Tooth-coloured fillings
Composite fillings that restore a decayed or chipped tooth and match its natural shade, so the repair is not visible.
- Typical appointment
- 30–60 minutes
What it is
A filling repairs a tooth damaged by decay or fracture. Tooth-coloured composite is a resin material bonded directly to the tooth and shaped to restore its form, then hardened with a curing light. It is matched to the shade of the surrounding tooth.
Why composite rather than amalgam
Composite bonds to the tooth structure, which allows a more conservative preparation — less healthy tooth has to be removed to hold the filling in place. It also matches the tooth, which matters for anything visible when you smile or speak.
Amalgam remains durable and is still appropriate in some situations, particularly for large restorations in back teeth under heavy chewing load. The dentist will explain which suits the specific tooth.
What the appointment involves
The area is numbed if the cavity is deep. Decay is removed, the cavity shaped, and a bonding agent applied. The composite is placed in layers, each hardened with a light, then shaped and polished so it meets the opposing tooth correctly when you bite.
Afterwards
You can eat as soon as any anaesthetic wears off — composite is fully set before you leave. Mild sensitivity to cold for a few days is common, particularly with a deeper filling, and settles.
If the filling feels high when you bite, contact the clinic. A bite that is even slightly off causes soreness and is a two-minute adjustment.
How long they last
Composite fillings are durable but not permanent. Lifespan depends on the size of the filling, where it sits, your bite, and your oral hygiene. They are checked at every routine visit, and replaced when they begin to fail — which is far better caught at a check-up than discovered through pain.