Composite filling

A composite filling (a “white filling”) rebuilds a tooth once the decay has been cleaned out. Composite is a resin with fine ceramic particles, matched to the shade of the tooth, that bonds to the enamel and dentine.

For most small and medium cavities, chipped teeth and replacing old, cracked fillings. When too little of the tooth is left, a lab-made piece or a crown lasts better.

Under local anaesthetic, we clean out the decay, isolate the tooth to keep it dry and apply the composite in thin layers, each hardened with a light. Finally we shape it, check the bite and polish. More at Fillings and tooth decay.