Composite (white) fillings typically last 5–10 years or longer with good care, depending on the size and location of the filling and your oral hygiene habits. Regular check-ups allow us to monitor your fillings and catch any wear or deterioration early before it becomes a bigger problem.

Composite (white) fillings are fully set when you leave the chair, so you can eat as soon as the numbness wears off. Avoid very hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours to let the bond fully mature. Wait until the numbness has completely gone before eating to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.

A new filling can sometimes feel slightly rough or different to your tongue, even when it is perfectly smooth. Your tongue is extremely sensitive and will notice even tiny changes. This feeling usually goes away within a few days as you get used to it. If it still feels rough after a week, come in and we can polish it for you.

Yes, some sensitivity to hot, cold, and pressure is completely normal for a few days to a couple of weeks after a filling. The tooth needs time to settle after the procedure. Using a sensitive toothpaste like Sensodyne can help. If sensitivity gets worse rather than better after 2 weeks, contact us.

While uncommon, fillings can occasionally come loose or fall out, especially older fillings or very large ones. If this happens, keep the area clean with gentle saltwater rinses and contact us to have it replaced promptly. Leaving a tooth without its filling exposes it to bacteria and can lead to further decay.

Pain when biting usually means the filling is slightly high — this is very common and an easy fix. Give it a day or two to see if it settles, as the numbness during the appointment can make it hard to assess your bite accurately. If it still hurts to bite after 2–3 days, come in for a quick adjustment that takes less than 5 minutes.

Composite fillings can gradually pick up some staining over the years, especially if you regularly consume coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco. Good oral hygiene and regular professional cleans help keep your filling looking its best. If discolouration becomes noticeable, we can polish or replace the filling.

Absolutely — brush and floss around your filling just as you would your natural teeth. There is no need to avoid the area or use a special technique. Keeping the filling and the surrounding tooth clean is the best way to make it last and prevent new decay from forming around its edges.

It is common for a new filling to feel slightly different when you close your teeth together, especially right after the numbness wears off. Your bite may feel “high” or uneven because the filling material sits slightly above your natural tooth surface. Give it a day or two — if it still feels off, we can adjust it quickly at no extra charge.