What is a Composite Filling?

A composite filling, also known as a “tooth-colored filling,” is used to repair a tooth that has decay, a crack, or a fracture. The decayed or injured part of the tooth is removed and then filled with a composite filling. If, for some reason, you’re not a good candidate for a tooth-colored filling or prefer amalgam (silver) fillings, we will discuss your options with you at the time of the appointment.

Other dental fillings require space-creation for implantation, which may involve drilling away large portions of the tooth. The invasive drilling leads to a weakened tooth structure and possibly chipping and breaking. Composite fillings alleviate this issue because they need only light drilling for bonding. When bonded with the natural tooth, the composite material forms an outer protective shell that protects the sensitive areas, preventing further tooth damage.

The Dental Filling Process

Composite fillings can be placed in one appointment. If you need several fillings, we may do a few in one visit and then schedule you back for the other fillings at a later date. Each patient’s individualized treatment is custom-made to their particular issues and goals. Some patients can only tolerate one or two fillings per visit, while others can tolerate several more in just one sitting.

After the area to be filled is numb, your restorative dentist will remove any tooth decay using special instruments. The space is then thoroughly cleaned and prepared to receive the new composite filling. If the decay is very close to the tooth’s nerve, a special medication may be added for protection. Your dentist then puts the composite filling in the area and shapes and polishes it. Composite fillings restore your tooth’s original shape and function, allowing you to chew, talk, and eat as you normally would with no pain.

As with all dental procedures performed at Family Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry, we will provide detailed after-care instructions (which are very simple) and schedule your next appointment. Please call us if you have any questions once you leave our office.

Benefits of Composite Fillings

One of the many benefits of tooth-colored fillings is that they can be matched to the color of your teeth, so the filling will not be as visible as metal fillings are. We can match the new filling to the shade of your other teeth, which is ideal for front teeth that are visible when you smile, talk, or eat. Here are the most common reasons people need fillings:

  • Chipped teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Broken teeth
  • Cracked teeth
  • Decayed teeth
  • Worn teeth
  • Chipped teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Broken teeth
  • Cracked teeth
  • Decayed teeth
  • Worn teeth

Cavity treatment with dental fillings made of composite materials offers many benefits, including:

  • They look natural because they’re the same color as your natural teeth
  • They resist fracture
  • They are durable
  • They can be placed in just one visit
  • They can be used for minor flaws and more extensive damage
  • They look natural because they’re the same color as your natural teeth
  • They are durable
  • They can be placed in just one visit
  • They resist fracture
  • They can be used for minor flaws and more extensive damage

Dental Fillings at Family Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

We accept most major dental insurance plans and offer financing options for patients without insurance. You may use your debit card, most major credit cards, check, or cash to pay for your dental treatment, and we also offer CareCredit® and Sunbit financing.

Our office is conveniently located on Dolphin Drive behind First Citizens Bank on Western Blvd. Extension, and we think you’ll find our practice is filled with helpful, compassionate dentists and support staff. We offer several amenities to keep you comfortable during your appointments. If you have dental phobia or dental anxiety, we offer sedation dentistry options, including oral medication and nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Please let us know if you have needed sedation in the past or are curious about learning more about it.

Contact Us Today

If you think you may need a filling or are overdue for your twice-yearly dental exam and cleaning, please call us at (910) 353-5171. You may also fill out our online contact form, and one of our team members will contact you soon.