Dental
Fillings

• Tooth sensitivity to hot/cold
• Visible holes or dark spots
• Pain when biting down
• Food catching between teeth
• Rough or broken tooth edges
• Old, leaking fillings

Note: Small cavities often cause no symptoms—regular checkups catch them early when they’re easiest to treat.

Step 1: Diagnosis & Planning

• Digital X-rays to assess decay extent

• Shade matching for seamless blending

Step 2: Comfortable Preparation

• Numbing options (topical + local anesthesia)

• Precise decay removal with micro-air abrasion

• Tooth disinfection with antimicrobial rinse

Step 3: Layered Composite Placement

1. Etching creates microscopic bonding surface

2. Bonding agent applied

3. Resin layers cured with blue light

4. Final shaping & polishing

Total Time: 30-60 minutes per filling

Fillings offer several benefits. They provide good durability for small to medium cavities and require less removal of the tooth structure compared to other types of fillings. Their most significant advantage is their natural appearance, as they can be closely matched to the color of your existing teeth. Additionally, fillings bond directly to the tooth, providing further support.

First 24 Hours

• Avoid chewing hard foods on new filling

• Expect mild sensitivity (should subside in days)

Long-Term Care

• Brush gently twice daily with soft toothbrush

• Floss carefully around the filling

• Use fluoride toothpaste to prevent new cavities

• Visit every 6 months for checkups

Average Lifespan:

• Composite fillings: 7-12 years

• With excellent care: Up to 15 years

Q: Are tooth-colored fillings as strong as metal?
A: Modern composites are nearly as strong for most cavities—we’ll advise if another option is better for your case.

Q: Can fillings be done without drilling?
A: For very early cavities, we may use Icon resin infiltration—a no-drill treatment.

Q: Does insurance cover white fillings?
A: Most plans cover composites similarly to amalgam—we’ll verify your benefits.

Q: What if my filling falls out?
A: Call us immediately—we’ll recement it or replace it at no charge if it fails prematurely.