Cavities are among the most common dental concerns, but treating them doesn't have to mean visible dark metal in your smile. At BB Dental Care, Dr. Bryanna Hubbard provides tooth-colored composite resin fillings that repair decay while blending invisibly with your natural tooth structure.
Composite fillings are made from a durable mixture of microscopic glass particles and biocompatible resin. Unlike traditional silver amalgam fillings, modern composite restorations bond directly to the tooth, allowing us to preserve more of your healthy natural enamel while sealing the area against future bacterial invasion.
Why Choose Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings?
- Natural Appearance: Custom-shaded to match the precise color and translucency of your tooth enamel.
- Conservative Preparation: Direct bonding requires less removal of healthy natural tooth structure compared to metal fillings.
- Metal-Free & Biocompatible: Completely free of mercury, silver, and metal sensitivity concerns.
- Thermal Stability: Composite material does not expand and contract with temperature changes, reducing the risk of micro-fractures over time.
- Immediate Function: Cured instantly with a specialized light, allowing you to eat comfortably shortly after treatment.
The Treatment Experience
Getting a composite filling at our Burbank office is gentle and efficient:
- Local Numbing & Comfort: We ensure the tooth and surrounding area are completely numb. Relax with our noise-canceling headphones and cozy neck pillows.
- Decay Removal: Dr. Hubbard gently removes decayed enamel and thoroughly cleans the site.
- Bonding & Layering: The composite resin is applied in precise layers, sculpted to follow the natural contours and grooves of your tooth.
- Curing & Polishing: A blue LED curing light hardens the material in seconds. Dr. Hubbard refines your bite and polishes the restoration to a smooth, natural shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
With good oral hygiene, regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings, composite fillings typically last 7 to 10 years or longer.
Yes. Many patients choose to replace old amalgam fillings for aesthetic reasons or if old silver fillings develop leaks, cracks, or secondary decay around the edges.
Mild sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures for a few days following a filling is normal as the nerve calms down. This typically resolves quickly on its own.
Early cavities often have no symptoms, which is why regular digital checkups are essential. Signs of advanced decay include tooth sensitivity to sweets or temperature, visible dark spots, and pain when biting down.