A filling should fix the problem and then disappear. Modern composite resin makes that possible. We shade-match the material to your own enamel, bond it directly to the tooth, and sculpt it to restore the original shape, so the repair blends in rather than announcing itself the way silver amalgam does.
Composites offer more than looks. Because the material bonds chemically to enamel and dentin, we can remove only the decayed portion of the tooth and keep more of the healthy structure that old-style fillings sacrificed. That bond also seals the margins of the restoration and reinforces the remaining tooth.
We use composite fillings to treat cavities, replace failing or unsightly older fillings, repair small chips and worn edges, and close minor gaps. Each filling is placed in a single visit. After gentle numbing, the decay is removed, the tooth is conditioned, and the composite is applied in thin layers, each hardened with a curing light. Then we shape the surface, check your bite carefully, and polish everything smooth.
You can eat as soon as the numbness wears off, and with good home care a well-placed composite lasts for many years. We check every filling at your regular exams and will tell you honestly when one is aging, long before it fails.
No repair beats prevention, which is why our first goal is always to catch decay small. A tiny composite placed early preserves far more tooth than a large one placed late, and it costs far less than the crown a neglected cavity eventually requires.
Benefits
- Shade-matched to blend invisibly with your natural teeth
- Bonds to the tooth, preserving more healthy structure than amalgam
- Mercury-free and completed comfortably in one visit
- Also repairs chips, worn edges, and small gaps
The process
- 1
Gentle numbing of the tooth being treated
- 2
Removal of decay, and nothing more than necessary
- 3
Bonding and layering of shade-matched composite
- 4
Curing, shaping, bite check, and final polish
Is it right for you?
Anyone with a new cavity, a chipped or worn tooth, or an aging filling that needs replacement is a candidate. Very large areas of decay may be better served by a crown, and we will always tell you plainly which repair protects the tooth for the longest run.
Why choose our office
Filling teeth well is detail work. The shade has to match in different lights, the contact between teeth has to hold floss snugly, and the bite has to land evenly or the tooth will ache. Dr. Kaci and Dr. Smart place composites with that level of care, and it shows in restorations patients simply forget about.
We are also conservative by conviction. Dr. Smart in particular practices what he calls conservative dentistry: prevent early, intervene minimally, and preserve natural tooth structure wherever possible. You will never be talked into replacing serviceable dental work here.
What to expect at your visit
Plan on a comfortable, efficient visit. We numb the area thoroughly and check before starting. Most single fillings take well under an hour. You will hear the handpiece and feel some vibration, but no pain, and we watch for the slightest signal that you need a break.
Numbness fades within a few hours. Your new filling is fully hardened before you leave, so once feeling returns you can eat normally. A day or two of mild temperature sensitivity is common and passes on its own.
Aftercare
Brush and floss the tooth normally. If your bite feels even slightly high once the numbness wears off, call us for a quick, free adjustment rather than waiting for it to settle. A high spot resolves in minutes in the chair.
Costs, insurance, and timing
Most dental plans cover fillings at a substantial percentage after your deductible. Composite on back teeth is occasionally reimbursed at the amalgam rate, which can leave a small difference. We will estimate your cost before treatment so there are no surprises.
See our financial options and insurance information pages for the full picture.