White composite fillings are what I place for almost every cavity. They bond to the tooth rather than simply filling a hole, which means I can be more conservative about how much tooth I remove, and the finished filling is matched to the shade of your own enamel.
Most patients only notice a filling if it is grey. Composite is shaped and polished to the contour of the tooth, and once it is done it is genuinely difficult to see where the filling ends and the tooth begins. Preserving as much natural tooth as possible is the principle behind everything I do.
“A filling should restore a tooth to the way it was, not advertise that it was ever treated.”
— Dr. Mary Talbot, Associate Dentist
My recommendationDo not rush to replace sound silver fillings for cosmetic reasons alone. If one is cracked, leaking or visible when you smile, that is a good reason. If it is doing its job, I will tell you.
Questions patients ask me
Does it hurt?
The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic before I start, so you should feel pressure but not pain. Most fillings take thirty to sixty minutes, and several small ones can often be done in one visit.
Are white fillings as strong as silver ones?
For the vast majority of cavities, yes. Modern composites are durable enough for back teeth. Amalgam may last slightly longer in very large back-tooth fillings, and where a tooth is badly broken down I may suggest a crown instead.
Can they stain?
Composite can pick up surface stain from tea, coffee and smoking over the years. Polishing at your hygiene visits keeps it looking fresh.
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