​Despite your efforts to maintain a healthy and clean mouth, plaque may cling to enamel, causing tooth decay. Cavities that develop can be painful as tooth decay deepens, and daily activities, such as eating, drinking, and speaking, can be hindered. As time passes without dental treatment, the cavity will worsen, decaying more of your tooth and requiring more invasive dental treatment. Cavities discovered in their beginning stages, however, can avoid treatments such as onlays and crowns and simply be treated with fillings. 

​Composite fillings are the healthiest, most natural-looking filling available. They involve the use of a tooth-colored resin material to restore chipped, crooked, decayed and damaged teeth. Composite resin, made of plastic and glass, can be used to improve your smile by reshaping the teeth and/or enhancing the color and filling in cavities. Patients can expect the treating dentist to clean the tooth, prepare the treatment area, and apply the composite filling in only one in-office appointment. Once the surface of the tooth is prepared, a shade of composite is chosen to perfectly match the shade of your natural tooth. The composite is then applied to the treatment area and hardened with a curing light. Once the composite is set, the dentist will trim and polish the filling, so it blends with the surrounding tooth. Your bite is checked to ensure the filling doesn’t interfere with the alignment of your teeth, and patients may drive themselves home following the appointment.