Natural-Looking Fillings, From £56 Per Tooth

What Is a Composite Filling?

A composite filling is a tooth-coloured resin material used to repair teeth damaged by decay, chips, or wear. Unlike old-style metal amalgam fillings, composite fillings match the natural colour of your teeth, making them virtually invisible.

The composite material is applied in layers, hardened with a special curing light, and then shaped and polished to match the contours of your tooth. The result is a durable, natural-looking repair that restores the tooth's function and appearance.

Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, which means less healthy tooth material needs to be removed compared to amalgam fillings. They are suitable for small to medium cavities in both front and back teeth.

Many patients also choose composite fillings to replace old amalgam (silver/mercury) fillings for cosmetic reasons, giving them a more natural-looking smile.

Am I a Good Candidate?

Composite fillings are suitable for almost anyone who needs a cavity repaired or an old filling replaced. You may benefit if you have:

• A new cavity that needs filling
• Old amalgam fillings that you want to replace with tooth-coloured material
• A chipped or worn tooth that needs a minor cosmetic repair
• Small to medium-sized cavities in front or back teeth

For very large cavities where significant tooth structure is missing, your dentist may recommend a crown or inlay instead, as these provide better structural support. Your dentist assesses each tooth and recommends the most appropriate solution.

What Happens During Your Treatment?

The Procedure (20-40 Minutes Per Tooth)

Your dentist numbs the area with local anaesthesia. Any decay is removed, and the tooth is cleaned and prepared. The composite resin is applied in layers, each hardened with a curing light. Once built up, the filling is shaped to match your tooth's natural contours and polished for a smooth finish.

The entire process takes 20 to 40 minutes per tooth. Multiple fillings can be done in a single appointment.

After the Procedure

You can eat and drink normally once the anaesthesia wears off (typically 1 to 2 hours). The filling is fully hardened and functional immediately.

Recovery and Aftercare

There is no recovery period after a composite filling. You can use the tooth normally as soon as the anaesthesia wears off.

Immediately after: Avoid eating on the numb side until sensation returns (1 to 2 hours). The filling is fully set and functional immediately.

Sensitivity: Some patients notice mild sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days. This is normal and settles quickly.

Ongoing care: Brush and floss normally. Composite fillings do not require any special care. Avoid biting very hard objects (ice, hard sweets) to protect both the filling and your natural tooth.

Longevity: Composite fillings typically last 5 to 10 years, depending on the size and location of the filling. Good oral hygiene helps them last longer. When a filling eventually needs replacing, the process is straightforward.

Risks and Considerations

Composite fillings are one of the safest and most routine dental procedures. Risks are minimal.

Sensitivity: Temporary sensitivity to hot and cold is common in the days following the procedure. It usually resolves on its own.

Staining: Composite fillings can stain slightly over many years, particularly if you consume a lot of tea, coffee, or red wine. However, modern composites are significantly more stain-resistant than earlier materials.

Wear: Composite is not as hard as natural enamel. In areas of heavy biting force, the filling may wear slightly over time. This is normal and managed through regular check-ups.

Shrinkage: The composite material shrinks very slightly as it cures. Your dentist applies it in thin layers to minimise this and ensure a tight seal.