By John E. Russo, DMD | August 27, 2025
If you’re seeing a dentist for cavity treatment, they will likely recommend a composite resin filling. Composite tooth-colored fillings protect your teeth from decay without compromising your smile’s appearance. At John E. Russo, D.M.D. Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we want you to have the best cavity protection possible to keep your teeth strong and healthy. That’s why we offer composite fillings to our patients in the Orlando, Florida, area. The answers to these frequently asked questions about composite teeth fillings provide greater insight into how they can benefit you.
What is a composite filling?
A composite filling is a cavity treatment made of composite resin material reinforced with powdered glass. The filling can be color-matched to the shade of your teeth so that it doesn’t stand out when you smile. This way, you can retain your smile’s natural appearance after having cavity treatment.
What are composite fillings used for?
The primary use of composite fillings is to treat cavities. However, Dr. Russo can use this same material for dental bonding, a cosmetic treatment that improves your smile’s appearance by repairing chips, dents, and cracks in your teeth, reshaping broken teeth, or closing small gaps in your smile.
How long does it take to get a composite filling?
The process of getting a composite filling starts with removing the decay and cleaning the area to be filled. Then, Dr. Russo will prep your tooth by applying a special solution to help the resin mixture stick. Once this solution is dry, we’ll apply the putty-like resin material to your tooth in layers, molding it carefully to preserve your bite. After each layer, we’ll dry the filling with a UV light to harden it in place. When the process is complete, we’ll polish your tooth to leave it smooth and shiny. A single cavity treatment may take between 30 and 60 minutes to complete.
What are the advantages of getting composite fillings?
One of the biggest advantages of composite fillings is their aesthetics. Their white color blends in with your teeth to preserve your smile’s appearance. Composite fillings are also strong and enduring, providing years of protection against future decay. Composite fillings add extra strength to your tooth’s structure by bonding directly with your tooth enamel.
Are composite fillings safer than amalgam fillings?
Silver amalgam fillings contain mercury, which can be hazardous to your health. Composite fillings are metal- and mercury-free. If you’re concerned about the health risks of exposure to mercury fillings, composite resin fillings may be a better choice for you.
How long do composite fillings last?
With adequate care, a composite filling can last 10 years or longer. You can protect your fillings by avoiding hard and/or sticky foods, eliminating habits like chewing on ice, and using your teeth like tools.
Where can I find a dentist who offers composite resin tooth fillings near me?
Dr. John Russo is your go-to dentist in Orlando, FL, for composite filling cavity treatment. To schedule an appointment, call (407) 470-1224.
