Composite fillings · Dublin, California

The right material, bonded the right way, color-matched to disappear.

We use modern composite resin that bonds directly to the tooth, color-matches your enamel, and asks for less natural tooth structure than older materials. We do not place silver/mercury amalgam.

Quick answer Tooth-colored fillings (composite restorations) are dental restorations made from a resin material that is bonded directly to the tooth and shaded to match the surrounding enamel. At Dublin Ranch Dental in Dublin, California, we use exclusively composite (not silver/mercury amalgam), and most fillings can be placed in a single comfortable appointment. Every case is planned and priced individually.
Close-up of a freshly placed composite filling, color-matched
Close-up of a freshly placed composite filling, color-matched

Why composite, not amalgam

Composite resin is the modern standard. It bonds directly to tooth structure (so we can remove only the decayed portion, not extra healthy enamel to create mechanical retention). It color-matches the tooth (so the restoration is invisible). It is mercury-free. And it can be repaired in place if it ever needs refresh, without requiring the entire restoration to be removed.

When to come in for a filling check

  • You felt a brief catch on a tooth while flossing
  • A specific tooth has become sensitive to sweets or temperature
  • An old filling has started to look dark around the edges
  • You haven’t had a check in over a year
  • Routine: most adults benefit from check-ups twice per year

The proactive case for early visits: A small cavity caught early is a 30-minute filling. The same cavity ignored for two years can become a deep filling, then a crown, then a root canal. The math — both biological and financial — favors coming in.

A before / after of a tooth-colored filling replacement
A before / after of a tooth-colored filling replacement

How a composite filling actually goes

  1. Numb (a single, gentle, modern local anesthetic in most cases).
  2. Remove only the decayed tissue, conservatively.
  3. Etch, prime, and bond the prepared surface.
  4. Layer composite in tooth-matched shades, curing each layer with light.
  5. Shape, polish, and adjust the bite.

Most single fillings take 20–40 minutes. Multiple-tooth visits are common when patients prefer to consolidate appointments.

Lifespan of composite fillings

A well-placed composite filling typically lasts 7–12 years before any refresh is warranted, sometimes much longer. Wear, biting habits, and oral hygiene all play a role.

About investment & financing

Fillings are planned and priced individually based on size, location, and number of surfaces. They are covered by most PPO dental plans; we’ll pre-verify your benefits. For uninsured patients, our pricing is transparent and our front office is genuinely helpful at finding a path that works.

Frequently asked

Do you remove silver/mercury fillings?

Yes — on request, when a filling is failing, or when a patient prefers to replace amalgam with composite for aesthetic reasons. We follow safe removal protocols.

Will my new filling match my tooth?

Yes. We shade-match composite to your enamel; the restoration should be invisible.

How long do composite fillings last?

Typically 7–12 years, sometimes much longer with good care.

What does a filling cost at Dublin Ranch Dental?

Pricing varies by size, location, and number of surfaces. Every case is planned and priced individually. Most fillings are covered by PPO insurance; our front office pre-verifies benefits before the appointment.