Tooth-Colored Dental Fillings

If Dr. Jafari finds a cavity or minor tooth damage at your visit, a filling is usually the simplest fix — and at Inova Dental Clinic, that filling will match your tooth so well that no one will know it’s there. We use only tooth-colored composite resin, never silver amalgam.

Tooth-Colored Dental Fillings in Sterling, VA

Composite fillings bond directly to your tooth structure, which helps the tooth stay strong rather than just plugging a hole. That bond also seals out bacteria better than amalgam, reducing the chance of decay creeping back in around the edges.

Here’s what sets composite apart from traditional silver fillings:

• Matched to your natural tooth shade — virtually invisible once placed
• Bond to the tooth, adding structural support rather than weakening it
• Mercury-free and metal-free materials
• Better insulation against hot and cold sensitivity
• Can treat smaller cavities that amalgam can’t reach cleanly
• Existing fillings can often be repaired without full removal

Dr. Jafari selects the composite shade by comparing it against your surrounding teeth in natural light before she starts — the result looks and feels like your own tooth.

What the appointment looks like

Most fillings are done in a single visit. Dr. Jafari numbs the area, removes the decay, and shapes the composite to match your tooth’s natural contours. A curing light hardens the material in seconds, and you’re done. The whole process is usually comfortable and quick.

If it’s been a while since your last visit, or if you’ve been putting off a tooth that’s been bothering you, this is a straightforward, same-day fix. Inova also offers same-day emergency appointments if you’re dealing with sudden pain. Contact us or visit our about page to learn more about our practice.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is a tooth-colored filling?

It’s a restorative filling made from composite resin — a durable plastic material that’s color-matched to your natural teeth. Unlike silver amalgam, it blends in completely and bonds to the tooth rather than sitting in a drilled-out pocket.

How long do composite fillings last?

With good brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings, composite fillings typically last five to ten years or longer. Teeth that take a lot of chewing pressure may wear faster, which Dr. Jafari will factor in when planning your treatment.

Does getting a filling hurt?

The area is numbed with local anesthesia before any work begins, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. Some patients feel mild soreness for a day or two afterward, which usually resolves on its own.

Can composite fillings be used on back teeth?

Yes. Modern composite materials are strong enough for molars and premolars. Dr. Jafari uses them throughout the mouth — front and back — for both function and appearance.

Will my insurance cover tooth-colored fillings?

Most major insurance plans cover composite fillings, and Inova Dental Clinic accepts Medicaid as well. Coverage details vary by plan, so our team can help you check your benefits before your appointment. Call us at (703) 433-1400 with any questions.

What if I already have old silver fillings — can they be replaced?

In many cases, yes. Dr. Jafari can evaluate your existing fillings and, if replacement makes clinical sense, swap them for composite. She won’t recommend replacing a filling that’s still doing its job, though — only what’s actually needed.

Ready to take care of that tooth? Call us at (703) 433-1400 or schedule a visit — we see patients Monday through Friday 8am–5pm, and Saturday mornings by appointment.