Natural-Looking Repair for Damaged Teeth
Composite fillings, often called tooth-colored fillings, repair areas affected by decay, chips, or small fractures while blending with the surrounding tooth. At Stovall Dental, each restoration is selected and shaped with your oral health, bite, and smile in mind.
Because composite material bonds directly to the tooth, it can often restore the damaged area while preserving healthy tooth structure. The best restoration depends on how much of the tooth is affected and where the tooth sits in your bite.
When a Composite Filling May Help
A tooth-colored filling may be considered when a tooth has a cavity, a worn filling, or a limited area of damage. Composite resin can also be useful for certain cosmetic repairs.
- Tooth decay: replacing the decayed area with a bonded restoration
- Chips or small fractures: rebuilding a limited portion of the tooth
- Worn restorations: replacing a filling that no longer seals or supports the tooth well
- Minor cosmetic concerns: improving the shape or appearance of a suitable tooth
If damage is extensive or the tooth carries heavy biting pressure, a crown or another restoration may offer better protection. Dr. Stovall will examine the tooth and explain the options that fit your situation.
What to Expect
The area is numbed for comfort before the damaged or decayed tooth structure is removed. The tooth is then cleaned and prepared, and a composite shade is selected to coordinate with your natural enamel.
The resin is placed in layers and hardened with a curing light. Once the filling is secure, it is shaped and polished so it feels natural against your bite. Before you leave, the team will check the restoration and provide any care instructions specific to your tooth.
Caring for Your Filling
Daily brushing and flossing, regular dental visits, and avoiding habits such as chewing ice can help protect both the filling and the tooth around it. If you grind or clench your teeth, ask whether a protective appliance may be appropriate.
Contact Stovall Dental if a restored tooth develops persistent sensitivity, pain when biting, a rough edge, or a change in the way your teeth meet. Early evaluation can help prevent a small concern from becoming a larger repair.
