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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Composite Fillings in Teeterville
A cavity found at your checkup? Teeterville patients can learn how composite fillings are placed, what affects how long they last and how to care for them.
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Care for Teeterville households, provided at our Port Dover office
Browse every dental service for TeetervilleRepairing small cavities
A tooth-coloured filling restores shape and blends in.
Composite fillings are made from a resin material that bonds to the tooth and can be shaded to match its natural colour. They are commonly used to repair cavities, replace worn fillings or fix small chips. Because the material bonds to enamel, the dentist can often preserve more of the healthy tooth than with some older filling types.
If a checkup has shown a cavity, or you have a tooth that catches food or feels sensitive, you can book an assessment at our Port Dover office from Teeterville. The dentist will explain whether a composite filling suits the size and location of the problem or whether another restoration would last better.
Is it the right fix
Composite works well in many, but not all, situations.
Size and location of the cavity
Small to moderate cavities on front or back teeth are often good candidates for composite. Very large areas of decay, or teeth that have lost a cusp, may need an inlay, onlay or crown instead to resist chewing forces. The dentist will look at X-rays and the tooth itself before recommending a specific material, and explain why it fits.
Your bite and habits
Heavy clenching or grinding can wear or chip any filling over time. Mention it if you wake with sore jaws or have broken fillings before. The dentist may suggest a design that spreads the load, or protection with a night guard, so the new restoration has a better chance of lasting and the tooth around it stays strong.
Placing the filling
The filling is built up in thin layers.
Freezing and removing decay
Most fillings begin with local anaesthetic to numb the area. The dentist removes the decay and prepares the tooth so the filling can bond well. Keeping the area dry is important for bonding, so a small rubber barrier or cotton rolls may be used. Tell the team if you need a break or feel any discomfort during the process.
Layering, curing and shaping
The composite is placed in layers, each hardened with a curing light for a few seconds. The dentist then shapes and polishes the filling so it matches the bite and feels smooth to your tongue. You may be asked to bite on thin paper to check contact. If anything feels high or uneven after the freezing wears off, call to have it adjusted.
After the visit
Most people return to normal activities right away.
Numbness and early sensitivity
Wait until the freezing wears off before eating to avoid biting your cheek or tongue. Some sensitivity to cold or pressure for a few days is common, particularly with deeper fillings close to the nerve. It usually settles gradually. Using a sensitivity toothpaste and avoiding very cold drinks for a short time may help the tooth calm down.
When to call the office
Contact our Port Dover office if pain worsens instead of improving, the tooth throbs or wakes you, or your bite still feels off after a day or two. These signs may mean the filling needs adjusting or the nerve needs further evaluation. Prompt attention can save a return trip from Teeterville later and prevents a small issue growing.
Making it last
Good habits protect both the filling and the tooth around it.
Daily cleaning around the filling
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth daily, because new decay can form at the edges of a filling where plaque collects. Limit frequent sugary snacks and drinks between meals. Avoid using teeth to open packages or bite hard objects such as ice or pens, which can chip composite and the tooth beside it.
Regular checkups and polishing
Composite can stain slightly over time, especially with coffee, tea, red wine or tobacco. Regular cleanings can polish the surface and keep it looking natural. At checkups the dentist looks for wear, chips or leaking margins, and recommends repair or replacement only when it is genuinely needed, rather than on a fixed schedule of years.
Planning your appointment
Booking a filling appointment from Teeterville.
Call our Port Dover office to arrange an assessment or schedule a filling that was recommended at an earlier exam. Let the team know about any sensitivity or pain you have noticed.
If you were treated elsewhere, ask whether recent X-rays can be sent ahead, and bring an up-to-date medication list with you.
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
Questions about composite fillings
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
How long do composite fillings last?
Lifespan varies with the filling’s size, location, your bite and home care. Many last for years. Regular checkups help spot wear or leakage early so a repair can be planned before larger problems such as a cracked tooth develop.
Is the tooth sensitive afterward?
Some sensitivity to cold or biting is common for a few days and usually fades on its own. If it persists, worsens or the tooth begins to throb, contact the office so the dentist can check the bite and the health of the tooth.
Can I replace old silver fillings with composite?
Sometimes, if the old filling is failing or there is decay underneath. Replacing sound fillings purely for appearance is a decision to discuss carefully with the dentist, who can explain the benefits and the trade-off of removing more tooth.
Can I eat right after a composite filling?
The material is fully hardened during the appointment, so the filling itself is ready. It is still wise to wait until the freezing has worn off so you do not bite your lip, cheek or tongue without noticing.
Do composite fillings stain?
They can pick up some staining over time from coffee, tea, red wine or tobacco. Polishing at cleanings can help keep them bright, and the dentist can discuss touch-ups or replacement if the colour changes noticeably compared with your teeth.
Restorative options to compare
General Dentistry →Inlays and Onlays →
Too much damage for a filling, not enough for a crown? Teeterville patients can learn how inlays and onlays restore back teeth while saving natural structure.
Replacement of Old or Stained Fillings →
Dark, worn or leaking fillings may need replacing. Teeterville patients can learn when replacement is advised, what material options exist and what to expect.