When a cavity needs treatment, you should not have to choose between your oral health and a natural-looking smile. At Hawkins Dentistry in Marysville, Ohio, Dr. Kent Hawkins uses tooth-colored composite resin fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth — no metal, no dark spots, no one noticing that you ever had a cavity. Composite fillings are durable, bond directly to tooth structure, and require less removal of healthy enamel than old amalgam options. We serve patients from Marysville, Dublin, and Plain City, Ohio.
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings — also called composite fillings or white fillings — are made from a mixture of plastic resin and glass particles. The material is matched to the precise shade of your natural tooth, then applied in layers, shaped, and hardened with a curing light. The result is a restoration that looks like the natural tooth it is repairing.
Composite resin bonds chemically to the tooth, which means Dr. Kent Hawkins can remove less healthy tooth structure when preparing a cavity than was required for old silver amalgam fillings. This conservative approach preserves more of your natural tooth.
When Are Fillings Needed?
Fillings are used to repair teeth damaged by tooth decay — the most common dental problem in both children and adults. If Dr. Kent Hawkins detects a cavity during your exam, a filling stops the decay from spreading and restores the tooth to its normal shape and function. Fillings may also be used to repair small chips or fractures and to replace old, failing metal fillings.
Catching cavities early, before they reach the inner pulp of the tooth, means a simple filling is all you need. Left untreated, decay progresses toward the root and may eventually require a root canal or extraction. Regular checkups at Hawkins Dentistry catch small problems before they become major ones.
The Filling Procedure
Getting a tooth-colored filling at Hawkins Dentistry is a routine, comfortable procedure. Dr. Kent Hawkins begins by numbing the area with local anesthesia. He removes the decayed portion of the tooth and cleans the area thoroughly. The composite resin is applied in small layers, each hardened with a curing light. After the final layer, Dr. Kent Hawkins shapes and polishes the filling so it fits your bite precisely and looks completely natural.
Most fillings are completed in a single appointment of about 30 to 60 minutes. You can return to most normal activities the same day, though some mild sensitivity is normal for a few days after placement.
Replacing Old Silver Fillings
Many patients choose to replace old amalgam fillings with tooth-colored composites — either for cosmetic reasons or because an aging metal filling has begun to crack, leak, or wear. Cracked or leaking fillings allow bacteria to re-enter the tooth and cause new decay beneath the filling, so replacement is often clinically justified as well as cosmetically beneficial. Dr. Kent Hawkins will evaluate your existing fillings and recommend replacement when it is appropriate.
How Long Do Composite Fillings Last?
With proper care, tooth-colored fillings typically last 7 to 10 years or longer. Their lifespan depends on the size and location of the filling, your bite, and your oral hygiene habits. Maintaining regular cleaning appointments at Hawkins Dentistry allows Dr. Kent Hawkins to monitor your fillings and catch any early signs of wear or failure.
