GOOD TO KNOW
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS A COMPOSITE FILLING
Tooth-Coloured, Bonded for Strength
A composite filling is a tooth-coloured material that bonds directly to your tooth to repair a cavity or small chip. Unlike older silver fillings, composite blends in with your natural enamel, so the repair stays discreet.
At Essential Dentistry, every composite filling is placed in a single visit. We numb the area, remove the decay, place and shape the composite, and polish it smooth — typically 30 to 45 minutes per tooth.
WHEN A FILLING MAKES SENSE
For the Cavity You Caught Early
Small to medium cavities, minor chips, and worn surfaces are usually a great fit for composite fillings. If we catch the issue early enough, a filling protects the tooth before more involved work is needed. A quick exam will tell you what your tooth needs.
HOW IT WORKS
One Visit, Start to Finish
1
Numbing & Cleaning
We numb the area gently and remove the decay or damaged tooth material. The tooth is cleaned and prepared for the new filling.
2
Composite Placement
Tooth-coloured composite is shaped to fit your tooth, then hardened with a curing light. The shade is matched to blend with your surrounding enamel.
3
Shaping & Polishing
Dr. Williams shapes the filling to match your bite and polishes it smooth, so it feels like a natural part of your tooth.
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU
When Composite Fillings Work Best
Composite fillings are a strong fit for most small to medium cavities and surface chips. You may be a good candidate if you have:
A small to medium cavity in any tooth
A chipped or worn edge that needs smoothing
Old silver fillings you'd like replaced with tooth-coloured ones
A front tooth that needs a discreet repair
Sensitivity in a specific area that's likely decay
For larger cavities or significant tooth damage, Dr. Williams may recommend a crown or another restoration instead.
OUR APPROACH
Fillings Done Right the First Time
Same-Day Treatment
Most fillings are completed in a single visit — we don't make you come back for what should be a one-stop fix.
Shade-Matched in Person
Every filling is shaded against your real teeth in natural light, so the result blends seamlessly with your enamel.
Gentle Numbing
We use The Wand® computer-controlled anesthesia for a gentler freezing experience — less pinch, less sting.