Cavities are one of the most common dental problems, affecting people of all ages. The good news is that when we catch decay early, a filling is a straightforward, conservative repair that preserves the vast majority of your natural tooth structure. At Newpoint Family Dental in Unionville, CT, we use tooth-colored composite resin — not silver amalgam — so your fillings look as natural as the teeth around them.
Why Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings?
Gone are the days when a filled tooth was obvious every time you laughed or opened your mouth. Composite resin is carefully shade-matched to your enamel and bonded directly to the tooth, which means we can be more conservative in how much tooth structure we remove during preparation. The result is a restoration that blends invisibly and helps maintain the tooth's natural strength.
Composite fillings also respond to temperature changes more similarly to natural teeth than metal fillings do, which reduces the risk of cracks developing over time. For patients in Farmington Valley who want restorations that look great and last, composite is the clear choice.
What to Expect During a Filling
After numbing the area with local anesthesia (you'll barely feel a thing), we remove the decayed portion of the tooth and clean the cavity thoroughly. We apply the composite material in layers, curing each one with a specialized light. Finally, we shape and polish the filling so it matches your bite and feels completely natural. Most fillings take 30 to 45 minutes, and you can eat normally once the numbness wears off.
When Is a Filling the Right Choice?
Fillings are ideal for small to moderate cavities, minor chips, and worn spots on teeth. If decay is more extensive, a crown or inlay may provide better long-term protection. We'll always explain what we're seeing, show you the X-rays or intraoral photos, and give you our honest recommendation — never pushing treatment you don't need.
We also replace old amalgam fillings for patients who prefer a metal-free approach or whose older fillings have started to wear, crack, or leak. If you're considering replacing old fillings, we can evaluate each one individually and prioritize based on clinical need.