Tooth Coloured Fillings

A tooth coloured filling—also called a composite or white filling—is a restoration made from a durable resin material that closely matches the natural shade of your tooth. Unlike traditional silver (amalgam) fillings, composite fillings blend seamlessly with your smile, making them virtually invisible when you talk or laugh. They’re used to repair cavities, replace old silver fillings, and restore small chips or fractures. At our Wagga dental practice, we use high-quality composite materials and take care to match the colour precisely, so the result looks completely natural.

Modern composite materials have come a long way, and tooth coloured fillings are strong, durable, and entirely appropriate for most cavities—including those in back teeth that take significant chewing forces. For very large restorations, we may discuss whether a crown or a different approach is more suitable, and we’ll always be honest about what will give you the best long-term result. In many cases, composite fillings actually allow us to preserve more of your natural tooth structure than amalgam, because they bond directly to the tooth rather than requiring extra drilling to achieve retention.

We use local anaesthetic before placing a filling, so the procedure itself should be comfortable. You may feel some pressure or vibration during treatment, but you shouldn’t feel pain. Once the anaesthetic wears off, it’s normal for the tooth to feel a little sensitive to temperature or pressure for a few days. This usually settles on its own. If sensitivity lingers or the filling feels high when you bite, give us a call—adjustments are simple and we’re always happy to check. If you’re anxious about the procedure, let us know when you book and we’ll take extra time to make you feel at ease. The Wand LA machine we use for all patients, means an almost near painless injection.

With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, tooth coloured fillings typically last between five and fifteen years. The lifespan depends on factors like the size and location of the filling, your diet, your bite, and how well you look after your teeth at home. Habits like grinding or clenching can shorten the life of any filling, and we can discuss a nightguard if that’s relevant for you. At your check-up appointments, we’ll keep an eye on your existing fillings and let you know if any are showing signs of wear or need attention—before they become a bigger problem.

Yes, and it’s one of the most common requests we get. Many patients with older amalgam fillings choose to have them replaced for aesthetic reasons, or because the filling has aged and needs replacing anyway. We’ll assess each filling individually—if it’s in good condition and the tooth is healthy, we’ll be honest with you about whether replacement is worthwhile right now or whether it’s better to leave it and monitor. If the filling is cracked, worn, or causing sensitivity, replacing it with a composite is a great opportunity to restore the tooth more naturally. We’ll never recommend replacement just for the sake of it.

Most fillings take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the cavity. We allow enough time so we’re not rushing—getting the shape and bite right is important, and we’d rather take a little longer to get it right than move too quickly. If you’re having several fillings in one visit, we’ll plan the appointment time accordingly. You’ll know exactly how long to allow when you book. Most people are comfortable going straight back to their day afterwards, though we recommend being a little careful with the numb side until sensation fully returns.