What is a tooth-coloured filling?
A tooth-coloured filling is a composite resin restoration placed directly into a cleaned cavity. It bonds to the tooth, is matched to the tooth shade, and hardens with a curing light — restoring the tooth in a single visit without any visible metal.
What composite fillings are used for
A filling replaces tooth structure lost to decay (a cavity), a small fracture, or wear. Composite resin bonds directly to enamel and dentine, which means the dentist can usually keep more of your healthy tooth than with older materials. Common uses include:
- Filling cavities caught at a check-up or causing early sensitivity.
- Repairing small chips on front or back teeth.
- Replacing old, discoloured or leaking fillings.
- Covering exposed, sensitive root surfaces near the gum line.
When a filling is enough — and when it is not
Fillings work best when the cavity is small to moderate and the tooth is otherwise sound. If decay has spread deep towards the nerve, the tooth may need root canal treatment; if too much structure is missing, a crown or onlay may protect it better than a large filling that could flex and crack. The only way to know is a clinical examination, often with an X-ray, before treatment is recommended.
How a filling appointment works
- Numbing: local anaesthetic is used where needed; very small surface cavities sometimes need none.
- Removing decay: the softened, infected part of the tooth is cleaned away, preserving healthy structure.
- Bonding: the cavity is conditioned so the composite adheres firmly to the tooth.
- Layering and shaping: composite is placed in layers, each set with a curing light, and sculpted to your tooth anatomy.
- Bite check and polish: the filling is adjusted to your bite and polished smooth.
Most fillings are completed in a single visit.
Advantages and honest limitations
Composite fillings look natural, bond to the tooth, need less drilling than older techniques, and are ready the same day. They are also repairable — a chipped edge can often be patched rather than replaced.
They have limits. Composite can stain gradually with tea, coffee and tobacco, and wears faster than enamel under heavy grinding. Very large cavities may outgrow what a filling can safely restore, and like all restorations, fillings eventually need replacement.
Aftercare for a new filling
You can eat once the anaesthetic wears off, as composite sets fully in the chair. If the filling feels high when you bite, return for a simple adjustment rather than ignoring it. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth, and limit frequent sugary snacks — a filled tooth can still decay around the margins.
What affects the cost of a filling
Fees are confirmed after the tooth is examined. The main variables are:
- The size and depth of the cavity, and the number of tooth surfaces involved.
- How many teeth need filling.
- Whether an old filling must be removed and the tooth rebuilt.
- Cosmetic complexity — front-tooth repairs that must blend invisibly take more layering and artistry.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a composite filling last?
It varies with the size of the filling, your bite, and oral hygiene. Well-maintained fillings commonly serve for years, and regular check-ups allow small edge defects to be repaired before the whole filling fails.
Do fillings hurt?
The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic where needed, so placement is generally comfortable. Some sensitivity to cold for a few days afterwards can occur and usually settles on its own.
Should I replace my old silver fillings?
Not automatically. Sound old fillings can stay. Replacement makes sense when a filling is leaking, cracked, has decay underneath, or when you want a tooth-coloured result — a decision best made after examination and, where needed, an X-ray.
Why does my tooth still feel sensitive after a filling?
Mild, short-lived sensitivity is common while the tooth settles. If sensitivity is severe, lasts beyond a couple of weeks, or you feel pain on biting, return for a review — the bite may need adjusting or the tooth may need further assessment.
Can a cavity be treated without a filling?
Very early decay that has not yet formed a hole can sometimes be managed with fluoride and improved hygiene. Once a cavity has formed, it does not heal on its own and needs a filling to stop it growing.