Ahead of your visit
Tooth-coloured fillings
One appointment, explained before it starts.
A tooth-coloured filling repairs a tooth that's decayed, chipped or wearing an older filling that's seen better days. Your dentist removes what's affected, then rebuilds the tooth with composite resin matched to the shade around it. Only the tissue that's decayed, unsupported or in the way of a stable repair gets removed, so you keep as much of your own tooth as possible. You'll hear exactly why a filling is the right call for that tooth.
Why this matters
What this treatment aims to improve
Results depend on the starting condition, the treatment plan and how the mouth responds. Your dentist will explain what is realistic for your case before treatment begins.
Matched to your own tooth
Your dentist picks a composite shade that sits close to your natural enamel, though no material behaves quite like enamel in every light.
Your healthy tooth stays put
Only what's decayed, unsupported or standing in the way of a solid repair comes out, not the whole tooth.
A straightforward answer for an old filling
Composite works well for replacing a metal filling that's darkened, roughened or started leaking, though if yours is still sound, it's worth talking through whether swapping it makes sense first.
How it works
Step by step, from assessment to review
Your tooth gets checked
Your dentist looks at the affected tooth and might take an X-ray to see how far things go before deciding what's needed.
The area's prepared and filled
You'll get anaesthetic if it's needed, the affected part comes out, and the composite goes in, layer by layer, bonded to your tooth.
It's shaped and checked
The filling gets polished, and your bite gets checked properly, so it doesn't feel high when you close your mouth or chew.
Is it suitable for you?
A tooth-coloured filling suits plenty of small to moderate repairs. If a tooth's lost a lot of its own structure, though, you might need a different kind of restoration to hold up under chewing.
You've got a small area of decay
It can be cleaned out and rebuilt without taking away much of your healthy tooth.
An older filling's changed
It's chipped, rough, discoloured, or seems to be catching food, and it's worth getting looked at.
A tooth's chipped or cracked slightly
A small chip can often be repaired with composite once your dentist has checked why it happened and how your teeth meet.
Getting ready
Small things that help before you arrive.
Bring anything relevant
Old X-rays, a list of medications or notes on what you've noticed all help, though you're welcome to come without them.
Flag what makes it harder
If anxiety, a sensitive spot or a rough past experience make visits difficult, tell the team early so they can plan around it.
Give it enough time
A first look needs room for questions and a proper explanation, not just a quick glance and a nod.
Tooth-coloured fillings questions
Questions patients often ask
The answers below cover what most patients experience. Your own dentist will tailor the advice to your examination, medical history and treatment plan.
It depends on the size and position of the filling, your bite, your diet and how you clean it. Regular check-ups mean your dentist can watch the edges and catch small changes early.
Have a different question?
Tell the clinic what you are concerned about. The team can explain the next sensible step before you decide on a visit.
Book when you're ready
Talk it through before you book.
Tell test what you've noticed and they'll help arrange the right appointment for it.
Bring whatever you're wondering about. Your dentist explains as you go, what's happening, why it matters and what comes next, so you leave with a plan that makes sense.