Tooth-Coloured Composite Fillings in Langley, BC
Cavities are one of the most common dental problems we treat — and modern composite fillings make treating them faster, more comfortable, and more natural-looking than ever. At North Langley Family Dental, we use tooth-coloured composite resin fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, so your smile looks healthy and intact. We serve patients in Langley, Walnut Grove, Willowbrook, Fort Langley, and the surrounding Fraser Valley.
What Are Composite Fillings?
Composite fillings are made from a durable, tooth-coloured resin material that is bonded directly to the tooth. Unlike older metal (amalgam) fillings, composite resin:
- Matches the natural colour of your tooth — virtually invisible in the mouth
- Bonds directly to the tooth structure, requiring less removal of healthy tooth than amalgam
- Contains no mercury
- Restores the tooth’s strength and function
- Can be used to repair small chips and cosmetic irregularities, not just cavities
The Filling Process
Getting a composite filling at our Langley clinic is straightforward and usually completed in a single appointment. The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, the decayed material is removed, and the composite resin is placed in layers, shaped to match the natural tooth contours, and hardened with a special light. The filling is then polished and your bite is checked. Most patients are in and out in under an hour.
Replacing Old Metal Amalgam Fillings
Many patients ask about replacing their older silver (amalgam) fillings with tooth-coloured composite ones. Replacement is clinically appropriate when an old filling is cracked, leaking, or failing, or when there is decay developing around it. We also offer composite replacement for patients who prefer a mercury-free, aesthetically pleasing result.
Preventing Cavities
The best way to avoid fillings is through consistent prevention. We recommend brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once daily, reducing sugar and acidic food and beverage consumption, and attending regular checkups and professional cleanings every six months.
We accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and most major dental insurance plans, making cavity treatment accessible for patients and families across Langley, Walnut Grove, Willowbrook, Fort Langley, and the surrounding communities.
How long do composite fillings last?
With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, composite fillings typically last 7–10 years. Fillings in high-stress areas (back molars) may wear faster. Regular exams allow us to catch fillings that are beginning to fail before they cause further damage.
Do fillings hurt to get?
The procedure is done under local anaesthetic, so you will not feel pain while the cavity is being treated. It is normal to have some sensitivity in the tooth for a few days after the filling, especially to temperature. This typically resolves on its own within a week.
Are composite fillings better than amalgam (silver) fillings?
Composite fillings are tooth-coloured, bond directly to the tooth, and are mercury-free. Amalgam fillings are extremely durable, particularly in high-load back teeth. For most patients and most teeth, composite is the preferred choice today. We will advise on the best material for your specific situation.
Can children get composite fillings?
Yes — composite fillings are safe and appropriate for children's teeth. We use them for cavities in baby teeth (primary teeth) as well as permanent teeth.
How do I know if I have a cavity?
Small cavities often have no symptoms — which is why routine X-rays at checkup appointments are important. Larger cavities may cause tooth sensitivity to sweets, hot, or cold; visible dark spots or holes; or a toothache. The only reliable way to detect cavities is a dental examination with X-rays.
Does insurance cover composite fillings?
Most dental insurance plans cover composite fillings, though coverage for composite in back teeth versus amalgam varies by plan. We will check your benefits before treatment so you know exactly what to expect.
Due for a Checkup?
Think you may have a cavity or due for a checkup? Contact North Langley Family Dental at 604-888-6885 or book online. Serving patients in Langley, Walnut Grove, Willowbrook, Fort Langley, and across the Fraser Valley.
