A composite filling is tooth-colored, so it looks natural. It works well for small to medium fillings. If you have a metal allergy or are prone to allergies, a composite filling may be a good choice. Composite fillings bond to the tooth, which can help make it stronger. They also help keep more of your natural tooth and can be used to fix broken, worn, or chipped teeth. Schedule a visit with Primera Dental to find out if composite fillings are right for you!

What Are Composite Fillings?

Composite fillings are fillings colored to match your natural tooth. Resin fillings, white fillings, and tooth-colored fillings are other names for them.

They do the same job as other fillings: they fix cracks, deep grooves, and decay in damaged teeth. Our dentist removes the decayed or damaged part of the tooth and fills the space with composite.

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 a good choice if you want to change how a tooth looks, such as covering a stain, fixing chips or small areas of decay, or filling gaps between teeth.

• Composite fillings usually need less drilling than silver (amalgam) fillings, so more of your natural tooth is kept.

• Composite is also gentler than silver or gold fillings on the soft parts of your mouth, like your cheeks, tongue, and gums.

• If a composite filling gets damaged, our dentist may be able to repair it.

Cosmetic Fillings Procedure

First, we numb the area with a local anesthetic (numbing medicine). Next, we remove the decay and fill the space with composite resin, a tooth-colored material.

Our dentists take care to match the composite to the natural color of your teeth, so the filling blends in with your tooth.

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?

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.