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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Composite Fillings in Silver Hill
Composite fillings repair decay with a resin shaded to match your tooth. Silver Hill patients can learn when they suit a cavity and how to make them last.
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A small cavity treated early often needs only a simple filling.
Composite is a tooth-coloured resin that is placed in layers, bonded to the tooth and hardened with a curing light. It can repair cavities, replace small broken areas and seal worn spots near the gumline. Because it bonds to enamel, it often allows the dentist to remove less healthy tooth than some older filling methods required.
For patients in Silver Hill, composite fillings are placed at our Port Dover office after the dentist has examined the tooth and confirmed that this material suits the size and location of the problem. You will hear the options before any work begins, along with what the filling will need from you afterward.
Finding the cavity
Many cavities are found before they cause any pain.
Symptoms that suggest decay
Sensitivity to sweets or cold, a rough spot your tongue keeps finding, food catching between two teeth or a visible dark area can all suggest decay. Often there are no symptoms at all until the cavity is fairly deep, which is why routine checkups and occasional X-rays help catch problems while they are small and easier to treat.
How the dentist confirms it
The dentist examines the tooth visually and with gentle instruments, and X-rays may show decay between teeth or beneath existing fillings. Very early changes in enamel can sometimes be watched and treated with fluoride rather than drilled. You will be told whether a filling is needed now or whether monitoring is reasonable.
Choosing the material
Composite suits many cavities, but not every situation.
Where composite works well
Composite is often chosen for front teeth and visible areas because it can be matched closely to the natural shade. It is also widely used in back teeth for small and medium cavities. Because the material bonds to the tooth, it can help support the remaining structure when placed carefully.
When another restoration may be suggested
When a large portion of the tooth is missing or heavy biting forces are involved, an inlay, onlay or crown may provide more durable coverage. Some situations, such as decay well below the gumline, can make bonding difficult. The dentist will explain why a particular option is recommended for your tooth.
The appointment
Placing a composite filling is a careful, layered process.
Freezing and removing decay
Local anaesthetic is usually used to numb the tooth. The decayed portion is removed and the tooth is cleaned and prepared. A thin sheet or other isolation may be used to keep the area dry, since moisture affects how well the material bonds. The dentist checks that all softened tooth has been removed.
Layering, curing and polishing
The composite is applied in thin layers, each hardened with a blue curing light. The final layer is shaped to match the natural contours of the tooth. Your bite is checked with marking paper, and any high spots are adjusted before the filling is polished smooth so it feels natural against your tongue.
After your filling
A composite filling can last for years with steady care.
The first few days
Avoid chewing on the numb side until feeling returns to prevent biting your cheek or tongue. Mild sensitivity to cold or biting pressure is common for a short time. If the bite feels high, pain is increasing or sensitivity has not settled after a reasonable period, contact the office so the filling can be checked.
Keeping the filling healthy
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth to reduce new decay around the edges. Composite can stain over time with coffee, tea or tobacco, and edges may chip with heavy grinding. Regular checkups let the dentist watch your fillings and repair small problems before they grow.
Planning your appointment
Coming to Port Dover from Silver Hill
When booking, let our team know which tooth is bothering you or whether a filling was recommended at a previous visit. If you have X-rays from another office, they can help with planning.
Plan for numbness lasting a few hours after the appointment. Eat beforehand if you can, as you may want to wait before chewing.
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 the size of the filling, its location, your bite and your home care. Many last for years. Regular checkups help identify wear, staining or leaking edges so the filling can be repaired or replaced when needed.
Can old metal fillings be replaced with composite?
Sometimes, but healthy fillings are not always replaced just for appearance, since removing them also removes tooth structure. If a filling is cracked, leaking or decayed underneath, the dentist can discuss whether composite is a suitable replacement.
Will my tooth hurt after the filling?
Some mild sensitivity is common and usually fades. Persistent pain, throbbing or sensitivity that lingers long after hot or cold should be reported, as it may mean the tooth needs further evaluation.
Can composite match my tooth colour exactly?
The dentist chooses shades to blend with your natural tooth, and the match is usually very close. Teeth can change colour over time, and composite may stain, so the appearance can shift gradually.
Can I eat right after the appointment?
Composite is hardened during the visit, so the filling itself is set. The main reason to wait is numbness, which can make it easy to bite your cheek or lip. Wait until normal feeling returns.
Other ways to restore a tooth
General Dentistry →Inlays and Onlays →
Too big for a filling, too small for a crown? Inlays and onlays restore damaged back teeth. Silver Hill patients can learn when they fit and how they are made.
Replacement of Old or Stained Fillings →
Dark, worn or leaking fillings can be replaced, but not every one needs to go. Silver Hill patients can learn how the dentist decides and what is involved.