Composite Fillings in Fresno, CA

If you have a cavity, chipped tooth, or minor tooth damage, a composite filling in Fresno, CA may be an effective way to restore the tooth while maintaining a natural-looking smile.

At Milburn Dental, we provide tooth-colored composite fillings designed to restore teeth affected by decay or minor damage. Composite material can be matched to the natural shade of your teeth, making the restoration less noticeable than traditional metal-colored fillings.

Our dentist will examine your tooth and determine whether a composite filling is appropriate based on the location and extent of the damage, your oral health, and your individual treatment needs.

At Milburn Dental in Fresno, our dentists have placed 1000’s of dental fillings. Put your trust in us! To book a dental appointment with Milburn Dental, please call (559) 825-0990 or visit our Fresno Dental Office at 6721 N Milburn Ave Ste 101, Fresno. CA.

What Are Composite Fillings?

Composite fillings are tooth-colored dental restorations used to repair teeth affected by cavities, decay, small fractures, chips, or other minor damage.

The material is made from a resin-based composite that can be carefully shaped and matched to the surrounding tooth structure.

Unlike traditional silver-colored amalgam restorations, composite fillings can provide a more natural appearance.

Composite fillings may be appropriate for many front and back teeth, depending on the amount of tooth structure that needs to be restored.

Why Choose Tooth-Colored Fillings?

One of the main reasons patients choose composite fillings is their natural appearance.

A composite filling can be matched relatively closely to the surrounding tooth shade, allowing the restoration to blend into your smile.

Other potential advantages include:

• Natural-looking appearance
• Tooth-colored restoration
• Ability to repair cavities and minor tooth damage
• Conservative treatment when appropriate
• Restoration of normal tooth function
• Useful for both front and back teeth in appropriate situations

However, no single filling material is ideal for every patient or every tooth.

Your dentist will evaluate the tooth and discuss the most appropriate restoration for your situation.

What Problems Can Composite Fillings Treat?

Composite fillings can be used to restore teeth affected by several types of relatively minor damage.

Tooth Decay

Cavities can weaken the structure of a tooth. When decay is identified early enough, a filling may be used to restore the affected area after the decay has been removed.

Small Chips

A composite restoration may sometimes be used to repair a small chip in a tooth.

Minor Tooth Fractures

Depending on the size and location of a fracture, composite material may be an option for restoring the damaged area.

Worn or Damaged Existing Fillings

An existing filling that has become damaged, worn, or compromised may need to be evaluated and potentially replaced.

The appropriate treatment depends on the condition of the tooth.

How Do I Know If I Need a Dental Filling?

You may need a dental examination if you experience:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Pain when eating or drinking
• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• A visible hole or dark area in a tooth
• A chipped tooth
• A cracked or damaged filling
• Food repeatedly getting trapped around a tooth
• Pain when biting
• A rough or damaged area on a tooth

Some cavities cause no noticeable symptoms during their early stages.

That is one reason regular dental examinations are important.

Your dentist may also recommend dental X-rays when appropriate to evaluate areas that cannot be fully assessed during a visual examination.

Learn more about:

Dental X-Rays in Fresno, CA:
https://milburndental.com/dental-services/general-dentistry/x-rays/

What Happens During a Composite Filling?

The exact process depends on the tooth and the extent of the decay or damage, but a composite filling generally involves several steps.

1. Dental Examination

Your dentist first evaluates the affected tooth.

Depending on your symptoms and clinical findings, dental X-rays may be recommended.

2. Local Anesthetic

If necessary, local anesthesia can be used to help keep you comfortable during treatment.

3. Removal of Decay

The dentist removes the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth while preserving healthy tooth structure whenever appropriate.

4. Preparation of the Tooth

The tooth is prepared so the composite material can properly bond to the tooth.

5. Placement of Composite Material

The tooth-colored composite material is placed and shaped to restore the affected area.

6. Hardening the Material

A specialized dental light is used to harden the composite material.

7. Shaping and Polishing

The restoration is adjusted so that it fits comfortably with your bite and is polished to provide a smooth surface.

How Long Does a Composite Filling Take?

The amount of time required depends on several factors, including:

• The size of the cavity
• The location of the tooth
• The number of teeth being treated
• The amount of tooth structure affected
• The complexity of the restoration

A relatively small filling may be completed during a routine appointment, while larger or multiple restorations may require additional time.

Your dental team can provide a more specific estimate after examining your teeth.

Are Composite Fillings Strong?

Composite fillings are designed to restore tooth structure and withstand normal chewing forces.

However, the durability of a filling depends on several factors, including:

• The size of the restoration
• The location of the tooth
• Your bite
• Oral hygiene
• Diet
• Habits such as chewing ice or hard objects
• Regular dental care
• The condition of the surrounding tooth

No dental filling lasts forever.

Regular examinations allow your dentist to monitor existing fillings and identify signs of wear, leakage, cracking, or other problems.

How Can I Make My Composite Filling Last Longer?

Good oral hygiene is an important part of maintaining a filling and the surrounding tooth.

You can help protect your restoration by:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day
• Cleaning between your teeth daily
• Attending regular dental examinations
• Receiving professional dental cleanings as recommended
• Limiting frequent sugary foods and drinks
• Avoiding chewing ice and very hard objects
• Wearing appropriate protection during contact sports
• Contacting your dentist if a filling becomes damaged or sensitive

Learn more about:

Routine Dental Cleanings in Fresno:
https://milburndental.com/dental-services/general-dentistry/routine-cleanings/

You can also learn more about maintaining your daily oral hygiene:

Oral Hygiene Education in Fresno:
https://milburndental.com/dental-services/general-dentistry/oral-hygiene-education/

Can Composite Fillings Be Used on Front Teeth?

Yes. Composite material can be particularly useful when restoring visible areas of the smile because it can be matched to the natural tooth color.

For example, a small chip or area of decay affecting a front tooth may sometimes be repaired with composite material.

However, the appropriate treatment depends on the extent of the damage and the overall condition of the tooth.

Composite fillings should not automatically be considered a replacement for cosmetic procedures such as veneers.

Composite Fillings vs. Dental Crowns

Composite fillings and dental crowns serve different purposes.

A filling generally restores a relatively limited area of tooth damage.

A crown covers and protects a larger portion of a tooth and may be recommended when the tooth has substantial structural damage.

For example:

Composite filling:
May be appropriate for a cavity or relatively small area of tooth damage.

Dental crown:
May be appropriate when a tooth is significantly weakened, cracked, broken, or extensively restored.

Learn more about:

Dental Crowns and Bridges in Fresno:
https://milburndental.com/dental-services/family-dentistry/crowns-and-bridges/

Your dentist can determine which type of restoration is appropriate after evaluating the tooth.

Composite Fillings vs. Root Canal Treatment

A composite filling is primarily used to restore damaged tooth structure.

Root canal treatment is different. It may be necessary when the pulp inside the tooth becomes inflamed or infected.

A toothache does not automatically mean that you need a root canal. The cause of the pain needs to be evaluated first.

If the decay is deep enough to affect the pulp, a root canal may be recommended rather than a simple filling.

Learn more about:

Root Canal Treatment in Fresno:
https://milburndental.com/dental-services/family-dentistry/root-canal/

What If a Cavity Is Too Large for a Filling?

Not every cavity can be restored with a simple composite filling.

If a tooth has lost a substantial amount of structure, a crown or another restorative treatment may provide better protection.

In some cases, if the decay has reached the pulp, root canal treatment may be necessary before the tooth can be restored.

The best treatment depends on the condition of the individual tooth.

Can an Old Silver Filling Be Replaced With a Composite Filling?

Sometimes an existing metal-colored filling can be replaced with a tooth-colored composite restoration.

However, replacement should be based on the condition of the existing filling and tooth rather than appearance alone.

An old filling may need to be replaced if it is cracked, leaking, worn, or otherwise compromised.

If you are considering replacing an existing filling for cosmetic reasons, discuss the benefits and limitations with your dentist before treatment.

Can Composite Fillings Be Whitened?

No. Teeth whitening changes the color of natural tooth structure but does not whiten existing composite material in the same way.

This is important if you have visible composite restorations and are considering professional teeth whitening.

If you already have composite fillings on visible teeth, your dentist can help you determine the best sequence for restorative and cosmetic treatment.

Learn more about:

Teeth Whitening in Fresno:
https://milburndental.com/dental-services/cosmetic-dentistry/teeth-whitening/

Can Composite Fillings Be Used Before Invisalign?

Patients considering Invisalign may also need restorative treatment.

If you have untreated cavities or damaged teeth, your dentist may recommend addressing those problems before or as part of your overall orthodontic treatment plan.

Learn more about:

Invisalign in Fresno:
https://milburndental.com/dental-services/cosmetic-dentistry/invisalign/

Your dentist and orthodontic treatment provider can determine the appropriate timing based on your oral health.

What Should I Do If My Filling Falls Out?

If a filling falls out, contact your dentist for an evaluation.

A lost filling can expose the underlying tooth and may result in sensitivity or further damage.

Until you can see your dentist:

• Keep the area clean.
• Avoid chewing on the affected tooth.
• Avoid very hot or cold foods if they cause sensitivity.
• Avoid hard or sticky foods.
• Do not attempt to permanently repair the filling yourself.

If the lost filling is accompanied by severe pain, swelling, or other urgent symptoms, contact an emergency dentist promptly.

Learn more about:

Emergency Dental Services in Fresno:
https://milburndental.com/dental-services/general-dentistry/emergency-dental-services/

What Should I Do If My Filling Hurts?

Some sensitivity can occur after a dental filling, particularly during the early period following treatment.

However, persistent, worsening, or severe pain should be evaluated by your dentist.

Contact your dental office if you experience:

• Increasing tooth pain
• Severe sensitivity
• Pain when biting
• Swelling
• A filling that feels too high
• A filling that appears cracked or damaged
• Symptoms that do not improve

Your dentist can determine whether the filling needs an adjustment or whether another dental problem may be responsible for the symptoms.

Composite Fillings for Families in Fresno

Cavities can affect patients of many different ages.

Children, teenagers, adults, and older patients may all require restorative dental care at some point.

Milburn Dental provides family-oriented dental care in Fresno, helping patients maintain their oral health while addressing cavities and other dental concerns.

Learn more about:

Family Dentistry in Fresno, CA:
https://milburndental.com/dental-services/family-dentistry/

Regular preventive appointments can also help identify cavities before they become larger problems.

Why Choose Milburn Dental for Composite Fillings in Fresno?

At Milburn Dental, we focus on restoring damaged teeth while considering your overall oral health and individual treatment needs.

Our dental team can evaluate cavities, damaged teeth, existing restorations, and other concerns to determine whether a composite filling is appropriate.

Our approach includes:

• Personalized dental evaluations
• Tooth-colored composite restorations
• Preventive dental care
• Diagnostic dental X-rays when appropriate
• Restorative treatment
• Family dental care
• Emergency dental evaluation when needed

We also provide a range of general, family, restorative, and cosmetic dental services.

Explore:

Dental Services in Fresno, CA:
https://milburndental.com/dental-services/

Schedule a Composite Filling Appointment in Fresno

If you have a cavity, chipped tooth, damaged filling, or tooth sensitivity, do not wait until the problem becomes more serious.

A dental examination can help determine the cause of your symptoms and whether a composite filling or another restorative treatment is appropriate.

Milburn Dental is located at:

6721 N Milburn Ave Ste 101
Fresno, CA 93722

Phone: (559) 825-0990

Request an appointment:

https://milburndental.com/contact/

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Composite Fillings

1. What are the advantages of composite fillings?

Most patients who choose composite fillings do so because of the cosmetic benefits. Our Cosmetic Dentist in Fresno can create a filling that is personalized to the shade of your teeth, so your fillings will blend seamlessly into your smile. Like all fillings, composites protect your teeth after decay is removed to prevent breakage of the remaining tooth structure. These fillings also help to prevent sensitivity that can occur after the decayed portion of the tooth is removed.

2. What are the disadvantages?

After receiving a composite, a patient may experience post-operative sensitivity. Also, the shade of the composite can change slightly if you drink tea, coffee or other staining foods. Our Fresno Dentist can put a clear plastic coating over the composite to prevent the color from changing if you are particularly concerned about tooth color.

3. Why should we choose composite fillings over metal fillings?

The most obvious answer is your appearance. All-white fillings will not compromise your gorgeous smile. Another benefit of composite fillings is that they require less removal of healthy, tooth structure, allowing for more conservative restorations.

4. How can I know if composite fillings are for me?

There are various factors to consider when choosing a material for your fillings. Patients with composites may also be more prone to post-treatment sensitivity. Composite fillings can be stained by coffee, tea, red wine, and other staining foods, and the fillings will not respond to teeth whitening treatments. However, our Dentists at Milburn Dental can put a protective coating on your fillings to reduce staining if this is a concern.

5. What is the cost of composite fillings?

Prices vary, but composite fillings average about one-and-a-half to two times the price of a silver filling. Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of the composite up to the price of a silver filling, with the patient paying the difference.

6. What is the process of composite fillings?

Following preparation, the composite is placed in layers, using a light specialized to harden each layer. When the process is finished, the composite is shaped to fit the tooth. It is then polished the composite to prevent staining and early wear.

7. How long does it take to get a composite filling?

There are many factors that can determine just how long it will take to get a composite filling, including the size of a cavity or fracture, its location, and how many fillings you need. Patients should be prepared to sit in the dentist’s chair for up to one hour or more for a filling.

8. Can my old fillings be replaced by composite fillings?

Many people opt to remove metal fillings and replace them with composites for purely aesthetic reasons. If your old repair starts to crack or leak, you should definitely have the filling updated.

9. Can you eat after a composite filling?

Unlike amalgam fillings, composite fillings allow patients to eat right after getting the procedure. However, our dentists do recommend that our dental patients only resume eating after the local anesthetic wears off. It can be quite difficult to eat when your lips and mouth are numb! Plus, you do not want to run the risk of accidentally biting your lip, cheek, or tongue. While composite fillings are very strong, you should probably opt out of chewing anything too crunchy, hard, or sticky right after getting the procedure.

10. How to make your composite fillings last longer?

Many patients see their composite fillings lasting for about ten years. But if you take really great care of your fillings, they may be able to last you longer than that — and even a lifetime! In order to help your composite fillings last longer, you should always see your dentist twice a year for regular dental cleanings and exams, brush your teeth twice a day, floss every day, and eat a variety of healthy food to boost your oral health.