A filling is the most common way to restore a tooth that has lost structure through decay, a fracture or wear. Today the most widely used option is the tooth-coloured composite (white) filling, which restores function while keeping the tooth looking natural.
Below we answer the seven questions patients ask most often about composite fillings: what they are, how they are placed, how long they last and what to do afterwards.
1. What Is a Composite Filling?
Composite is a tooth-coloured material made of resin and fine glass-like filler particles. It is placed in a paste-like form, shaped in layers and hardened with a special curing light. Because it comes in many shades, a well-made composite filling is hard to tell apart from the natural tooth.
Composite is bonded to the tooth, so less healthy tooth structure usually needs to be removed than with older filling types.
2. When Is a Filling Needed?
- Decay that has gone through the enamel
- Small fractures and chipped corners
- Sensitive, worn areas near the gum line
- Old fillings that have fallen out or are leaking at the edges
- Old amalgam (silver) fillings that patients wish to replace for aesthetic reasons
If decay has reached the nerve (pulp), a filling alone is not enough and root canal treatment may be needed first. Your dentist makes this decision after an examination and, if necessary, an X-ray.
3. How Is a Composite Filling Placed?
- Examination: the depth of decay is assessed visually and, if needed, with an X-ray.
- Local anaesthetic: used where necessary, so the procedure is not painful.
- Removing decay: decayed tissue is removed while healthy tooth structure is preserved.
- Preparing the surface: a bonding agent is applied so the filling adheres to the tooth.
- Layering and curing: composite is placed in layers and each layer is hardened with light.
- Shaping and polishing: the bite is checked and the filling is shaped and polished to match the tooth.
A single filling is usually completed in one visit of about 30–60 minutes.
4. Composite or Amalgam?
- Appearance: composite matches the tooth colour; amalgam is visibly dark.
- Tooth preservation: composite is bonded, so less tooth structure is removed; amalgam needs a larger cavity for mechanical retention.
- Technique: composite requires a clean, dry working field and careful placement.
Sound, intact amalgam fillings do not always need to be replaced. Replacement may be planned if there are cracks, leakage or aesthetic concerns.
5. How Long Does a Composite Filling Last?
Longevity depends on the size of the filling, the tooth involved, biting forces and oral hygiene. Well-maintained fillings can last for many years. Factors that shorten their life include:
- Clenching and grinding (bruxism)
- Biting hard objects such as ice, pens or nut shells
- Poor brushing and flossing, leading to new decay at the margins
- Staining from tea, coffee and smoking
For teeth with extensive structure loss, an inlay/onlay or a dental crown may be the longer-lasting option.
6. Is Sensitivity After a Filling Normal?
Mild sensitivity to hot and cold, or slight discomfort when chewing, is common for a few days, especially after deep fillings, and usually settles on its own. Contact your dentist if:
- Sensitivity does not improve or gets worse after a few weeks
- You have spontaneous, throbbing pain or pain that wakes you at night
- The filling feels "high" when you bite (the bite may need adjusting)
7. Aftercare Tips
- Do not eat until the numbness has worn off to avoid biting your cheek or lip.
- Composite is fully hardened by the curing light, so you can eat normally once the numbness is gone.
- Be careful with very hot and very cold food for the first few days.
- Brush twice a day and floss to prevent build-up around the filling edges.
- If you grind your teeth, ask your dentist about a night guard.
- Attend check-ups every six months so the margins can be assessed.
Fillings at Defne Prime Dent
At our clinic in Ataşehir, Istanbul, fillings are planned after an examination and any necessary imaging. You can explore all of our treatments or contact us to book an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I feel pain during a filling?
Local anaesthetic is used where needed, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Very small, shallow cavities may not require anaesthetic.
When can I eat after a filling?
Composite hardens immediately under the curing light. You can eat once the numbness has worn off, usually within 1–3 hours.
Can composite be used on front teeth?
Yes. Thanks to its range of shades, composite is commonly used to repair decay and small chips on front teeth. For larger aesthetic changes, veneers or crowns may be considered.
Do composite fillings stain over time?
They can pick up some colour from tea, coffee, cola and smoking. Polishing at check-ups can refresh the surface; noticeably stained fillings can be replaced.
Can I have a filling during pregnancy?
The second trimester (months 4–6) is generally considered the most suitable time for routine treatment such as fillings. Always tell your dentist that you are pregnant.
This article is for general information only and does not replace an examination. Please consult your dentist for advice specific to you.
