A composite filling uses a tooth-coloured resin material to repair a cavity, crack, or small chip in a tooth. Unlike traditional silver amalgam fillings, composite resin bonds directly to the tooth structure, allowing more conservative preparation and a result that blends invisibly with surrounding enamel. The procedure is typically completed in a single visit of 30–60 minutes. Modern composite materials are highly wear-resistant and long-lasting, with clinical lifespans of 7–10 years on average and longer with good oral hygiene.
The dentist examines the tooth and selects a composite shade that matches your natural tooth colour for an invisible result.
A local anesthetic is administered to ensure the procedure is completely comfortable. Very small, superficial cavities may not require anesthesia.
The decayed or damaged tooth material is removed using a dental drill or air abrasion. The cavity is cleaned and shaped for ideal composite retention.
The tooth surface is etched and a bonding agent is applied and light-cured to create a micro-mechanical bond between the tooth and the composite resin.
The composite resin is applied in incremental layers and light-cured between each layer to minimise shrinkage and maximise strength. The filling is sculpted to restore the natural tooth anatomy.
The filling is checked for correct bite contact, adjusted if needed, and polished to a smooth, tooth-like surface that resists staining.
1
Visits
1
Days stay
No healing period — treatment is complete after the appointment
Healing
Examination, shade matching, local anesthesia, decay removal, bonding, composite placement, curing, bite adjustment, and polishing — all in one visit.
Composite resin is colour-matched to your teeth and is virtually indistinguishable from natural tooth structure.
Composite bonds directly to enamel, requiring less removal of healthy tooth structure compared to amalgam fillings.
The entire procedure from anesthesia to polish is completed in one appointment, with no temporary filling needed.
Composite fillings contain no mercury or metal, making them a preferred option for patients with health or environmental concerns about amalgam.
If a composite filling chips or wears, it can often be repaired chairside with additional composite material rather than full replacement.
Composite fillings typically last 7–10 years, compared to 15+ years for amalgam or ceramic inlays. High-stress molar cavities may wear sooner.
Mild temperature sensitivity lasting 1–2 weeks after placement is common, particularly in deep cavities close to the nerve.
Composite resin can gradually discolour with coffee, tea, or tobacco use, particularly at the margins, though polishing at checkups minimises this.
Composite resin shrinks slightly as it sets. Incremental placement technique and modern low-shrinkage materials minimise this effect, but marginal gaps can develop over time.
Avoid eating until the anesthesia has fully worn off to prevent accidental cheek or tongue biting.
Avoid very hot, cold, or hard foods if you experience sensitivity. Light-cured composites are fully set immediately, but the gum tissue around the injection site may be tender.
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss around the filling daily. Good oral hygiene significantly extends filling lifespan.
Reduce intake of dark-staining beverages (coffee, red wine, tea) to slow surface discolouration. Avoid chewing ice or hard objects near the filling.
Have the filling inspected and polished every 6 months. Your dentist will monitor margins and surface wear, catching small issues before they require full replacement.
Composite fillings are a same-day procedure, making them easy to combine with other dental treatments during a single trip. Multiple fillings can typically be completed in one or two appointments on consecutive days.