What Are Composite Fillings?
Dentist Grants Pass
Composite fillings are a modern solution for restoring teeth affected by decay, cracks, or minor fractures. Made from a tooth-colored resin, these fillings are carefully matched to the natural shade of your teeth, making them ideal for visible areas like front or side teeth. In addition to their aesthetic advantages, composite fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, providing excellent support and preventing further damage. They’re also mercury-free, offering a healthier alternative to traditional silver fillings.
The process begins with the precise removal of decayed material and careful cleaning of the affected area. A composite resin is then layered into the cavity and shaped for an ideal fit before being hardened with a special curing light. This creates a strong, durable seal that protects the tooth and restores its normal function. Composite fillings are both functional and beautiful, allowing patients to maintain a natural look while protecting their oral health. With proper care, these restorations offer long-lasting results and contribute to a stronger, more radiant smile.
Why Trust Dr. Niklaus Spendlove?
Dentist Grants Pass
Dr. Niklaus Spendlove delivers high-quality composite fillings with exceptional precision, tailoring each restoration to match the natural color and contour of your tooth. His careful approach ensures that every filling blends beautifully and provides lasting protection. Through comprehensive exams and digital imaging, he identifies decay early and recommends solutions that prioritize tooth preservation and comfort. Patients appreciate his thorough, informative approach and commitment to conservative treatment.
By using advanced materials and techniques, Dr. Spendlove restores teeth with fillings that are strong, natural-looking, and biocompatible. His artistic eye and steady hand make him especially skilled at cosmetic restorations in visible areas. Whether you need a small cavity filled or an old restoration replaced, he ensures the result is seamless and comfortable. Every step is designed with your long-term oral health in mind. Known for his gentle touch and attention to detail, Dr. Spendlove helps patients maintain strong, healthy smiles through personalized care and state-of-the-art restorative dentistry.
Benefits of Composite Fillings
Dentist Grants Pass
Benefits of Composite Fillings
Composite fillings closely match the color of your natural teeth, making them virtually invisible in your smile. They’re ideal for restoring front teeth or any areas where cosmetic appearance is important to you.
Durability
These resin-based fillings are designed to withstand daily chewing forces while maintaining their shape and strength. With good hygiene and regular checkups, they can last many years and protect your teeth from further decay.
Conservation of Tooth Structure
Composite fillings require less drilling than traditional silver fillings, allowing more of your healthy tooth to remain intact. This conservative approach supports long-term tooth strength and preserves your natural dental anatomy.
What Our Patients Have to Say
What Clinical Research Shows About Composite Filling Longevity and Repair
Composite restoration survival in a long-term clinical trial
85.5
Seven-year survival after composite restoration repair
100
Seven-year survival after sealing defective composite margins
100
Seven-year survival after refinishing a composite restoration
82
Seven-year survival after replacing a composite restoration
79
Seven-year survival without treating a defective composite restoration
77
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
0%
10%
20%
| Composite Filling Evidence | Percentage | What the Data Shows |
|---|---|---|
| Composite restoration survival | 85.5% | A JADA clinical trial reported an 85.5% survival rate for the evaluated posterior composite restorations. [1] |
| Survival after composite repair | 100% | A seven-year JADA study reported no failures among defective composite restorations treated with repair. [2] |
| Survival after sealing defective margins | 100% | The same study reported no failures among composite restorations treated by sealing defective margins. [2] |
| Survival after refinishing | 82% | After seven years, 18% of refinished composite restorations had failed, meaning 82% remained successful. [2] |
| Survival after replacement | 79% | The study reported a 21% failure rate after total replacement, meaning 79% of the replacement restorations remained successful. [2] |
| Survival without treatment | 77% | Among defective restorations that received no treatment, 23% failed, meaning 77% remained successful during the study period. [2] |
Sources: Bernardo M, Luis H, Martin MD, et al. “Survival and Reasons for Failure of Amalgam Versus Composite Posterior Restorations Placed in a Randomized Clinical Trial.” Journal of the American Dental Association. 2007;138(6):775-783. View the JADA study | Gordan VV, Garvan CW, Blaser PK, Mondragon E, Mjör IA. “A Long-Term Evaluation of Alternative Treatments to Replacement of Resin-Based Composite Restorations: Results of a Seven-Year Study.” Journal of the American Dental Association. 2009;140(12):1476-1484. View the JADA study
What Grants Pass Patients Should Know About Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are matched to natural tooth color.
Dr. Spendlove selects a shade that coordinates with the surrounding enamel, making the material useful for both visible and posterior teeth.
The material bonds directly to the prepared tooth.
An adhesive system connects the composite resin to the remaining tooth structure before the material is shaped and hardened.
Not every damaged filling requires complete replacement.
Depending on the defect, Dr. Spendlove may consider repair, sealing, refinishing, monitoring, or total replacement.
Filling size and location affect longevity.
Larger restorations and fillings exposed to heavier biting forces may have a greater risk of wear, fracture, or marginal deterioration.
A filling does not prevent future decay.
Plaque can collect around restoration margins, so brushing, flossing, fluoride exposure, and professional examinations remain important.
Changes should be evaluated promptly.
Pain, sensitivity, roughness, food trapping, a broken edge, or a change in the bite may indicate that a filling or the surrounding tooth needs examination.
Read Our 5-Star Reviews
Dentist Grants Pass
“When I place a composite filling, my goal is to remove the damaged portion of the tooth, preserve healthy structure, and rebuild the area with careful attention to shape, contact, and bite. I also evaluate existing fillings to determine whether they require replacement or whether a more conservative repair may be appropriate.”
Dr. Niklaus Spendlove
Questions Grants Pass Dental Patients Ask
What is a composite filling?
A composite filling is a tooth-colored restoration made from resin and reinforcing particles. Dr. Spendlove places the material in layers, shapes it to restore the tooth, hardens it with a curing light, and adjusts the bite.
When is a composite filling recommended?
Composite resin may be used to restore teeth affected by decay, minor fractures, worn areas, or defective existing restorations. The appropriate treatment depends on the amount of remaining tooth structure and the forces placed on the tooth.
How long do composite fillings last?
Longevity varies according to filling size, tooth location, biting forces, oral hygiene, diet, decay risk, and grinding habits. Composite fillings may eventually require polishing, repair, or replacement because of wear, staining, fracture, or recurrent decay.
Does an old composite filling always need to be replaced?
No. Some fillings can be monitored, refinished, sealed, or repaired if the defect is limited and the remaining restoration is clinically acceptable. Dr. Spendlove examines the filling and surrounding tooth before recommending treatment.
Can a composite filling become stained?
Yes. Composite resin may develop surface staining or color changes over time, particularly with frequent exposure to coffee, tea, tobacco, or other staining substances. Polishing may improve some surface discoloration, but deeper color changes may require repair or replacement.
What happens after a composite filling is placed?
The tooth may feel temporarily sensitive to temperature or pressure. Patients should contact Spendlove Dental if sensitivity becomes severe, persists, or if the filling feels too high when biting, because an examination or adjustment may be needed.