When decay happens, you deserve a filling that looks natural and lasts. Composite fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, protecting against further decay while keeping your smile looking great. No telltale silver spots—just strong, beautiful teeth.
At Dentistry on 43, we use high-quality composite resin that’s durable, BPA-free, and designed to match your tooth color perfectly. Whether it’s your first filling or you’re replacing old metal ones, we’ll restore your tooth’s health and appearance in a single comfortable visit.
Composite fillings are made from a tooth-colored resin material that bonds directly to your tooth structure. Unlike traditional metal amalgam fillings, composites are nearly invisible and actually strengthen the tooth by bonding to it rather than just filling a hole.
The composite material is applied in layers and hardened with a special light, creating a strong seal that protects against bacteria and further decay. Once complete, your filling is polished smooth and color-matched so well that even you’ll have trouble spotting it.
The most obvious benefit? Composite fillings are virtually invisible. We custom-shade the material to match your exact tooth color, so your restoration blends seamlessly. This is especially important for front teeth or visible areas, but even molars deserve to look natural when you laugh or speak.
Composite fillings require less removal of healthy tooth structure than metal amalgam. We only remove the decayed portion, preserving more of your natural tooth. The material also bonds chemically to your tooth, which actually strengthens the remaining structure and provides better support.
Our composite materials contain no mercury (unlike traditional amalgam fillings) and are BPA-free. Many patients prefer this for peace of mind, especially when treating children’s cavities.
Metal fillings can conduct heat and cold, causing sharp sensitivity when you eat or drink. Composite resin insulates your tooth better, reducing post-treatment sensitivity and discomfort.
Beyond cavities, composite material can repair chipped teeth, close small gaps, and even reshape worn teeth. It’s the foundation of dental bonding procedures and cosmetic improvements.
Cavities develop when bacteria produce acid that erodes your tooth enamel. Caught early during routine dental exams, small cavities can be treated quickly and easily with minimal tooth preparation.
Common signs you might need a filling include:
Sometimes cavities cause no symptoms at all, which is why regular checkups are so important. We can spot decay in its early stages—often before you feel anything.
With proper care, composite fillings typically last 7-10 years or longer. Their longevity depends on several factors:
During your regular dental exams, we’ll check your fillings for wear, cracks, or gaps and recommend replacement when needed.
Taking care of teeth with composite fillings is simple—just follow the same good habits that prevent cavities in the first place:
Composite fillings can stain over time from coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco. While they’re stain-resistant, maintaining good habits keeps them looking their best. If you’re interested in teeth whitening, there are some products we can recommend.
Many patients choose to replace old amalgam fillings with tooth-colored composites for aesthetic reasons or personal preference. If your metal fillings are worn, cracked, or causing sensitivity, replacement might be necessary anyway—and choosing composite gives you a natural-looking result.
We can evaluate your existing fillings during your checkup and discuss whether replacement makes sense for your situation.
Most dental insurance plans cover composite fillings for back teeth at the same rate as metal fillings. Some plans may have limitations on coverage for front teeth or cosmetic replacements of functioning metal fillings, but our team can verify your specific benefits before treatment.
We work with most insurance providers and offer direct billing. For patients without insurance or those needing additional payment options, we provide financing through Lendcare to make dental care affordable.
Caught a cavity early? Don’t wait—treating decay promptly prevents pain, infection, and more extensive (expensive) treatment down the road. Our composite fillings restore your tooth’s health and appearance in one comfortable visit.
Call us at (780) 500-1001 or book online today. Whether you need a new filling or want to discuss replacing old metal ones, we’re here to help you maintain a healthy, confident smile.
The filling procedure itself doesn’t hurt because we numb the area completely before starting. You might feel pressure or hear sounds from the dental drill, but you won’t feel pain. After the numbness wears off, you may experience mild sensitivity for a day or two, especially to temperature changes. This is normal and usually resolves quickly. If sensitivity persists beyond a few days or worsens, give us a call.
Absolutely! Modern composite materials are strong enough for molars and premolars that handle heavy chewing forces. While amalgam was traditionally preferred for back teeth due to its durability, today’s composites have improved significantly and perform excellently in all areas of the mouth. Most insurance plans now cover composite fillings for back teeth at the same rate as metal fillings.
The cost varies depending on the size and location of the filling, but composite fillings typically range from $200-$600 per tooth. Most dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of filling costs as preventative care. We’ll provide a detailed estimate after examining your tooth and can verify your insurance coverage before proceeding with treatment.
Composite fillings are stain-resistant but not completely stain-proof. Over many years, they can pick up some discoloration from coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco use—similar to how natural teeth stain. The good news is that composite fillings can often be polished to remove surface stains during your regular cleaning appointments. If a filling becomes significantly discolored, it can be replaced. To keep your fillings looking their best, practice good oral hygiene and limit staining foods and drinks.
Untreated cavities don’t heal on their own—they only get worse. As decay spreads deeper into your tooth, you’ll eventually experience pain, sensitivity, and possibly infection. What starts as a simple filling can progress to needing a root canal and crown, or even tooth extraction in severe cases. Early treatment is always easier, more comfortable, and more affordable.
