General Dentistry · Last reviewed May 2026
Composite Fillings: White, Bonded
Single Visit.
Picasso Dental places tooth-coloured composite fillings for a small filling, moderate, and for a large filling. Every filling is shade-matched, bonded and light-cured in a single visit. We do not place new amalgam (silver) fillings at any Picasso branch.
What is a Composite Filling?
A composite filling is tooth-coloured resin layered into a prepared cavity and light-cured. Unlike amalgam, which is held in place mechanically, composite bonds to the tooth structurally. Placement takes one visit and replaces the decayed material, restoring chewing function and the natural appearance of the tooth.
Why Picasso for Fillings
Composite Only, No New Amalgam
We do not place new amalgam (silver) fillings at any Picasso branch. Every filling is tooth-coloured composite, shade-matched and bonded.
Shade-Matched Layering
Composite is selected against a shade guide and layered in different translucencies to mimic enamel and dentine. On front teeth the match is usually invisible at conversational distance.
Conservative Preparation
Because composite bonds to the tooth, we only need to remove the decay itself, not extra healthy tooth for retention. More of your natural tooth is preserved than under traditional amalgam preparation.
Digital Cavity Detection
We use intraoral cameras and digital aids to identify decay early, including under existing fillings, so cavities are caught while they are still small enough for a routine filling.
Hospital-Grade Sterilisation
Single-use burs and applicators where possible, autoclaved instruments otherwise. Every filling appointment uses a fully sterilised tray.
Safe Amalgam Removal Option
For patients who want their old silver fillings replaced, we offer an IAOMT-protocol safe removal add-on (rubber dam isolation, high-volume suction, supplementary air supply) at.
Composite vs Amalgam vs Glass Ionomer
Three filling materials, three different use cases. Here is the honest comparison, and what we actually use at Picasso.
| Material | Appearance | Bond | Lifespan | Picasso Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | Tooth-coloured | Bonded (chemical) | 5-10 years | 400,000 - | Aesthetic, conservative restorations on front and back teeth |
| Amalgam (silver) | Metal, dark grey | Mechanical retention | 10-15 years | Not placed at Picasso | Superseded by composite, we do not place new amalgam |
| GIC / FUJI | Tooth-coloured | Chemical bond, fluoride-releasing | 3-7 years | 200,000 - | Cervical cavities, deciduous teeth, temporary or root-surface fillings |
Filling Pricing
Per-tooth pricing. Final cost depends on cavity size, location and whether a temporary or definitive filling is being placed.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Temporary filling | |
| GIC / FUJI filling, permanent tooth | |
| GIC / FUJI filling, deciduous (baby) tooth | |
| Composite filling, small | |
| Composite filling, moderate | |
| Composite filling, large | |
| Cervical / Class V composite | |
| Cosmetic Class IV composite | |
| Tooth gap composite filling (per gap) | |
| Repair filling | |
| Safe amalgam removal (IAOMT protocol add-on) |
Cavity too large for a filling? See porcelain inlays, onlays and crowns.
Composite Filling Lifespan: The Honest Version
Long-term clinical studies, including Opdam et al. (2010) and subsequent systematic reviews, report 5-10 year survival for composite restorations in well-placed posterior teeth. The biggest variable is technique sensitivity, composite is more demanding to place correctly than amalgam, and the dentist matters. Other factors include cavity size (smaller fillings last longer), bite forces (heavy grinders wear composite faster), and oral hygiene at the margin. We replace fillings when margins fail, when secondary decay appears, or when wear changes the bite contact.
How a Composite Filling Is Placed
Five steps in a single visit. Most fillings are completed in 30-45 minutes from numbing to polish.
1. Examination + X-ray
Clinical examination, digital cavity detection, and X-ray where indicated to confirm the depth and extent of decay before any tooth is touched.
2. Local Anaesthetic if Needed
For deeper cavities, a small dose of local anaesthetic is given. Many shallow fillings can be placed without anaesthetic at all.
3. Decay Removal + Preparation
Decayed tooth structure is removed conservatively. The cavity is shaped, cleaned and prepared with a bonding agent so the composite adheres to the tooth.
4. Composite Layered + Light-Cured
Shade-matched composite resin is placed in thin layers, each cured with a blue light, until the cavity is restored to natural contour.
5. Polish + Occlusion Check
The filling is shaped, polished and checked against your bite. You leave able to eat and drink normally as soon as any anaesthetic wears off.
Aftercare
Brush and floss as normal. Some transient cold sensitivity for 24-48 hours is normal. Replace at 5-10 years if the margins start to fail or stain heavily.
Who Is, and Isn't, a Good Candidate?
Composite is the right tool for most cavities. There are situations where a different restoration serves you better, and we will say so.
You're a Strong Candidate If
You have a small to moderate cavity caught early.
The cusps of the tooth are intact and structurally sound.
You have healthy enamel for the composite to bond to.
You want a tooth-coloured restoration on a front or back tooth.
You want your old amalgam fillings replaced with composite.
Composite May Not Be the Right Tool If
The cavity is very large, more than 50% of the chewing surface, an Emax inlay or onlay will last longer.
The pulp is exposed or close to exposed, root canal treatment is needed first.
Decay is very deep and may have already entered the nerve, expect possible follow-up treatment.
The tooth has cracks running into the dentine, a crown is the safer restoration.
Aftercare
First 24 Hours
Transient cold sensitivity is normal. Avoid extreme cold drinks and very hot food the first 24 hours if the tooth is sensitive. The composite is fully cured at placement, you can eat normally as soon as anaesthetic wears off.
First Two Weeks
Mild sensitivity to cold or pressure can persist for 1-2 weeks. If you notice a high bite contact, sharp pain on biting, or pain that wakes you at night, come back for a quick adjustment.
Long Term
Brush twice daily, floss the contact points, and attend a hygiene visit every 6 months. Plan for replacement at 5-10 years if margins fail or staining becomes visible.
Risks & Honest Tradeoffs
Composite is a long-established restorative material, but no filling is perfect. Here is what to expect.
Marginal Staining
Composite picks up colour at the bond margin over years more readily than glazed porcelain. Hygiene visits and polishing extend the lifespan; eventually replacement is the right answer.
Wear Under Heavy Bite
Composite wears at a higher rate than amalgam in patients with heavy bite forces or grinding habits. For confirmed grinders we may recommend an inlay, onlay or nightguard alongside the filling.
Technique Sensitivity
Composite is more technique-sensitive than amalgam, the dentist placing it matters more. Our protocol is rubber dam isolation where appropriate, incremental layering, and full light-cure of every layer.
Post-Op Sensitivity
24-48 hour cold sensitivity after placement is normal. Persistent sensitivity beyond two weeks should be checked, causes include a high bite contact, microleakage, or decay closer to the pulp than appeared on examination.
Your Treating Team
Composite fillings are placed by our general dentistry team, with clinical standards set by our Founding Clinical Director.
Dr. Thao Tran
General Dentist. Restorative dentistry including composite fillings, inlays, onlays and prosthetic delivery across our six branches.
Dr. Nhung Duong
General Dentist. Conservative restorative work, decay management and replacement of failing fillings.
Dr. Emily Nguyen
Founding Clinical Director. Sets clinical standards for case selection, restorative protocols and material choice group-wide.
Common Questions
How long do composite fillings last?
Composite fillings typically last 5-10 years in well-placed posterior teeth, with technique sensitivity being the biggest variable. Studies including Opdam et al. (2010) report comparable longevity to amalgam in many cases when placement is meticulous and hygiene is maintained.
Will it match my tooth?
Yes. Composite is shade-matched against a guide before placement, and we layer different translucencies to mimic enamel and dentine. On front teeth the match is usually invisible at conversational distance.
Can you replace my silver fillings?
Yes. We do not place new amalgam at any Picasso branch. We can remove existing amalgam fillings and replace them with composite. For patients who want it, we offer the IAOMT-protocol safe amalgam removal add-on at.
Do you use BPA-free composite?
We use modern dental composites from established manufacturers. Modern composite resins use bis-GMA and similar monomers, not free BPA, and any trace release is well below regulatory exposure limits. If you have a specific material concern, raise it at consultation and we will confirm the exact composite system used.
Why doesn't my insurance cover white fillings?
Coverage varies by country and policy. Some insurers in the US, UK and Australia still classify composite as cosmetic on back teeth and reimburse only at the amalgam rate. Many international policies for travellers cover composite in full. Check your specific plan, we will provide an itemised receipt for any claim.
Will it hurt?
For shallow cavities, often no anaesthetic is needed and there is no pain. For deeper cavities, a local anaesthetic numbs the tooth completely during placement. Some patients feel transient sensitivity to cold for 24-48 hours afterwards, this is normal and settles.
Can I eat after a composite filling?
Yes, immediately. Composite is fully cured by the blue light during placement, unlike amalgam which sets slowly. You can eat and drink as soon as any anaesthetic wears off, usually within 1-2 hours.
Why is my filling sensitive a week later?
Mild cold sensitivity for a few days is normal. Sensitivity persisting beyond 2 weeks, sharp pain on biting, or pain that wakes you at night should be checked. Causes include a high bite contact (easily adjusted), microleakage at the margin, or decay closer to the pulp than expected. Come back, we will diagnose and resolve it.
Can a filling fall out?
Yes, occasionally. Causes include trauma, biting on something hard, or bond failure at the margin over years. If a composite filling debonds we replace or repair it, repair fillings are. Bring the piece if you have it, but it cannot be re-glued, a fresh placement is needed.
Do you do white fillings on back teeth?
Yes. Composite is our only filling material for both front and back teeth. For very large back-tooth cavities, more than half the chewing surface, we may recommend an Emax inlay or onlay instead, which lasts longer than a large composite under heavy bite forces.
Book a Filling
Composite Fillings.
Single Visit. No Amalgam.
Book an appointment, we will examine, X-ray where needed, and quote in writing before placing anything. Most fillings are done in a single 30-45 minute visit.