No one wants to hear from their dentist that they need a filling. However, the good news is that materials and the looks of materials have improved some over the years. Composite resins can be used as fillings for small to medium tooth cavities (also called caries). This type of material provides a more natural, tooth-colored appearance, preferred by many to amalgam or gold fillings. The ADA noted that, although composite filling may not be quite as durable as amalgam (metal) fillings, they are used more often because of their esthetic benefit.

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/c/composite-fillings

A composite filling procedure often takes more time than amalgam or gold fillings because they are placed in layers. The first thing Dr. Jamie Talley will do is prepare the area by numbing with an anesthetic injection. Then, she will prepare your tooth by cleaning out the decayed area using a dental drill. Since the area must be kept very dry, a suction tool will frequently be used to prevent saliva from entering the space.

Using an acidic gel, Dr. Talley will make the surfaces that will receive the filling rough, so that they will bond well with the filling. A layer of bonding material will be added next and then the first layer of composite will be applied.

FOR LARGER CAVITIES

If the hole requires multiple layers, each layer must be dried with a special light before the next is applied. This will take 1 to 2 minutes between layers.

After receiving a composite filling, your tooth should function normally. However, you should wait until all effects of any anesthesia are gone before eating or drinking, especially anything hot, so you do not spill anything out accidentally on your clothing or potentially burn yourself. Some people may need to eat soft foods temporarily as not to irritate any mild initial discomfort or sensitivity with eating. Brush and floss with care for the first day after the procedure. Any soreness from the numbing injection should be manageable with over-the-counter pain medication.