What Are Composite Fillings?
Composite fillings are made from a tooth-colored composite resin blended with fine glass particles for strength and durability. The material bonds directly to the tooth, allowing us to repair the cavity while preserving more healthy tooth structure. Composite resin fillings are matched closely to the natural tooth shade, so the repaired area blends in naturally with the tooth.
When Are Fillings Needed?
A filling may be needed when a cavity has progressed beyond the earliest stage and can no longer be managed with preventive care alone. Treating decay at this stage helps protect the tooth and prevent the cavity from becoming larger or more complex to treat.
For very early cavities, no-drill cavity treatment such as silver diamine fluoride (SDF) may be used instead of a filling.
Download our helpful PDF for practical cavity prevention tips you can use at home to help prevent tooth decay.
How Composite Fillings Are Placed
We tailor our approach to each child during treatment. Some children feel more comfortable when we explain each step, while others prefer a simpler approach with minimal detail. Our team adjusts communication based on your child’s comfort level, helping create a positive and manageable experience.
During the visit, we:
- Administer nitrous oxide (if needed)
- Numb the area with numbing gel and then administer local anesthetic
- Gently remove the decayed portion of the tooth
- Clean and prepare the area
- Place the composite filling material
- Harden it with a special curing light
- Shape and polish the filling
- Check the bite for a comfortable fit
Once the numbness wears off, your child can return to normal eating and chewing.
What to Expect After the Appointment
It is normal for the lip, cheek, or tongue to feel numb for a short time after the filling appointment. We usually recommend waiting until the numbness wears off before eating to help prevent accidental cheek or tongue biting.
Some teeth may feel mildly sensitive for a day or two, especially with hot or cold foods or drinks. This usually improves as the tooth settles.
If sensitivity lasts longer than expected or the bite feels uneven, we can easily recheck the filling and make any needed adjustment.
Treating Cavities Early While Preserving Healthy Tooth Structure
Our first goal is always to prevent tooth decay before a filling is needed. Regular dental visits help us identify early signs of cavities, reinforce home care habits, and recommend preventive treatments such as dental sealants when appropriate.
If a cavity develops, treating it early allows us to repair the tooth while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible. Early treatment also helps prevent the cavity from becoming larger and reduces the likelihood of more extensive treatment later.
Insurance
We are in-network with Aetna and Cigna and will gladly bill your insurance and help you maximize your benefits.
FAQs
Are composite fillings safe for children?
Composite fillings are widely used in pediatric dentistry and are made from durable tooth-colored resin designed to restore small to moderate cavities.
How long do pediatric fillings last?
Composite fillings can last for many years depending on the size of the filling, bite forces, oral hygiene, and routine dental treatment.
Can a baby tooth need a filling?
Yes. Baby teeth can develop cavities just like permanent teeth. When decay is present, a filling may be needed to repair the tooth and prevent the cavity from getting larger. Treating cavities in baby teeth also helps maintain proper spacing, chewing, and overall dental development.
Will you replace amalgam fillings (silver) with tooth-colored composite fillings?
Yes, in many cases silver fillings can be replaced with tooth-colored composite fillings. We evaluate the condition of the existing filling, the amount of remaining tooth structure, and your child’s individual needs before recommending replacement. If replacement is appropriate, composite fillings can provide a more natural-looking and conservative restoration.