Restorative care
Tooth-Colored Fillings in Huntersville, NC
Repair cavities with composite fillings that match the color of your teeth.
A tooth-colored filling, also called a composite filling, repairs a cavity or small break with a resin that is shaded to match your tooth. Composite works well for small to mid-size fillings on front or back teeth. At Kreeb Family Dentistry in Huntersville, NC, our dentists place composite fillings and can replace worn silver fillings with tooth-colored ones when it makes sense for the tooth.
At a glance
- Who it suitsChildren and adults with a cavity, a chip or a worn filling
- Typical visitsOne
- ComfortLocal anesthetic numbs the tooth; ask about comfort options
- RecoveryYou can go back to your day; the lip and cheek may stay numb for a few hours
- How long it lastsAbout 90 percent of composite fillings were successful after 10 years, no different from silver fillings
- What drives costSize of the filling, number of tooth surfaces, which tooth, your insurance
- InsuranceComposites cost more than amalgam and occasionally are not covered by some insurance plans; call us for insurance details
Is a tooth-colored filling right for you?
A composite filling may suit you if you have a small to mid-size cavity, a chipped tooth or an old filling that needs replacing. Composites give good durability and resistance to fracture in small to mid-size fillings, and they can be used on front or back teeth. They are a good choice if you want your fillings to look natural.
A filling may not be enough if:
The cavity is very large
or the tooth is cracked. A crown may protect the tooth better. See same-day crowns.
Decay has reached the nerve
The tooth may need a root canal before it is restored.
The tooth cannot be kept dry
during treatment. Composite needs a clean, dry tooth while it is placed.
The exam and X-rays show which applies to your tooth.
How do tooth-colored and silver fillings compare?
Both are long-used ways to fill a cavity. The main differences are looks, how much tooth is removed, cost and how they handle moisture.
| Option | Composite (tooth-colored) | Amalgam (silver) |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Shaded to blend with your tooth | Silver; not natural looking, especially near the front |
| Tooth removed | Allows minimal removal of healthy tooth | May need more tooth removed to hold it |
| Placement time | Takes longer; the tooth must stay clean and dry | Quicker, and it hardens quickly |
| Durability | About 90 percent success after 10 years, not different from amalgam in one review; some studies show it can need replacing sooner | Long the standard for durability |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Tooth-colored fillings are now used more often than amalgam or gold fillings. Your dentist will explain which material fits the size and spot of your cavity.
Should I replace my silver fillings?
Not always. The ADA says existing amalgam fillings are safe and do not need to be removed as long as they are in good condition. If a silver filling is cracked, worn or has new decay around it, it needs replacing anyway, and a tooth-colored filling may be an option. Ask at your checkup.
What happens when you get a tooth-colored filling?
A composite filling is placed in one visit. The general steps are:
Numbing
Local anesthetic numbs the tooth and the gum around it.
Removing decay
The decay or old filling is removed and the tooth is cleaned.
Keeping the tooth dry
The tooth is kept clean and dry, because composite does not bond as well when it is wet.
Bonding and layering
A bonding agent is applied, then the composite is placed in layers of about 2 mm, each hardened with a special light.
Shaping and polishing
The filling is shaped to your bite and polished so it blends in.
Does getting a filling hurt?
The tooth is numbed with local anesthetic, so you should feel pressure and vibration rather than pain. Tell us if you feel anything sharp, and we can give more anesthetic. Ask about comfort options if you feel nervous.
Your lip, cheek or tongue may stay numb for a few hours. Wait until the numbness wears off before you eat so you do not bite yourself. The tooth may feel a little tender for a few days. Call us if your bite feels high or the tooth hurts more as days pass.
How do you care for a filling?
Care for a filled tooth the same way as your other teeth. Every filling can wear out or need replacing in time, and good habits help yours last:
Brush twice a day
with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
Eat a balanced diet
and cut back on sugary snacks and drinks.
Keep your checkups
so we can check the edges of your fillings for new decay. See dental exams and cleanings.
What are the risks and limits of composite fillings?
Composite fillings are widely used, but they have limits:
New decay at the edges
Decay around a filling is a major cause of failure for back-tooth fillings. One trial found a higher risk of new decay around composite than around amalgam.
Wear and chipping
Composite may be at greater risk of fracture and the need for replacement than amalgam.
Large cavities
Very large fillings may not hold up as well as a crown or onlay.
Alternatives include an amalgam filling, a glass ionomer filling for some small areas, a crown, or, for a tooth that cannot be saved, an extraction. Ask your dentist what waiting could mean for the tooth.
How much does a tooth-colored filling cost in Huntersville?
The cost of a filling depends on the tooth and the size of the repair, and your dentist explains it after the exam. The main cost drivers are:
Size of the filling
and how many surfaces of the tooth it covers.
Which tooth
front or back.
Other care
the tooth needs first, such as a root canal.
Your insurance
Composites cost more than amalgam, and some plans occasionally do not cover them.
Call us for insurance details, and ask about payment options on our insurance and payment page or by phone.
Why patients choose Kreeb Family Dentistry for fillings
Family dentists for every age
Children and adults can be seen in the same office.
Crowns made here when a filling is not enough
Our CEREC system lets us make crowns for qualifying teeth in one visit, so a cracked tooth does not always mean a second trip.
Checkups and fillings in one place
so small cavities can be caught and fixed early.
Early hours
We open at 7:00 AM, Monday to Friday.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Still wondering about something? Call us and our team will help.
How long do tooth-colored fillings last?
Every filling can wear out in time. In the research the ADA summarizes, about 90 percent of composite fillings were successful after 10 years, which was not different from silver fillings. Your habits, your bite and the size of the filling all play a part.
Are tooth-colored fillings as strong as silver fillings?
Composites give good durability in small to mid-size fillings. Recent reviews often show them performing as well as amalgam, though some studies show they may need replacing sooner. Your dentist will advise on large back-tooth cavities.
Can I replace my old silver fillings with white ones?
Yes, if the filling needs replacing. Silver fillings in good condition are safe and do not need to be removed. If one is cracked, worn or has decay around it, a tooth-colored filling may be an option. We check at your exam.
Can I eat after a filling?
Composite is hardened with a light before you leave, so the filling itself is set. Wait until the numbness wears off before eating, so you do not bite your cheek, lip or tongue. If your bite feels high after the numbness fades, call us for a quick adjustment.
Does insurance cover tooth-colored fillings?
Dental plans differ. Composites cost more than amalgam and occasionally are not covered by some insurance plans. Call us for insurance details before treatment.
Book your filling visit in Huntersville
If you have a cavity, a chipped tooth or an old filling that bothers you, book an exam. Your dentist will explain your options and what drives the cost.