Tooth-colored fillings in Johnstown, NY.

Composite filling fees vary by the size of the cavity and which tooth needs restoration, small one-surface fillings on a front tooth cost considerably less than large multi-surface fillings on a back molar. Before any filling beyond a tiny watched spot, the front desk gives you a written estimate showing the practice fee and the portion your insurance is expected to reimburse if you have a plan. For the full billing posture, including financing through CareCredit and which plans we can and can't bill, see the insurance and payment page. Or call (518) 842-3220 with your specific tooth and any insurance details for a plain-English estimate.

Tooth-colored composite fillings typically last 7 to 10 years on average, though many last considerably longer when placed well and maintained with regular cleanings. The longevity depends on several factors: where the filling is in the mouth (back teeth wear faster than front), how large it is relative to the tooth, your bite forces and any grinding habits, and how clean the margin stays. Composite fillings on chewing surfaces of molars are the most worn over time; small composites on front teeth or at the gum line often last 15+ years. Your hygienist watches every filling at routine cleanings and flags any that need attention before they fail.

Both materials are FDA-approved and considered safe for dental use. The differences are mostly practical, not health-related. Composite fillings bond directly to tooth structure, which means we can remove less healthy tooth during preparation and the filling reinforces what remains. Amalgam fillings sit mechanically in a cavity that has to be cut to a specific shape, often requiring removal of more tooth than composite would. Composite matches the natural tooth color and is what we use at Dunning for all new restorations. We replace existing amalgam fillings when they show signs of failure or recurrent decay around the edges, not just because they're amalgam. If you're concerned about your existing fillings, we'll review them honestly at your next visit.

Local anesthetic at typical filling doses keeps the tooth numb for 1 to 3 hours after the appointment, depending on which tooth and how much was used. Lower molars often stay numb longer than upper teeth because the nerve block is more profound. The numbness fades gradually, most patients regain normal sensation within 2 hours. Don't chew on the numb side until feeling returns; it's easy to bite your cheek or tongue without realizing. Hot drinks should also wait until feeling is back. If numbness lasts more than 4 hours, call the office, that's unusual but worth checking. For very small fillings, numbing isn't always needed and we'll discuss that option before starting.

The most common cause is a filling that sits slightly high in your bite, even a fraction of a millimeter feels enormous when you chew. This is the easiest dental fix there is: call the office, come in for a 5–10 minute visit, and we'll mark the bite with carbon paper, adjust the filling down to the correct height, and check that it feels right. The discomfort usually resolves within hours of the adjustment. If your bite feels right but the tooth aches or is sensitive to temperature for more than a week, that can mean the cavity was deeper than it appeared and the tooth needs more time to settle, or occasionally root canal therapy. Don't suffer with a high-feeling filling; the fix is quick.

Once the numbness wears off, yes, composite fillings are fully cured before you leave the chair, so there's no waiting period. While numb, avoid chewing on the treated side to prevent biting your cheek or tongue. For the first day or two, some patients have mild temperature sensitivity in the filled tooth; this typically resolves on its own. There's no special diet, no soft-foods-only period, and no need to baby the tooth. Routine brushing and flossing resume that same evening. If the area is tender to floss for a few days, that's normal, it usually settles within a week as the gum tissue heals from any minor contact during the procedure.