Composite (tooth-colored) and amalgam fillings to restore cavities and preserve teeth. IV sedation available for anxious patients or longer multi-tooth work. CDCP covers most filling work.
Book a filling appointment
When a cavity is detected during a routine exam or x-ray, a filling restores the tooth by removing the decayed portion and replacing it with a durable material that protects the remaining tooth structure. Catching cavities early — when they're small — means a simple filling can resolve the issue before it progresses to needing more involved treatment like a crown or root canal.
We offer two main filling materials at Suncoast. Composite fillings are tooth-colored resin that's bonded directly to the tooth — they blend invisibly into the natural smile and are the standard choice for most patients today, especially for visible front teeth. Amalgam fillings (silver-colored) are a long-proven option that's still occasionally used for posterior teeth where durability under heavy bite forces is the priority and aesthetics are less of a concern.
Most fillings take 30 to 60 minutes per tooth and are completed under local anesthetic. For patients who'd prefer to be deeply relaxed — or who have multiple fillings to complete in a single visit — IV moderate sedation is available.
What we look for during a filling appointment goes beyond just the cavity in front of us. We check whether the cavity has reached the tooth's nerve (which would warrant a root canal rather than a filling), whether there are early signs of decay on adjacent teeth, and whether the bite contact at the restoration is correct. Bigger cavities — especially those that have undermined a significant portion of the tooth — sometimes need a crown instead of a filling for long-term durability. We discuss the trade-offs honestly so the recommendation matches the case, not a default protocol.
Modern composite fillings are durable and conservative — they preserve more healthy tooth structure than older techniques because they bond directly to the tooth rather than relying on mechanical retention. With proper care and routine checkups, well-placed composite fillings typically last 7 to 15 years before needing replacement, sometimes longer. Amalgam fillings can last longer still but trade aesthetics and conservative tooth preparation for that durability. Coverage for either material under CDCP and most private insurance plans is straightforward; we predetermine benefits when in doubt.
Both work. Here's how they compare.
| Feature | Composite (Tooth-Colored) | Amalgam (Silver) |
|---|---|---|
| Matches natural tooth color | ||
| Bonds directly to tooth | ||
| Lifespan | 5–10 years | 10–15 years |
| Good for back teeth (durability) | ||
| Good for visible front teeth | ||
| CDCP-covered |
Common questions about fillings.
Book an appointment for a filling — or come in for a checkup and we'll identify what needs attention. Direct billing and CDCP covered.