A filling repairs a tooth that decay has damaged. The decayed portion is removed and the space is rebuilt so the tooth can take normal biting force again. Treated early, a cavity is a short single-visit appointment; left alone, the same cavity eventually becomes a root canal.
At Care Plus we use tooth-coloured composite material rather than silver amalgam. The shade is matched to the surrounding enamel, so once it is polished the repair is not visible when you talk or smile. Composite also bonds to the tooth, which means less healthy tooth structure has to be cut away to hold the filling in place.
What happens at your appointment
So there are no surprises: this is the sequence cosmetic dental fillings follows at Care Plus Dental Clinic.
Examination
The tooth is checked, and an X-ray is taken where the decay may extend between teeth or close to the nerve.
Shade matching
The composite shade is matched against your natural tooth colour in daylight so the finished filling disappears into the tooth.
Removing the decay
The decayed tissue is cleared, usually under local anaesthesia. Only the damaged part is removed.
Layering and curing
The composite is placed in thin layers and hardened with a curing light, rebuilding the tooth's original contour.
Shaping and polishing
The filling is shaped to your bite and polished smooth, so it feels like the rest of the tooth when you close your teeth together.
Aftercare
What you do in the days after treatment affects the result as much as the appointment itself.
- Composite fillings set hard immediately, so you can eat once the numbness wears off.
- Mild cold sensitivity for a week or two after a deep filling is normal.
- If the tooth feels high when you bite, come back for a quick adjustment rather than living with it.
- Cut down on frequent sugary snacking, which is what causes new cavities beside old fillings.
Cosmetic Dental Fillings: common questions
How long does a tooth-coloured filling last?
With good oral hygiene, composite fillings typically last several years. Lifespan depends on the size of the filling, where it sits in the mouth and habits like grinding.
Can I replace my old silver fillings?
Yes. Old amalgam fillings can be removed and replaced with tooth-coloured composite, which is a common request for visible teeth.
Will the filling be noticeable?
It should not be. The material is shade-matched to your enamel and polished, so once it is finished most patients cannot point out which tooth was treated.
Is a filling done in one visit?
Almost always, yes. A straightforward filling takes a single appointment.