GENERAL & RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
Tooth-coloured fillings can repair many small to moderate cavities and damaged areas while keeping the restoration discreet.
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GENERAL & RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
Repair a cavity with a filling that blends with your tooth.
Tooth-coloured fillings can repair many small to moderate cavities and damaged areas while keeping the restoration discreet.
- We check the size and location of the damage
- A shade is chosen to suit the tooth
- Your bite is checked before you leave
- We explain how to care for the filling
WHAT TO EXPECT
What to expect with a tooth-coloured filling.
01
When a white filling may help
Tooth-coloured restorative materials can repair selected cavities, chipped areas and worn or damaged tooth structure. They are shaded to blend with the surrounding tooth and bond directly to prepared enamel and dentin.
The size and location of the damaged area matter. A larger or heavily loaded tooth may require an inlay, onlay or crown rather than a direct filling.
02
What happens during the visit
After the tooth is examined and numbed when necessary, decay or weakened material is removed. The tooth is prepared, conditioned and restored in layers. Each layer is hardened before the filling is shaped and polished.
The dentist checks the bite carefully so the restored tooth does not contact too heavily when chewing.
03
How the filling will look and wear
Tooth-coloured fillings can be discreet, but no restorative material is invisible in every light or permanent under every condition. Staining, wear, recurrent decay and changes in the surrounding tooth may eventually require repair or replacement.
04
Caring for your filling
Daily brushing, cleaning between the teeth and regular examinations help protect the filling and the remaining tooth. Report new sensitivity, roughness, food trapping or a change in the bite.
RELATED SERVICES
Related Dental Care
General Dentistry
Checkups, cleanings and treatment to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
COMMON QUESTIONS
White filling questions
Find answers about tooth-coloured fillings, sensitivity, durability and when a larger restoration may be needed.
What can a white filling repair?
Tooth-coloured resin can repair many small to moderate cavities, chips and worn areas. Larger or more heavily stressed defects may need another type of restoration.
Should every older silver filling be replaced?
No. A filling is replaced when there is a clinical reason, such as decay, fracture, leakage, poor shape or another concern—not simply because it is old.
How closely can the filling match my tooth?
Resin is available in several shades and can usually be blended with the surrounding tooth. The final appearance depends on location, lighting and the amount of tooth being restored.
Will the tooth be sensitive afterward?
Temporary sensitivity to temperature or pressure can occur. Contact the office if it is severe, increasing or does not settle as expected.
How long do white fillings last?
Longevity varies with filling size, tooth location, bite, grinding, diet and oral hygiene. The dentist checks the filling during regular examinations.
When would a crown be considered instead?
A crown may be discussed when too much tooth structure is missing, the tooth is cracked or a filling would not provide predictable strength and protection.
How long will my mouth stay numb after a filling?
Numbness commonly lasts a few hours, depending on the anaesthetic and location. Avoid chewing the lip or cheek until normal feeling returns.
Can a damaged filling be repaired?
Sometimes a small defect can be repaired, but recurrent decay, cracks, poor margins or extensive wear may require replacement or another restoration.
Why does a new filling sometimes feel high?
Even a small excess contact can make the tooth feel high after numbness fades. Contact the office so the bite can be checked and adjusted.
READY FOR YOUR NEXT VISIT?
Keep routine dental care moving forward.
Request an appointment online or call the office at 905-529-2164.