Dental Fillings in Westport, CT

Cavities happen, even to people who brush and floss consistently. When decay or minor damage shows up, a filling is usually the simplest way to fix the tooth and keep the problem from spreading.

At Esthetic Dental Group of Westport, we use tooth-colored composite fillings that match your natural teeth. The filling does its job, and nobody looking at your smile can tell it is there.

When do you need a filling?

A filling is usually recommended when:

A cavity has formed from tooth decay
A tooth has a small chip or crack
An older filling has worn down or started breaking apart
There is minor wear from grinding or acid erosion

Most cavities do not hurt until they have gotten fairly large. That is why so many are caught during routine exams rather than when a patient notices something wrong. By the time a cavity actually causes pain, it has often progressed to the point where a crown or root canal is needed instead. A filling done at the right stage prevents all of that.

Why we use tooth-colored composite fillings

The older amalgam (silver) fillings that many people grew up with are durable, but they have drawbacks. They are visible, they require removing more healthy tooth structure to place, and they contain mercury. The mercury levels are generally considered safe, but it is a sticking point for some patients.

Composite fillings work differently. The resin material is color matched to your tooth shade, so the result looks natural. This matters most on front teeth, though plenty of patients prefer it for molars too.

Composite also bonds directly to the tooth, which means we remove less healthy structure during placement. The bond itself adds support to what remains of the tooth. And the material contains no metals at all, just a mixture of resin and fine glass particles.

Beyond cavities, composite resin is useful for repairing small chips, closing narrow gaps between teeth, and reshaping worn edges.

What to expect during the filling process

A filling at our office is a routine visit, usually 30 to 60 minutes depending on the size and location.

We start by numbing the area with a local anesthetic. Most patients feel a brief pinch from the injection, and then nothing as the area goes numb.
Once you are comfortable, our dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth. We take out only what is necessary and keep as much healthy structure intact as possible.

The composite material goes in layer by layer. Each layer is hardened with a curing light before the next one is applied. Building it up gradually lets our dentist shape the filling to match the contours of your tooth precisely.

After placement, we check your bite and make adjustments until everything feels right when you chew. A final polish gives the filling a smooth surface that blends with the surrounding enamel.

You can eat and drink normally once the numbness wears off, usually within a couple of hours. Some people notice mild sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days afterward. That is normal and tends to resolve on its own.

How long do fillings last?

Composite fillings typically last between 7 and 15 years. How long yours lasts depends on where it is, how large it is, and how well you take care of your teeth. Good brushing and flossing habits plus regular checkups make a difference. When a filling does eventually wear out or chip, replacing it is usually straightforward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does getting a filling hurt?

With modern anesthetics, most patients feel little to nothing during the procedure. You will feel pressure as the dentist works, but actual pain is uncommon. If dental anxiety is a concern, let us know. We offer nitrous oxide sedation to help you relax during the appointment.

How do I know if I need a filling?

You may not. Many cavities produce no symptoms at all until they are fairly advanced. Some signs that could point to a cavity include sensitivity to sweet, hot, or cold foods, a visible dark spot on a tooth, or food that keeps catching in the same place. Routine dental exams are the most reliable way to catch cavities early.

Can old silver fillings be replaced with composite?

Yes. A lot of our patients replace older amalgam fillings with composite when the old filling wears out or when they would rather have a tooth-colored restoration. We look at each situation individually to figure out the best approach and timing.

Are composite fillings as strong as silver fillings?

For small to medium cavities, composites hold up very well. The materials have improved a lot over the past two decades. For very large restorations where a composite might not provide enough structural support, our dentist may recommend an inlay, onlay, or crown instead. We will explain your options before doing any work.

Get your filling taken care of

Waiting on a filling just gives the decay more room to spread. If you have a cavity or an old filling that needs attention, call us at (203) 227-3421 or request an appointment online. The sooner it is addressed, the simpler the fix.