Tooth-colored dental fillings

Quick overview

• A common cavity treatment. Used for small to moderate decay while keeping healthy tooth structure.
• Natural look. The shade is matched to the tooth.
• Materials. Made without metal or mercury. The practice describes them as a safe, biocompatible choice for most patients, including pregnant women, and as BPA-free.
• Ready the same day. The filling is hardened during the visit so you can eat, speak, and smile afterward.

What they are

Composite is a mix of fine glass particles and plastic resin. It starts soft so it can be shaped, then hardens. The live practice description says the hardened material becomes stronger than natural tooth structure. Color and translucency can be matched closely enough that, at a cleaning, the edge can be hard to find.

How the visit goes

A composite filling is usually about 30 to 60 minutes:

1. Numbing so the area is comfortable.
2. Cleaning out decay while keeping healthy tooth.
3. Preparation so the material can bond.
4. Color matching to the teeth next door.
5. Placement in thin layers, each hardened with a light.
6. Finishing so the bite feels natural.

You can eat and drink normally right after. There is no waiting period written into the visit.

Why composite

• It blends with tooth color, front or back.
• More healthy tooth can be kept than with older styles of preparation.
• Mercury-free, including for patients who are pregnant.
• The material bonds to the tooth and seals it.
• You can use the tooth right away.

How long they last

Quality composite fillings typically last 7 to 10 years with good care. Size, location, hygiene, grinding, and the material all matter. Capstone uses high-quality composite and careful placement. Dr. Snipes’s work with advanced dental technology is part of how those restorations are finished.

Who they suit

Most people with a small or moderate cavity are candidates, especially if you want a natural look, prefer mercury-free material, need a visible tooth repaired, have a metal sensitivity, or are pregnant. The consult is where your specific tooth gets the recommendation.

Before and after

• Eat a normal meal beforehand. You may be numb for a few hours.
• Arrive a few minutes early, and say so if you are anxious.
• Don’t chew on the numb side until feeling returns.
• Mild temperature sensitivity for a few days can be normal.
• Brush and floss as usual. Call if pain persists or the bite feels off.

Cost and payment

• Dental insurance. Most plans cover composite when it treats decay. The team will review benefits.
• Payment plans. Financing can spread the cost.
• Membership. If you don’t have insurance, the membership includes preventive care and 20% off necessary treatment such as fillings.
• Families. The practice also offers special pricing options for families scheduling care together. Ask the office for the current arrangement. A dollar amount is not published on the service page.

Before treatment starts, you get a written, personalized estimate.

Questions people ask

Will it show?

When the shade is matched and the filling is polished, it should be very hard to see.

Does it hurt?

The area is numbed. Mild sensitivity for a day or two is common as the tooth settles.

How do I care for it?

Brush twice a day, floss, and keep cleanings. Don’t use teeth as tools. A night guard is worth discussing if you grind.

Foods to avoid?

Composite is durable, but ice and hard candy can chip it. Coffee and red wine can stain slowly over years. Polishing at a cleaning often helps.

If you suspect a cavity, earlier treatment is usually simpler. Dr. Snipes and the team will look, answer questions, and map a plan. Offices are in Columbus, Blacklick, and Hilliard.