Repair What's There
Fillings & Restorations
Modern tooth-colored fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural smile — and last for years when cared for well.
Reviewed by Dr. Mini Nair, DDS — Updated 2026
When do you need a filling?
Fillings are used to repair teeth damaged by decay (cavities), small fractures, or wear. They're typically recommended when a cavity is caught early — before it has progressed to needing a crown, root canal, or extraction.
Tooth-colored composite fillings
We exclusively use modern composite (tooth-colored) filling materials, shade-matched to your natural enamel so they blend in seamlessly. No metal. No silver. Just a repair that looks — and feels — like your original tooth.
Why composite over old-school amalgam?
- Virtually invisible in the finished tooth
- Bonds directly to the tooth structure, strengthening it
- Requires less tooth removal than metal fillings
- No mercury concerns for patients who prefer to avoid it
What a filling appointment looks like
- We'll numb the area so you don't feel a thing.
- The decayed tooth structure is gently removed and the area is cleaned.
- Composite material is placed in thin layers and cured with a special light to harden it.
- Your bite is carefully checked and adjusted so the filling feels natural.
- You're out the door — usually in under an hour for a single filling.
After your filling
Some sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is normal for a few days. If your bite feels off once the numbness wears off, let us know — we can adjust it in a few minutes. If sensitivity lasts more than a couple of weeks, call us.
When a filling isn't enough
Larger or deeper decay may need an inlay or onlay, or even a full crownto rebuild the tooth properly. We'll always explain why if we recommend one over the other.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tooth-colored fillings last as long as silver fillings?+
Modern composite fillings are durable and long-lasting. While amalgam has a slight edge in longevity for very large restorations, composite bonds directly to the tooth structure, often strengthening it. For most cavities, composite is the better choice.
Does getting a filling hurt?+
We numb the area completely before we start, so you shouldn't feel any pain during the procedure. Most patients are surprised at how comfortable it is. A single filling is typically done in under an hour.
How long does a filling last?+
With proper oral hygiene and regular checkups, a composite filling can last 7 to 15 years or more. We check your fillings at every routine visit at Shenandoah Dental Center and let you know if any need attention.
Is it normal for a new filling to be sensitive?+
Yes. Some sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is normal for a few days after a filling. If your bite feels off once the numbness wears off, or if sensitivity lasts more than a couple of weeks, call us and we'll adjust it.
Can you replace my old silver fillings with tooth-colored ones?+
Yes. If your existing amalgam fillings are worn, cracked, or you simply prefer a metal-free smile, we can replace them with modern composite restorations that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
When is a filling not enough for a damaged tooth?+
If the decay or damage is too large for a filling to hold, we may recommend an inlay, onlay, or crown instead. We'll always explain why and walk you through your options before starting any treatment.
Ready When You Are
Let's write the next chapter
of your smile's story.
Schedule an appointment online, or give us a call. We're accepting new patients of every age — and we'll walk you through every step.