Patient video
Welcoming and Wonderful Practice
A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.
★★★★★
Port Dover Family Dentistry
Composite Fillings in Pine Grove
Composite fillings repair decay with tooth-coloured material. Pine Grove patients can read how the filling is placed, how long it lasts and how to care for it.
New patients welcomeCDCP accepted
Let’s get you smiling
Book an appointment
Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Caring for Pine Grove patients at our Port Dover office
Browse every dental service for Pine GroveRepair that blends in
A composite filling rebuilds the tooth with material that matches its shade.
Composite is a tooth-coloured resin used to fill cavities, repair small chips and replace some older fillings. It bonds to the tooth surface, which often allows a more conservative preparation than older materials. Because it can be shade-matched, it is a common choice for both front and back teeth where appearance matters to the patient.
For people living in Pine Grove, composite fillings are placed at our Port Dover office after an examination confirms what the tooth needs. The dentist will explain whether composite suits the size and location of the cavity before treatment begins.
Is composite suitable?
Size and location of the cavity guide the recommendation.
Where composite works well
Composite tends to work well for small to moderate cavities, chipped edges and areas where a natural look is important. It bonds to enamel and dentin, which can help support the remaining tooth. The dentist will check for decay depth, the condition of neighbouring teeth and how your bite falls on the area.
When another option may be better
Very large cavities, heavily worn teeth or areas under heavy biting force may be better served by an onlay or crown. Patients who grind strongly may need a discussion about durability. Ask the dentist to compare options in terms of how much tooth is preserved, expected lifespan and maintenance before agreeing to a plan.
The appointment
The filling is built up in thin layers.
Numbing and removing decay
The tooth is usually numbed with local anaesthetic before decay is removed. The area is kept dry, often with cotton rolls or a thin rubber sheet. A bonding agent is applied so the composite adheres firmly. Let the dentist know if you feel anything sharp during treatment so more freezing can be considered.
Layering and shaping
Composite is placed in layers, each hardened with a curing light. The dentist then shapes the filling to match the tooth’s contours and checks your bite with marking paper. Polishing gives a smooth finish. The appointment length depends on the size and number of fillings, which the office can estimate when booking.
Right after
Most people return to normal routines the same day.
While the freezing wears off
Composite is fully hardened before you leave, so you can eat once the numbness fades. Until then, avoid hot drinks and chewing to prevent biting your cheek or tongue. Children in particular need watching. The freezing usually wears off within a few hours, though this varies between people and injection sites.
Normal and unusual sensations
Some sensitivity to cold or pressure is common for a short period, particularly with deeper fillings. If the bite feels high, chewing hurts or sensitivity worsens instead of fading, call the office. A simple adjustment often resolves a high spot. Persistent pain may need further assessment of the tooth’s nerve.
Making it last
Good habits help composite fillings serve well for years.
Habits that protect fillings
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth every day, since new decay can form at the edges of any filling. Limit frequent sugary snacks and drinks. Avoid chewing ice, pens or hard candy, and ask about a night guard if you clench or grind. Composite can stain slightly over time with coffee, tea or tobacco.
Checkups and maintenance
Regular checkups let the dentist monitor fillings for wear, chipping or leakage. Small issues can sometimes be polished or repaired rather than replaced entirely. Mention any rough edges, food trapping or sensitivity between visits. Professional cleanings also help keep composite surfaces smooth and less prone to staining.
Planning your appointment
Booking filling treatment from Pine Grove
Arrange an examination or treatment visit at our Port Dover office. If you already know which tooth needs a filling, mention it so the team can allow enough time.
Eat a light meal beforehand, since you may be numb for a few hours afterward, and bring a list of current medications.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Composite filling questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
How long do composite fillings last?
Lifespan varies with size, location, bite forces and home care. Many last for years. Regular checkups help catch wear or leakage early, and small problems may be repaired without replacing the whole filling.
Can I eat right after a composite filling?
The material is set before you leave, but it is best to wait until the numbness wears off so you do not bite your cheek or tongue. Start with softer foods if the tooth feels tender.
Are composite fillings safe?
Composite resins are widely used and considered safe for dental use. If you have known allergies or concerns about specific materials, raise them with the dentist so they can be discussed before treatment.
Will the filling match my tooth exactly?
The dentist selects a shade to blend closely with your tooth. Teeth naturally vary in colour, and composite may darken slightly over time. If you plan whitening, discuss timing first, as fillings do not lighten.
Why does my tooth feel sensitive after the filling?
Mild, short-term sensitivity is common, especially with deeper cavities. If it persists, worsens or the bite feels uneven, contact the office. The dentist may adjust the filling or assess the nerve.
Other ways to restore a tooth
General Dentistry →Inlays and Onlays →
Inlays and onlays repair damaged back teeth while keeping more natural structure than a crown. Pine Grove patients can see when they fit and how they are made.
Replacement of Old or Stained Fillings →
Worn, leaking or discoloured fillings can be swapped for tooth-coloured ones. Pine Grove patients can learn when replacement is advised and what it involves.