Tooth-colored composite fillings for new cavities and worn metal fillings, placed by Dr. Andy Keith in Hillcrest.
Tooth-Colored Fillings in San Diego, CA
Mercury-Free Fillings
Same-Day Treatment
New Patients Welcome
A tooth-colored filling repairs a tooth that has been damaged by decay. Dr. Keith removes the decayed part, cleans the space, and fills it with composite resin matched to your tooth, so the repair restores how the tooth works and does not show when you talk or smile. The same material can replace an old silver filling that has worn down or darkened.
At Sunrise Dental Arts in Hillcrest, fillings are part of our restorative dentistry care. Catching a cavity while it is small usually means a smaller filling, less drilling, and a lower cost than waiting until the tooth hurts.
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What Is a Tooth-Colored Filling?
A filling replaces the part of a tooth lost to a cavity. Once the decay is removed, the space is sealed with a material that restores the tooth’s shape and keeps bacteria from getting back in, so you can bite and chew normally.
Tooth-colored fillings are made of composite resin, a mix of resin and fine glass or quartz filler. The American Dental Association describes composite as durable and fracture-resistant for small to mid-size fillings on front or back teeth, and encourages patients to choose their filling material together with their dentist.
Composite Fillings vs. Amalgam Fillings
Composite resin matched to the tooth can rebuild a small broken area.
Older resin fillings can stain over time. Replacing them with fresh composite brings back a closer color match.
Old silver fillings can darken a tooth. Replacing them with composite restores a more natural look.
What to Expect at Your Filling Appointment
Most fillings are done in one appointment, and a single small filling often takes under an hour. Here is what happens.
Numbing the tooth
We first numb the area around your affected tooth with a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable during the procedure.
Removing decay
Next, the decayed portion is carefully removed, and the area is cleaned before the composite resin is applied.
Shaping the material
We then shape the material to match the natural contours of your tooth and harden it with a curing light.
Checking and adjusting
Finally, we check your bite and make any necessary adjustments before you leave.
If more than one tooth needs a filling, we may treat neighboring teeth in the same visit or split them across two visits, depending on what is most comfortable for you.
Caring for Your Fillings Long-Term
Composite fillings can last many years with good care, but no filling lasts forever. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth, and keeping up with checkups let us spot wear or new decay at the edges early.
Grinding and chewing on hard objects put extra stress on fillings. If you grind at night, a custom night guard can help. For chips or uneven edges that are cosmetic rather than decay, dental bonding is usually the better fit.
Book a Filling Appointment in Hillcrest
If you have a sensitive tooth, a dark spot, or an old filling that has cracked, Dr. Andy Keith will check it and explain whether a filling, a crown, or simply keeping an eye on it makes the most sense. We are in-network with Delta Dental and can bill most other PPO plans out-of-network, and we offer payment options and financing through Cherry and CareCredit.
New patients are welcome. Contact our office or call (619) 291-2980 to book your visit.
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FAQs
How long does numbness last after dental filling?
Numbness from local anesthetic usually wears off within a few hours, though it varies from person to person, and lower teeth often stay numb longer than upper teeth. Avoid chewing on the numb side until feeling returns so you do not bite your cheek or tongue.
How long after a dental filling can I eat?
You can eat once the numbness wears off. Composite is hardened with a curing light before you leave, so the filling is set right away, but chew gently on that side for the first day if the tooth feels tender.
How long does dental filling last?
Composite fillings often last many years, though the American Dental Association notes that some studies show they may need replacing sooner than metal fillings. How long yours lasts depends on its size and location, your bite, and your home care, and we check every filling at your exams.
What does a dental filling look like?
Composite is shaded to match your tooth and polished to a natural shine, so in most cases it is hard to see. Large fillings on back teeth may show slight differences up close, but they do not have the dark look of a metal filling.
Does a dental filling hurt?
The filling itself is usually painless because the tooth is numbed with local anesthetic. Mild sensitivity to cold or pressure for a few days afterward is common. If it lasts longer or your bite feels high, call us so we can adjust it.
How long does it take to get a dental filling?
A single small filling often takes under an hour, including numbing. Larger fillings or several teeth take longer, and we will tell you how much time to plan for when we book your visit.
