White Fillings

White fillings are made from composite resin, a strong, mercury-free material, unlike the traditional amalgam fillings most of us grew up with. Composite bonds directly to the tooth, which means we can often remove less healthy tooth structure when preparing it for a filling.

Composite fillings can also be colour-matched to the surrounding enamel, so they blend in to look completely natural. That combination of strength and appearance allows us to use them for anything from repairing chips on front teeth to repairing molars from decay.

Tooth decay can go unnoticed long before it starts to hurt. It might start with sensitivity when you eat something hot, cold or sweet, or food continually getting stuck in the same place. Sometimes, there’s a dark spot or visible hole in a tooth.

Regular dental check-ups give us a chance to catch problems as early as possible. If it's left too long, a filling may no longer be enough, so we may need to discuss root canal treatment or a same-day crown instead.

We’ll start by examining the tooth and may take a digital X-ray to see how far the decay extends. The recommended treatment and costs will then be discussed with you before we start.

Where needed, we’ll numb the area with local anaesthetic before removing the decay or damaged portion of the tooth. The composite resin is then applied in layers to rebuild the missing part of your tooth. Before you leave, we’ll check your bite and polish the filling so it feels comfortable.

You can brush and floss a composite filling just as you would your natural teeth.

How long do white fillings last?

Composite fillings typically should last for several years, although exactly how long depends on their size and how much pressure the tooth takes when you bite. Good oral hygiene and regular check-ups will help us spot signs of wear early.

Can composite fillings be used on back teeth?

Yes, modern composite materials are strong enough to be used for fillings in molars and other back teeth. If your tooth has lost too much structure for a filling to support it, we may recommend a crown instead.

Can old metal fillings be replaced with white fillings?

In many cases, yes. If an amalgam filling needs to be replaced, composite can often be used to create a more subtle repair. If your metal filling is still healthy and doing its job, we don’t recommend replacing it.

Where can I get white fillings on the North Shore?

Northcote Family Dentist provides white and composite fillings from our clinic on Lake Road, Northcote. We treat patients from Northcote and surrounding North Shore suburbs, including Birkenhead, Takapuna, Beach Haven and Birkdale.

If you’ve noticed tooth pain, sensitivity or something that doesn’t feel right, contact our team to book a consultation.

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