Tooth-Colored Fillings

Repair

One visit, 30-45 minutes

First visit $89, 60 minutes

Book your first visit

A filling replaces the part of a tooth that decay or a fracture took away. We use tooth-colored composite, shaded to your tooth and bonded in layers, so a repaired molar does not announce itself when you laugh. Old silver fillings get replaced when they crack, leak or the tooth around them starts to fail, not because they are old.

What it feels like

Numb for an hour or two, a whirring drill and cold water spray, then pressure while we shape the filling. Some sensitivity to cold for a few days afterwards is normal and settles.

How we treat it

We show you the photo and the X-ray before we drill anything, so you can see what we see.

The tooth is numbed, the decay removed, and the composite bonded and cured in layers. We check your bite with carbon paper until it feels right, because a high filling is the main reason a repaired tooth hurts.

One appointment per tooth, usually 30 to 45 minutes.

Common questions

Can I eat straight after?

Composite sets hard immediately, so yes. Wait until the numbness wears off so you do not bite your cheek.

Will it match my tooth?

We shade-match before we start. On front teeth we take extra time and check the color in daylight.

Should I replace my old silver fillings?

Only if they are cracked, leaking or the tooth is breaking down around them. A sound amalgam filling is not a problem, and we will tell you so.

What does it cost?

$185 for a one-surface filling, $245 for two or more surfaces. You get the price before we start.

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Results vary from person to person. Facial swelling, a fever with tooth pain or trouble breathing needs emergency care. Call 911.