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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Composite Fillings in Townsend
Composite fillings repair cavities with tooth-coloured material. Townsend patients can learn how they are placed, when they suit and how to look after them.
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Caring for Townsend patients at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for TownsendTooth-coloured repairs
A filling restores shape while blending with the tooth.
Composite is a tooth-coloured resin material used to fill cavities, repair small fractures and replace worn areas. It bonds to the tooth surface and can be shaded to match surrounding enamel, which is why it is often chosen for visible teeth. It also lets the dentist remove less healthy tooth than some older techniques required.
For Townsend residents, composite fillings are placed at our Port Dover office after an exam confirms where decay or damage is and how deep it goes. The dentist will explain whether composite is suitable for that particular tooth or whether a larger cavity might call for a stronger restoration instead.
When a filling is needed
Small cavities often show up before they hurt.
Symptoms that may point to decay
Sensitivity to sweets or cold, a rough spot your tongue keeps finding, food catching between teeth or a visible dark area can all suggest decay. Many cavities, however, cause no symptoms at all in their early stages, especially those between teeth. That is one reason routine exams and X-rays when recommended remain valuable.
How the dentist confirms the problem
The dentist will examine the tooth, may use X-rays to check depth and spread, and will look at existing fillings for leakage or wear. If the cavity is small to moderate, composite is often a good option. Very large cavities or teeth with cracks may be better protected by an onlay or crown.
Placing the filling
Composite is applied in layers and hardened with light.
Numbing and removing decay
Most fillings start with local anaesthetic to numb the area. The dentist then removes the decay and shapes the cavity. Because composite bonds to the tooth, the preparation can often be more conservative. The surrounding area is kept dry, since moisture can affect how well the material sticks to the enamel and dentin.
Building and curing the composite
The composite is placed in thin layers, each hardened with a special curing light. The dentist then shapes the filling to match your bite and polishes it so it feels smooth. You will be asked to bite on a thin paper to check that the filling is not high, which can cause soreness.
After the appointment
Most people return to normal routines quickly.
What to expect once numbness fades
Wait for numbness to wear off before eating so you do not bite your cheek or tongue. The tooth may feel slightly sensitive to temperature or pressure for a few days, which usually settles. Because composite is fully hardened before you leave, there is generally no long wait before chewing normally on the tooth.
When to call the office
Contact the office if the bite feels uneven, pain gets worse rather than better, or sensitivity lasts beyond a couple of weeks. A high spot is usually quick to adjust. Lingering pain may mean the tooth needs further assessment, especially if the cavity was deep and close to the nerve.
Long-term care
Good care helps composite fillings serve well.
Daily habits that protect fillings
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth, since new decay can form around the edges of any filling. Limit frequent sugary snacks and drinks. Composite can chip under heavy force, so avoid biting ice or hard objects, and mention grinding if you suspect it, as a night guard may help.
Monitoring at regular checkups
At checkups, the dentist will look for staining, wear or small gaps at the margins of each filling. Composite can pick up stains from coffee, tea or tobacco over time, and a quick polish often freshens it up. Fillings do not last forever, and the dentist will let you know when one should be repaired or replaced before decay can sneak underneath.
Planning your appointment
Booking from Townsend.
Call our Port Dover office and mention whether you have pain, sensitivity or a filling that has broken. If a cavity was found at a recent exam elsewhere, bring the records along.
Allow time for numbness to fade before eating, and let the team know if you have any allergies or concerns about anaesthetic.
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?
It varies with the size of the filling, your bite, grinding habits and oral hygiene. Many last for years. Regular checkups help the dentist spot wear or leakage early so the filling can be repaired before problems develop.
Can composite be used on back teeth?
Often, yes. Composite is commonly used on molars for small to moderate cavities. Very large fillings in heavy-biting areas may be better served by an onlay or crown. The dentist will recommend what suits that tooth.
Will the filling match my tooth colour?
The dentist selects a shade to blend with your natural tooth. If you plan to whiten your teeth, mention it beforehand, since composite does not change colour with whitening and may need to be matched afterwards.
Is it normal for a new filling to feel sensitive?
Mild sensitivity for a few days is common, especially with deeper fillings. If it gets worse, lasts beyond a couple of weeks or the bite feels high, contact the office for a check.
Can old silver fillings be replaced with composite?
Sometimes, when an old filling is worn, cracked or leaking. Replacing a sound filling purely for appearance is a personal decision worth discussing. The dentist will explain the benefits and any risks for that tooth.
Other ways to restore a tooth
General Dentistry →Inlays and Onlays →
Inlays and onlays repair damage too large for a filling but not severe enough for a crown. Townsend patients can learn when they suit and what to expect.
Replacement of Old or Stained Fillings →
Worn, leaking or discoloured fillings may be worth replacing. Learn how the dentist decides, what replacement involves and which materials suit each tooth.