Natural-looking cavity repair
When decay is removed from a tooth, the space needs to be filled to restore strength and protect against further damage. Tooth-colored composite is matched to the shade of your tooth, so the repair is virtually invisible.
Beyond cavities, composite is also a great way to repair a small chip, smooth a worn edge, or close a tiny gap, all while keeping the tooth looking natural. Because the material is shaded to blend in, fillings on front teeth and visible surfaces look like part of your smile rather than dental work.
Composite bonds directly to the tooth, which often allows us to preserve more of your natural structure than older silver fillings required. It also contains no metal or mercury, which many patients appreciate.
A comfortable, single-visit treatment
Most fillings are completed in one easy appointment. We will gently numb the area, remove the decay, place and shape the filling, then polish it smooth.
The composite is placed in thin layers and hardened with a special light, then carefully shaped so it matches the natural contours of your tooth and meets your bite just right. The whole process is usually quick, and you can eat and drink soon afterward once any numbness wears off.
If dental anxiety is a concern, ask about our sedation options to make the visit even more relaxed.
Caring for your fillings
Tooth-colored fillings are durable and can last many years with good care. Brushing, flossing, and regular checkups help them last as long as possible.
It is normal for a tooth to feel a little sensitive to hot or cold for a short while after a new filling, and that usually settles on its own within a few days. Avoiding habits like chewing ice or hard candy helps your fillings last, and limiting coffee, tea, and tobacco keeps them from picking up stains over time.
We will keep an eye on your fillings at every visit and let you know if one ever needs attention, so a small touch-up never has the chance to become a bigger problem.
Quick, convenient repair for our area
A small cavity is easiest to handle when you do not have to travel far, and our spot in northwest Albuquerque puts tooth-colored fillings in Albuquerque within an easy reach of Corrales and Rio Rancho. Because most fillings wrap up in a single visit, you can often slip in, get the tooth fixed, and be back to your day without rearranging your whole week.
Dr. B (Boyd Newsome, DMD) has a gentle touch and a careful eye for shade matching, so your repair blends in even on a front tooth. He will check the bite before you leave and make sure nothing feels high, because a filling that fits comfortably is one you will forget is even there.