A composite filling is a tooth-colored filling made from plastic resins. It matches the natural color of your teeth, so it blends in well, unlike the silver amalgam fillings used for many years.

During your appointment with Vitalize Dental, any decayed material will be removed from the tooth, the area will be cleaned, and the cavity will be filled with composite material. The filling prevents bacteria from getting back into the tooth, preventing further decay and restoring the tooth to its original shape. Any pain will be gone, and you will be able to eat like usual again!

Immediately after having your tooth filled, you must be careful, as your mouth will still be numb, and you may easily bite your lip. However, a composite filling does not require any special care. Once you leave the dentist’s office, the filling is set hard. Simply brush and floss daily and keep up your regular checkups.

A composite filling should last for many years. During your appointment, discuss the expected lifespan of your filling and any special considerations that may be needed.

A dental filling is used to restore a tooth to a healthy state after it has been damaged by decay. If the tooth is not treated, the decay will worsen until a more extensive treatment (like a dental crown or root canal therapy) is necessary or the tooth is lost. Additionally, a properly placed cavity filling will help prevent further decay and reinfection by sealing off any cracks or spaces that are small enough for germs to enter.

While tooth fillings primarily fix damage or decay, they can also be used for aesthetic purposes. For instance, applying composite fillings to teeth with a small gap is a quick, minimally invasive, and braces-free method of making the smile look more balanced and beautiful.