safety record.
The process is straightforward and typically completed in one visit. We numb the area with local anesthesia, remove any decay or damaged tooth structure, apply a special bonding agent to prepare the tooth, layer in the composite material, shape and sculpt it to match your tooth, and harden each layer with a special curing light. Finally, we polish the filling to a smooth, natural-looking finish.
No. We use local anesthesia to completely numb the area before treatment, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. After the anesthesia wears off, some patients experience mild sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days, which usually resolves on its own. If discomfort lingers or worsens, contact our office.
Most composite fillings can be placed in 30 to 60 minutes per tooth, depending on the size and location of the cavity. Larger or more complex fillings may take slightly longer. Most patients can return to normal activities — including eating — as soon as the anesthesia wears off.
Yes, composite fillings harden completely as soon as they are cured with the special light, so you can eat right away. However, it’s a good idea to wait until the anesthesia wears off — usually 1 to 2 hours — to avoid accidentally biting your cheek, tongue, or lip. Some patients prefer to stick to softer foods for the first day or two.
Yes. Composite material comes in many shades, and we carefully select and blend the color to match your existing tooth enamel. Once placed and polished, the filling is virtually invisible — even up close. This is one of the main reasons patients choose composite over silver amalgam fillings.
Key advantages include natural tooth-colored appearance, direct bonding to the tooth structure (which strengthens the tooth), less drilling and removal of healthy tooth, no mercury, less temperature sensitivity than metal fillings, ability to repair chips and minor cosmetic issues, and easy repair if damage occurs. They are particularly valuable for visible areas like front teeth and small to medium-sized cavities.
Some considerations include slightly higher cost than amalgam, a shorter lifespan in heavy-chewing back teeth, the possibility of staining over time (especially from coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco), and slightly more technique-sensitive placement that takes longer than amalgam. For most patients, however, the aesthetic and functional benefits outweigh these drawbacks.
Composite material is more stain-resistant than natural tooth enamel, but it can gradually discolor over time from coffee, tea, red wine, berries, tobacco, and other staining substances. Good oral hygiene, regular professional cleanings, and avoiding excessive exposure to staining foods can help your fillings stay bright. If a filling becomes noticeably discolored, it can usually be polished or replaced.
Yes, though it’s uncommon. Composite fillings can occasionally chip, crack, or come loose — especially if you bite something very hard, grind your teeth, or experience trauma to the mouth. If your filling feels loose, falls out, or is uncomfortable, contact us right away. In most cases, the filling can be quickly repaired or replaced.
Take care of your composite fillings the same way you care for your natural teeth. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, avoid chewing on hard objects (ice, hard candy, pens), wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth, limit staining foods and drinks when possible, and visit us every six months for checkups and cleanings. With good care, your composite fillings will keep your smile healthy and beautiful for years.