A guide to the treatment
Tooth-coloured fillings,
Composite, colour-matched, for decay, a worn edge or a filling due for renewal.
A filling begins with restraint. Decay, a small fracture, an older restoration losing its edge, whichever brought you in, the approach stays the same: remove only what must go, rebuild with composite matched to the tooth around it. The dentist assesses the extent first, then decides whether a filling is the right answer for that particular tooth.
Treatment study · Porcelain · 01Why it is done
Tooth-coloured fillings
Shade, considered
The composite is matched to the surrounding enamel, though no material reads identically to natural tooth in every light.
Structure, preserved
Only tissue that is decayed, unsupported or standing in the way of a stable repair is removed. Nothing more.
A measured answer to an old filling
Composite suits a metal filling that has darkened, roughened or begun to leak. Where the existing filling is sound, replacing it purely for appearance is a question worth raising with your dentist, not a foregone conclusion.
How it happens
Composite, colour-matched, for decay, a worn edge or a filling due for renewal.
Assess
The tooth is examined, an X-ray taken where useful, and the extent of the repair established before anything is removed.
Prepare and place
Anaesthetic where needed. Decay and weak edges removed. Composite bonded in layers, built to restore contour and contact.
Shape and confirm
The surface is polished, the bite checked. The tooth should not feel high when you close or chew.
Questions before a decision
Composite suits many small to moderate repairs. A tooth that has lost considerable structure may need a different restoration, one built for the forces it will carry.
How long does the repair last?
Lifespan varies with size, position, bite and care. Regular review lets the dentist monitor the margins and act early on any change.
Can an old silver filling be replaced with a tooth-coloured one?
Often, particularly where it is worn, leaking or chipped. Where the filling is sound, the dentist will discuss whether replacement is worth doing before proceeding.
Will it read as a natural match?
The shade is selected to sit close to your natural teeth. Composite can pick up surface stain over time, especially at the margins.
Can several teeth be filled in one appointment?
Often, depending on the number and location of the fillings. The dentist will confirm what is realistic within one sitting.
An assessment, first
Nothing proceeds until it has been examined properly.
Tell the team what has changed or what concerns you. Everything else, including whether treatment is even necessary, follows only after a proper look.
Arrange an appointment