If you require a little to medium filling and want to keep your teeth looking natural, you should receive a composite filling. If you have a known metal allergy or are prone to allergies, you may wish to choose a composite filling because it does not include metal. Other potential advantages of composite fillings include their capacity to strengthen teeth through the bonding process, preserve natural tooth structure during implantation, and be utilized to repair broken, worn, or chipped teeth. Schedule a consultation with Primera Dental to find out if composite fillings are correct for you!

What Are Composite Fillings?

Dental composite fillings are regular dental fillings that have been colored to match the natural color of your original tooth. Resin fillings, white fillings, and tooth-colored fillings are other names for them.

They serve the same purpose as regular fillings in that they fix cracks, fissures, and decay in impacted teeth. Our dentist will remove the decayed area or impacted section of the tooth and replace it with a composite filling.

Benefits of Composite Fillings

• Unlike amalgam fillings, which are composed of metal and can be visible, composite fillings are meant to look like your natural teeth, so they blend in and are less noticeable when you smile. This makes them an excellent choice if you need to alter the appearance of a tooth, for example, changing a stained tooth, repairing chips or mild rot, and filling in gaps between neighboring teeth.
• Because the pit groundwork for composite fillings is more preservationist than that of a traditional amalgam or silver filling, they don't require as much boring as other materials, allowing more of the tooth's structure to work with.
• Unlike silver amalgam or gold fillings, the composite pitch is kinder on your mouth's delicate tissues, such as your cheeks, tongue, and gums.
• If the composite filling sustains damage, our dental specialist may be able to repair it.

Cosmetic Fillings Procedure

First, we'll use a local anesthetic to numb your teeth so you don't feel any pain or discomfort. The decayed tooth structure will next be removed, and the resulting hole will be filled with composite resin.

Our dentists go to considerable lengths to ensure that the composite resin matches the natural color of your teeth. You won't be able to see the difference between your white filling and your natural tooth structure this way.

Recovery & Aftercare

After a composite filling, you may experience mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure for a few days, which typically fades on its own. Avoid chewing on the treated side until any numbness from the anesthetic wears off to prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing regularly, and try to avoid excessive force on the filling, such as chewing ice or hard candy. If you notice ongoing sensitivity, discomfort while biting, or the filling feels rough or uneven, contact Primera Dental so we can take a look.

Insurance & Financing Options

Primera Dental accepts Medi-Cal, and we also offer flexible payment plans through Cherry to help make composite fillings fit comfortably within your budget. Contact our office and our team will be happy to review your coverage and payment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a composite filling last?

With good oral hygiene, composite fillings typically last 5 to 10 years, though this can vary depending on the location of the filling and your chewing habits.

Is getting a composite filling painful?

No. We numb the area with a local anesthetic before the procedure, so you shouldn't feel pain during treatment. Mild sensitivity afterward is normal and usually resolves within a few days.

Can composite fillings replace old metal fillings?

Yes, many patients choose to replace old metal amalgam fillings with tooth-colored composite fillings for a more natural appearance. Ask our dentist if this is a good option for you.

Does Primera Dental accept Medi-Cal for composite fillings?

Yes, we accept Medi-Cal and also offer Cherry payment plans to help make treatment affordable.

Do you serve patients outside of Lynwood?

Yes, we welcome patients from Lynwood, South Gate, Compton, Paramount, Downey, Bell, Bell Gardens, Huntington Park, Cudahy, and surrounding communities.