Dental Fillings
Tooth-colored composite matched to your natural shade, placed in a single visit, shaped to restore your bite exactly as it was.
Why composite, not amalgam
Traditional silver (amalgam) fillings worked for decades but have clear downsides: visible silver color, bulkier preparation that removes more tooth, and mercury content that many patients prefer to avoid. Modern composite resin fillings match the tooth's natural color, bond directly to tooth structure (so less tooth has to be removed), and when placed well, last just as long.
The whole practice uses composite. No amalgam in the office.
What happens at a filling appointment
Local anesthesia numbs the tooth and surrounding gum.
Decay removal. The damaged portion of the tooth is gently removed.
Bonding. A conditioning agent prepares the tooth surface for adhesion.
Composite placement. Resin is layered into the prepared cavity, shade-matched to your natural tooth.
Light curing. Each layer is hardened with a curing light in 10–20 seconds.
Shaping and polishing. The filling is sculpted to match the tooth's exact anatomy and polished smooth.
Bite check. You'll tap your teeth together, and any high spots are adjusted.
Most single-tooth fillings take 30–60 minutes. You can eat once the numbness wears off.
How long fillings last
Well-placed composite fillings typically last 7–15 years, often longer on small fillings in front teeth. Larger fillings in molars wear faster because they absorb more chewing force. When a filling fails or wears out, it's usually replaced with another filling — unless the decay has extended deeper, in which case a crown or root canal may be needed.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Does getting a filling hurt?
How long does a filling take?
Can I eat right after?
Are amalgam fillings safe?
What if my filling falls out?
