Composite fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing a more aesthetic option for cavity repair.
Decay does not reverse on its own, and a small cavity treated early needs far less done to it than one left alone. Which material we use depends on where the tooth sits, how much of it is affected, and how the tooth is loaded when you chew. We will explain the options before we start.
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- Tooth-coloured
- composite fillings are matched to your natural teeth
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- Durable
- amalgam fillings are long-lasting repairs for decayed teeth
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- Larger repairs
- inlays and onlays where a plain filling is not enough
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- Found early
- decay is often first spotted at a routine exam
Your options
Ways we repair a decayed tooth
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Composite fillings
Composite fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing a more aesthetic option for cavity repair.
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Amalgam fillings
Amalgam fillings are durable, long-lasting solutions for repairing cavities and restoring the function of decayed teeth.
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Inlay restorations
Inlay restorations are custom-made fillings that fit within the grooves of a tooth, offering a durable solution for cavities.
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Onlay restorations
Onlay restorations extend over the cusps of a tooth, providing strength and protection for larger areas of decay.
Related care
Where to go next
Common questions
Questions about fillings
Often you will not — early decay is usually painless, which is why it is normally found at a routine exam or on an X-ray. Sensitivity to hot or cold, or a tooth that catches when you bite, is worth having checked.
Composite fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, so a repair in a visible position can be made to disappear. Amalgam is a darker material, and is chosen where durability matters most.
A filling is placed directly into the tooth. An inlay is custom-made to fit within the grooves of the tooth, and an onlay extends over the cusps to protect a larger area of decay.
Decay spreads. What starts as a small filling can become a crown, and if it reaches the nerve it becomes root canal therapy or an extraction. Treating it early keeps more of your natural tooth.
New patients
New patients are welcome
Your first visit begins with a thorough examination to assess your dental health and discuss your concerns and goals.