Tooth-Coloured Fillings in New Westminster, BC

Fillings repair teeth that have been damaged by decay or minor fractures, and they stop small problems from becoming bigger ones. At Sapperton Dental in New Westminster, we place tooth-coloured (composite) fillings that are shade-matched to your teeth so they blend in with your smile.

When Do You Need a Filling?

• A cavity has been found during your check-up or on X-rays
• A tooth is sensitive to sweets, hot or cold
• You can feel a rough edge, hole or chip with your tongue
• Food keeps getting caught in the same spot
• An old filling is worn, cracked or leaking

Small cavities often cause no symptoms. Finding them early at regular preventive visits means a smaller, simpler filling.

Benefits of Tooth-Coloured Fillings

• Natural look: the material is matched to the shade of your tooth.
• Bonded to the tooth: composite bonds to the enamel, which often lets the dentist remove less healthy tooth structure.
• Versatile: composite can repair cavities, small chips and gaps on front and back teeth.
• Mercury-free: composite contains no metal.

We can also discuss replacing older silver (amalgam) fillings that are worn or broken. Amalgam fillings in good condition do not need to be removed just because of their colour; we will tell you honestly whether replacement makes sense.

What to Expect

1. The area is numbed with local anaesthetic.
2. The decay is removed and the tooth is cleaned.
3. Composite is applied in thin layers and hardened with a curing light.
4. The filling is shaped and polished, and your bite is checked.

Most fillings are completed in a single visit. You can eat once the freezing wears off.

Caring for Your Fillings

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily.
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks between meals.
• Avoid chewing ice or hard objects.
• Ask about a night guard if you grind or clench your teeth.
• Coffee, tea and red wine can slowly stain composite, just like natural teeth.

When a Filling Is Not Enough

If a cavity is very large or a tooth is cracked, a filling may not be strong enough. In that case, a crown may protect the tooth better. If decay has reached the nerve, root canal therapy may be needed first.

Composite vs. Amalgam Fillings

• Appearance: composite is tooth-coloured; amalgam is silver and darkens over time.
• Tooth structure: composite bonds to the tooth, so less healthy tooth often needs to be removed. Amalgam relies on the shape of the cavity to stay in place.
• Durability: both can last for many years. Very large fillings on heavily loaded back teeth may be better protected with a crown.
• Placement: composite needs a dry area and is placed in layers, so the appointment can take a little longer.

We will explain which option suits each tooth before we start.

Cost and Insurance

The cost of a filling depends on its size, how many surfaces of the tooth are involved and the material used. A small filling on one surface is less involved than a large filling that wraps around the tooth.

Fillings are a basic service under many dental plans, though some plans pay a different amount for tooth-coloured fillings on back teeth. Ask us for an estimate so you can check your coverage first.

Your Dentists

Fillings are placed by our dentists, Dr. Sandeep Sachdeva and Dr. Sarika Sachdeva, who will show you the area on your X-rays and explain what needs to be done.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do composite fillings last?

Many last for years. How long yours lasts depends on its size and location, your bite, your oral hygiene and habits like grinding.

Will my tooth be sensitive afterwards?

Mild sensitivity to cold or biting for a few days is common and usually settles on its own. Call us if it lasts longer than a couple of weeks or your bite feels high.

Can children get tooth-coloured fillings?

Yes. See our children’s dentistry page to learn how we care for young patients.

Can a filling fix a chipped front tooth?

Often, yes. Composite bonding can rebuild small chips. For larger cosmetic changes, veneers may be an option.

How long does a filling appointment take?

Most single fillings take about 30 to 60 minutes, including freezing. Several fillings can often be done in one visit.

Should I replace my old silver fillings?

Only if they are cracked, leaking, worn or have decay around them. Healthy amalgam fillings do not need to be replaced just for appearance, unless you would like to for cosmetic reasons.

Can I eat after a composite filling?

Yes. Composite is hardened with a curing light before you leave, so the filling is set right away. Wait until the freezing wears off before eating so you do not bite your cheek or tongue.

Book an Appointment

If you have a sensitive tooth or think you may have a cavity, contact Sapperton Dental at 301 East Columbia Street #105, New Westminster. Call 604-544-0894 or request an appointment.