Tooth-colored fillings
Composite fillings repair decayed, chipped, worn, or damaged teeth with a natural-looking result.
Composite fillings use tooth-colored material to restore small to moderate areas of damage. They can repair cavities, chips, worn edges, or small spaces while blending with the surrounding tooth.
Why composite helps
A conservative repair for everyday tooth damage.
When enough healthy tooth remains, a composite filling can restore shape and seal the damaged area without a larger restoration.
Blend with your tooth
Composite material is shade-matched to look more natural than metal-colored repairs.
Repair decay
A filling seals and restores a cavity after decay is removed.
Fix small chips
Composite can rebuild chipped or worn edges in many cases.
Preserve tooth structure
Fillings are often more conservative than crowns when the tooth is strong enough.
Reduce sensitivity
Repairing decay or exposed damaged areas can help reduce sensitivity from the affected tooth.
Restore bite comfort
After shaping and polishing, we check that the filling feels smooth and comfortable when you chew.
What to expect
A focused filling visit from diagnosis to polished repair.
We explain what needs repair, remove decay or damaged material when necessary, place the composite in layers, and shape it to your bite.
Diagnosis
We examine the tooth and may use x-rays to understand the size of the cavity or damage.
Preparation
Decay or damaged material is removed and the tooth is prepared for bonding.
Composite placement
Tooth-colored material is placed, shaped, and hardened in layers.
Polish and bite check
We smooth the filling and check that your bite feels comfortable.
Filling details
When composite fillings may be recommended.
Composite can be a good fit for cavities, chips, and small repairs when the tooth still has enough support.
Composite may repair
- Small to moderate cavities
- Chipped teeth
- Worn edges
- Small gaps or shape concerns
- Old fillings that need replacement
We check
- How deep the cavity or crack is
- Whether the tooth nerve is healthy
- Bite pressure on the area
- How much tooth structure remains
- Whether a crown would be more protective
Related services
Related repair and preventive services.
Questions patients ask
Composite filling FAQs
These answers are general. Your dentist will explain the right repair after examining the tooth.
Are composite fillings tooth-colored?
Yes. Composite fillings are shade-matched so they blend with the surrounding tooth.
How do I know if I need a filling?
A filling may be needed for a cavity, chip, worn area, or old filling problem. An exam and x-rays help confirm the best repair.
Can composite fix a chipped front tooth?
Often, yes. Composite bonding can repair many small chips, depending on the size, bite, and tooth condition.
Is a crown better than a filling?
It depends on how much tooth structure remains. Fillings are more conservative, while crowns offer more coverage for weaker teeth.