Do you see dark spots, holes or a chipped tooth?
Tooth-coloured fillings
A filling repairs a tooth damaged by decay or a small fracture. Tooth-coloured (composite) material is matched to your tooth shade, so the repair is hard to notice.
When it's needed
- A small hole or dark spot on a tooth
- Food keeps getting stuck in one place
- Sensitivity to sweets, cold or hot
- A small chip or crack
What to expect
- The tooth is numbed if needed
- Decay is removed and the tooth is cleaned
- The filling is placed in layers and hardened with a blue light
- It is shaped and polished to fit your bite
Afterwards
- You can eat once the numbness wears off
- Mild sensitivity can last a few days
- Tell the clinic if your bite feels high
Common questions
How long does a filling last?
Many last for years. How long depends on the size of the filling, your bite and how well the tooth is cleaned.
Can old silver fillings be replaced?
Often, yes. The dentist will check whether replacing them is useful for your teeth.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. The dentist will examine you and explain what suits your teeth.