Composite Fillings
In Richardson, TX
Fix cavities with natural-looking tooth-colored fillings. Dr. Morgan uses advanced composite materials that blend seamlessly with your smile and restore your tooth's strength in Richardson.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are made from tooth-colored resin material that repairs cavities and small fractures. Unlike old silver fillings, composites blend in with your natural teeth so no one can tell you've had dental work done.
The composite material is made from a mixture of plastic resin and fine glass particles. It's applied in layers to the prepared tooth, then hardened with a special blue light. Once shaped and polished, the filling looks and feels just like your natural tooth.
Composites work well for small to medium cavities in both front and back teeth. They bond directly to your tooth structure, which means Dr. Morgan can preserve more of your natural tooth compared to silver fillings that require more drilling.
WHO NEEDS COMPOSITE FILLINGS?
If you have a cavity, a composite filling is usually the best way to repair it. Cavities don't heal on their own, so they need to be cleaned out and filled to prevent further damage and pain.
Composite fillings are also used to repair chipped or worn teeth, close small gaps, and replace old metal fillings that are failing or causing discoloration. Many Richardson patients choose to replace their silver fillings with tooth-colored ones for a more natural appearance.
You're a good candidate for composite fillings if you want repairs that look natural and you practice good oral hygiene. Very large cavities or heavily damaged teeth might need crowns instead, but Dr. Morgan will let you know what's best for your situation.
THE benefits OF COMPOSITE FILLINGS
Composite fillings offer advantages that make them the preferred choice for most patients at Ellem Dental.
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Natural Appearance
The composite material is matched to the exact shade of your tooth. Once the filling is placed and polished, it blends in completely. No one will know you had a filling done.
Preserves Tooth Structure
Composites bond directly to your tooth, so Dr. Morgan only needs to remove the decayed portion. Silver fillings require removing healthy tooth structure to create retention, which weakens the tooth over time.
No Metal Sensitivity
Composite fillings are metal-free, which makes them a good choice if you have metal allergies or sensitivities. They also don't expand and contract with temperature changes like metal fillings can.
THE FILLING PROCEDURE
Most fillings are completed in a single visit to our Richardson office. Here's what happens.
Request an appointmentStep 1: Numbing
Dr. Morgan will numb the area around the tooth so you don't feel pain during the procedure. Once you're comfortable, she'll begin working on the tooth.
Step 2: Removing Decay
The decayed portion of the tooth is carefully removed using specialized instruments. Dr. Morgan will clean out all the damaged tissue while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
Step 3: Preparing the Tooth
The tooth is cleaned and prepared for the composite material. A mild acid solution is applied briefly to create tiny pores in the tooth surface that help the filling bond securely.
Step 4: Placing the Composite
Dr. Morgan will select a composite shade that matches your tooth perfectly. The material is applied in layers, with each layer hardened using a special curing light. This takes just a few seconds per layer.
Step 5: Shaping and Polishing
Once all the layers are in place, Dr. Morgan will shape the filling to match your natural tooth contours and check your bite. The filling is then polished to a smooth, natural-looking finish. You're done and can use the tooth right away.
How to Make Your Fillings Last
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. This prevents new cavities from forming around the filling or on other teeth. Come in for regular cleanings and checkups every six months so Dr. Morgan can check your fillings and catch any problems early.
Avoid chewing on very hard objects like ice, hard candy, or pen caps. While composite fillings are strong, excessive force can cause them to crack or chip. If you grind your teeth at night, ask Dr. Morgan about a night guard to protect both your fillings and your natural teeth.
The composite material doesn't decay, but the tooth around it can. Keep up with good oral hygiene to prevent cavities from forming at the edges of your fillings. Most fillings last many years, but they don't last forever and may eventually need to be replaced.
DENTISTRY THAT feels different
At Ellem Dental, exceptional care is our standard. Discover how Dr. Morgan's advanced expertise, personalized service, and commitment to your comfort can transform not just your smile, but your entire dental experience.
We use advanced digital X rays and intraoral cameras with comprehensive screening protocols to detect problems early. This preventive approach helps identify issues before they become painful, complex, or costly.
We're one of the few practices in Richardson with Kois Center-trained doctors, a distinction that represents hundreds of hours studying functional occlusion, esthetics, and evidence-based dentistry. This isn't just continuing education; it's mastery.
Experience truly personalized care with one-on-one consultations with Dr. Morgan and treatment from our team of experts. We don’t rush, and we don’t double-book. When you’re at ELLEM Dental, you’re always our number one priority.
Dental fear keeps too many people from care. We offer multiple sedation levels and comfort amenities so your treatment happens on your terms, relaxed, informed, and in control.
Our doctor and master ceramist will create a 3D model of your proposed new smile, so you can try in and visualize your new smile before committing to treatment.
From the moment you walk through our doors you’ll be met with the serene and spa-like atmosphere of ELLEM Dental. With individual treatment rooms you can sit back and relax in privacy and comfort during your visit.
Diagnostic Precision
We use digital imaging and comprehensive screening protocols that catch problems early. Think of it as preventive intelligence, identifying issues before they become painful or expensive.
We're one of the few practices in Richardson with Kois Center-trained doctors, a distinction that represents hundreds of hours studying functional occlusion, esthetics, and evidence-based dentistry. This isn't just continuing education; it's mastery.
Experience truly personalized care with one-on-one consultations with Dr. Morgan and treatment from our team of experts. We don’t rush, and we don’t double-book. When you’re at ELLEM Dental, you’re always our number one priority.
Dental fear keeps too many people from care. We offer multiple sedation levels and comfort amenities so your treatment happens on your terms, relaxed, informed, and in control.
Our doctor and master ceramist will create a 3D model of your proposed new smile, so you can try in and visualize your new smile before committing to treatment.
From the moment you walk through our doors you’ll be met with the serene and spa-like atmosphere of ELLEM Dental. With individual treatment rooms you can sit back and relax in privacy and comfort during your visit.
faqs
Common questions about composite fillings in Richardson, TX
Composite fillings are tooth-colored resin materials that match your natural teeth. They're mercury-free, bond directly to the tooth for stronger support, and allow more conservative removal of decay—perfect for a seamless, aesthetic repair.
Composite fillings at Ellem Dental in Richardson, TX typically range from $150 to $400 per tooth without insurance (average $200–$300 based on size and location). Insurance often covers a significant portion for restorative work. We offer CareCredit and flexible plans. Call (972) 231-7104 for your personalized estimate.
Decay is removed, the tooth cleaned and prepped, bonding agent applied, resin layered and shaped, then hardened with a light and polished. It's usually completed in one visit with precise shade matching for a natural result.
With good hygiene and regular checkups, they typically last 7–10 years or more. They're durable for everyday use, and we monitor them to catch any wear early.
Yes. Unlike older filling materials, composites harden immediately with the curing light. You can eat as soon as the numbness wears off. Just be careful not to bite your cheek or tongue while you're still numb.
Composite fillings are resistant to staining, but they can pick up some discoloration over many years, especially if you drink a lot of coffee, tea, or red wine. They don't stain as easily as natural teeth though.
Have more questions?
Give us a call to speak with one of our friendly team members, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Morgan .
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Address
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702 West Arapaho Road Ste. 100
Richardson, TX, 75080
Hours
Mon
7:30am - 4:30pm
Tue
7:30am - 4:30pm
Wed
8:00am - 5:00pm
Thu
7:30am - 4:30pm
