October 28, 2026
Composite (Tooth-Coloured) Fillings: A Simple Guide
A filling is probably the most common dental treatment there is. Yet many people are unsure what happens, what the materials are and whether the work will hurt. This short guide answers the usual questions.
What is a composite filling?
Composite is a tooth-coloured material made of resin and fine particles. It is placed in the tooth and hardened with a special light. Because it can be matched to the colour of your tooth, it is often chosen for visible teeth, and it can also be used on back teeth.
How do I know if I need a filling?
- A hole or dark spot you can see or feel with your tongue
- Sensitivity to sweets, hot or cold
- Food that keeps getting stuck in one place
- A chipped or broken tooth
Some cavities cause no pain at all, so only an examination and X-ray can tell. And not every spot needs drilling: early decay may be controlled with fluoride and better cleaning, and your dentist should say so.
What happens at the appointment
- The dentist examines the tooth and takes an X-ray if needed.
- Local anaesthetic numbs the area, so you should not feel pain.
- The decayed part is removed and the space is cleaned.
- The filling is placed in thin layers, each hardened with a light.
- The dentist shapes the filling, checks your bite and polishes it.
A single filling usually takes under an hour. The numbness lasts a few hours, so avoid chewing and be careful not to bite your cheek or tongue.
Afterwards
Mild sensitivity for a few days is common. If your bite feels high, or pain does not settle, go back so the filling can be adjusted. Good brushing and cleaning between teeth protects fillings, because decay can start again at the edge.
How long do fillings last?
This depends on the size of the filling, your bite, your diet and your cleaning. Fillings do not last forever, so check-ups are important to catch wear early.
Why not wait?
Decay does not heal by itself. A small cavity treated early needs a small filling. If it grows, it can reach the nerve and lead to a root canal or an extraction.
Book a visit
T-Dent Dental Clinic offers dental fillings in North Nazimabad. See the current offers for composite fillings.
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This article is general information and not a substitute for an examination.