Tooth-Coloured Fillings in North York
A cavity is a small hole caused by decay. A tooth-coloured filling removes the decay and rebuilds the tooth with a material that matches its shade.
Tooth-coloured fillings in North York at Emerald Forest Dental repair cavities and small chips using composite resin, a putty-like material shaded to match your tooth. Your dentist freezes the area, removes the decay, then bonds and hardens the filling in layers. Most fillings are done in one visit, and you can eat once the freezing wears off.
- Typical time
- About 30–60 minutes per filling
- Who it's for
- People with small to medium cavities, chips or worn old fillings
- Coverage
- Fillings are often partly covered by insurance; some plans pay at a different rate for white fillings on back teeth
- Recovery
- Freezing wears off in a few hours; mild sensitivity can last a few days
About tooth-coloured fillings
When bacteria in plaque feed on sugars, they make acid that slowly dissolves tooth enamel. At first, this shows up as a soft or chalky spot. Over time it becomes a hole, or cavity, that can grow toward the nerve. A filling stops this process by removing the soft, decayed part and sealing the tooth.
Tooth-coloured fillings are made of composite resin, a mix of plastic and fine glass particles. Your dentist chooses a shade that matches your tooth, places the material in thin layers and hardens each layer with a blue curing light. Because the resin bonds to the tooth, the dentist can often remove less healthy tooth structure than older silver fillings needed.
Composite works well for most small and medium cavities in both front and back teeth. For very large cavities, or a tooth that has lost a cusp, a filling may not be strong enough on its own, and your dentist may suggest an onlay or crown instead. Fillings wear over time, so your dentist will check them at each checkup and let you know if one needs replacing.
Signs you may need a filling
- A tooth twinges with sweets, cold or hot drinks
- You feel a rough spot or small hole with your tongue
- Food keeps catching between the same two teeth
- You see a brown, grey or dark spot on a tooth
- An old filling has chipped, cracked or fallen out
Benefits
- Blends with the natural shade of your teeth
- Bonds to the tooth and can save more healthy structure
- No mercury in the material
- Usually finished in a single visit
What to expect
- Diagnose the cavityYour dentist finds the cavity through an exam and often an X-ray, and explains its size and location.
- Freeze the areaLocal anaesthetic numbs the tooth and nearby gums so you stay comfortable.
- Remove the decayThe soft, decayed part is cleaned away, leaving healthy tooth to hold the filling.
- Bond and buildA bonding layer is applied, then composite is placed in layers and hardened with a curing light.
- Shape and polishYour dentist shapes the filling to fit your bite and polishes it smooth.
Aftercare
- Wait until the freezing wears off before eating so you do not bite your cheek or tongue.
- Mild sensitivity to cold or biting is common for a few days; call us if it gets worse or your bite feels high.
- Brush twice a day and floss daily to help prevent new decay around the edges of the filling.
Other options
Other materials are sometimes used, such as glass ionomer for certain spots near the gum line or a lab-made inlay or onlay for larger cavities. If a tooth is badly broken down, a crown may protect it better. Your dentist will explain which option fits your tooth.
Cost and coverage
Filling fees depend on how many surfaces of the tooth are involved, which tooth it is and the material used. The ODA suggested fee guide is a common reference for Ontario dentists. Many insurance plans cover part of the cost, though some pay a lower amount for white fillings on back teeth, so it helps to check your plan. Ask us about CDCP if you have it. For several fillings at once, LendCare payment plans are an option.
Our promise: we confirm your coverage and explain the cost before treatment.
Your dental team
Dr. Hamed Jannati, DDS
General Dentist
Dr. Ye Zhang, DDS
General Dentist
Dr. Kasra Badii, DDS
General Dentist
Treatment is provided by our dentists. Dr. Ardeshir Ranjbari is a registered specialist in periodontics; our other dentists are general dentists. Some complex cases may be referred to a specialist.
Tooth-Coloured Fillings FAQ
How long do tooth-coloured fillings last?
It varies with the size of the filling, your bite and your habits. Grinding, chewing ice and new decay at the edges can shorten their life. Your dentist checks them at each visit.
Should I replace my old silver fillings?
Not always. If an amalgam filling is intact and the tooth is healthy, there may be no need to replace it. Your dentist may suggest replacement if the filling is cracked, leaking or has decay around it.
Will I feel anything during the filling?
Your dentist freezes the area first, so most people feel pressure and vibration rather than sharp sensations. If you feel anything uncomfortable, raise your hand and we will stop to add more freezing.
Why does my tooth feel sensitive after a filling?
Some sensitivity to cold or biting is common for a few days as the tooth settles. If your bite feels high or the sensitivity lasts more than a couple of weeks, call us so we can check it.
Can a cavity heal on its own?
A very early spot in the enamel can sometimes harden again with fluoride and good habits. Once a true hole has formed, it will not heal, and a filling is usually needed to stop it growing.
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Tooth-Coloured Fillings near you
We see patients from across North York and nearby areas, including North York, Don Mills, Parkway Forest, Henry Farm, Willowdale, Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham.
This page is general information and is not a substitute for an exam. Your dentist will recommend what's right for you. Reviewed by: Dr. Hamed Jannati, DDS. Last updated 2026-10-26.
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