10901 W. Toller Dr., Suite 100, Littleton, CO 80127 
303-933-2066 A cavity does not always require a highly visible restoration. Composite dental fillings repair decayed or damaged areas with a tooth-colored material that blends more naturally with the surrounding enamel while restoring the tooth’s function.
At Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics, our dentist, Dr. LeJon Carreon, provides composite dental fillings in Littleton, CO, for patients with cavities and other areas of minor tooth damage. Call 303-933-2066 to schedule an appointment and have a tooth that may need a filling evaluated.
What Are Composite Dental Fillings?
Composite fillings, also called tooth-colored fillings, are made from a resin-based dental material that can be matched to the shade of your natural teeth. They are commonly used to repair cavities and restore smaller areas of damaged tooth structure. The composite material bonds directly to the tooth and is shaped to restore the area that was affected by decay or damage.
Why Choose Tooth-Colored Fillings?
One of the main advantages of composite fillings is their appearance. Because the material can be selected to complement the surrounding enamel, the restoration is less noticeable than a traditional metal filling. Composite fillings may also allow Dr. Carreon to preserve more healthy tooth structure in certain situations because the material bonds directly to the prepared tooth.
Benefits of Composite Fillings
Depending on the condition and location of the tooth, composite fillings may offer benefits such as:
- A tooth-colored appearance
- Direct bonding to the tooth structure
- Repair of small to moderate areas of decay
- Preservation of healthy tooth structure when possible
- Use without mercury or metal filling material
- Restoration of the tooth’s shape and chewing surface
Dr. Carreon will evaluate the size and location of the damaged area before determining whether a composite filling provides enough support.
How Is a Composite Filling Placed?
Before placing the filling, Dr. Carreon removes the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth and cleans the area. The composite material is then placed in layers and shaped to restore the natural contour of the tooth.
A curing light is used to harden the material. Once the filling has been shaped and polished, Dr. Carreon will check your bite and make any adjustments needed for comfortable function.
Can a Composite Filling Be Completed in One Appointment?
Many composite fillings can be completed in a single appointment. The amount of time needed depends on the size and location of the cavity and how many teeth require treatment. After the filling is placed, our team will explain any instructions related to eating, sensitivity or caring for the restored tooth.
When a Filling May Not Be Enough
A filling works best when enough healthy tooth structure remains to support the restoration. If decay or damage affects a larger portion of the tooth, a different type of restoration may be needed. Dental inlays and onlays may be considered when a tooth needs more reinforcement than a filling can provide but does not require full coverage. More extensively weakened teeth may benefit from a dental crown.
Why Treat a Cavity Early?
Tooth decay can continue to spread when it is left untreated. A smaller cavity may initially be repairable with a filling, while deeper decay can eventually affect more tooth structure and require more extensive restorative treatment.
We encourage you to make and keep your regular dental appointments as routine dental cleanings and exams give our dentist and team an opportunity to identify signs of decay before a tooth becomes painful or more severely damaged.
What If a Tooth Cannot Be Restored?
Our goal is to preserve natural teeth whenever possible. However, a tooth with severe decay, fracture or infection may sometimes be too compromised for a filling or other restoration. When saving the tooth is no longer a realistic option, Dr. Carreon can discuss whether tooth extraction or another treatment needs to be considered.
Restorative Care Designed Around the Tooth
Dr. Carreon has been practicing dentistry since 2000 and provides restorative dentistry with an emphasis on preserving healthy tooth structure whenever possible. She evaluates the extent of damage before recommending a filling, inlay, onlay, crown or other restoration.
This approach allows treatment to be based on what the individual tooth needs rather than automatically choosing a larger restoration.
Schedule an Appointment for a Tooth-Colored Filling
If you have tooth sensitivity, discomfort or believe you may have a cavity, contact Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics. Call 303-933-2066 to schedule an appointment with our dentist and find out whether a composite dental filling can restore the affected tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Composite Dental Fillings
What is a composite dental filling?
A composite dental filling is a tooth-colored restoration made from resin-based material. It is used to replace tooth structure affected by decay or minor damage and can be matched to the surrounding enamel.
Are composite fillings the same as tooth-colored fillings?
Yes. Composite fillings are commonly called tooth-colored or white fillings because the material can be selected to blend with the natural shade of your teeth.
How do I know if I need a dental filling?
A cavity may cause sensitivity, discomfort or visible changes in a tooth, but some cavities cause few noticeable symptoms. A dental examination can determine whether decay is present and whether a filling is needed.
How long does it take to get a composite filling?
Many composite fillings can be completed during one appointment. The exact time depends on the size and location of the cavity and the number of teeth being treated.
Do composite fillings contain metal or mercury?
Composite filling material does not use the metal amalgam material traditionally associated with silver-colored fillings. It is made from a tooth-colored resin-based material.
What happens if a cavity is too large for a filling?
If too much tooth structure has been damaged, Dr. Carreon may recommend an inlay, onlay or crown instead. The goal is to provide enough support for the remaining natural tooth.
How should I care for a composite filling?
Brush and floss the restored tooth every day and maintain regular dental exams. Good oral hygiene helps protect the edges of the filling and the surrounding natural tooth from new decay.
Where can I get composite dental fillings in Littleton, CO?
Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics provides composite dental fillings in Littleton for patients who need tooth-colored treatment for cavities and minor tooth damage. Call 303-933-2066 to schedule an appointment with our dentist.