Tooth-Colored Fillings in Beverly Hills, CA
Tooth-colored fillings in Beverly Hills at ConfiDental repair cavities, chips and worn or leaking old fillings with a metal-free composite that is shade-matched to your tooth, so the repair is hard to see. Dr. Liyan Massaband, DMD, MPH, removes only the damaged part of the tooth, bonds the filling in thin layers and checks your bite before you leave, and you get a clear cost, including what your insurance covers, before any work begins.
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings are the dental fillings we place most often, and they are made of composite resin: a mix of plastic and fine glass or ceramic particles. The material is placed soft, shaped to fit the tooth and hardened in seconds with a blue curing light. Because it bonds to the enamel and dentin, the tooth needs less drilling than for an old-style silver filling.
The American Dental Association notes that composite fillings resist fracture well in small to mid-size fillings, can be used on front or back teeth and look more natural, though they take a little longer to place and usually cost more than amalgam.
What color is a tooth filling? It is matched to your own tooth. We choose from a range of shades, and sometimes layer two shades so the edge and the center look like natural enamel.
When You Might Need a Filling
- A cavity found on your dental exam or X-rays
- A small chip or broken edge on a tooth
- Worn spots at the gum line from hard brushing or grinding
- An old filling that is cracked, leaking or has new decay under its edge
- An old silver filling you would like replaced (see below)
- A gap or rough spot that traps food
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research explains that once decay breaks through the enamel, the hole cannot heal on its own and needs to be repaired. Not sure if you have a cavity? Our cavity treatment page explains the signs and stages of decay, and which treatment fits each stage. If cold drinks are the main problem, read why a tooth is sensitive to cold.
Composite vs. Silver Fillings and Other Options
Tooth-colored composite | Silver (amalgam) | Glass ionomer | Porcelain inlay or onlay | |
Looks | Matches your tooth | Silver, darkens over time | Tooth-colored but less natural | Matches your tooth |
Best for | Small to medium cavities, front and back | Medium to large back teeth | Gum line, root decay, children | Larger cavities on back teeth |
Metal-free | Yes | No, contains mercury | Yes | Yes |
Tooth removed | Less, because it bonds | More, to hold it in | Less | Moderate |
Visits | One | One | One | Usually two |
Typical lifespan | Often 5 to 10 years or more | Often 10 to 15 years | Shorter | Often 10 to 15 years or more |
Cost | Moderate | Lowest | Low | Higher |
Replacing Old Silver Fillings: What Is Safe and Sensible
Many people ask for metal-free fillings because silver fillings contain mercury. Here is the honest picture:
- The FDA recommends that certain higher-risk groups, such as pregnant women, young children and people with kidney problems or a mercury allergy, receive non-amalgam fillings when possible and appropriate.
- The FDA does not recommend removing silver fillings that are in good condition, because drilling them out releases mercury vapor and removes healthy tooth.
- We replace a silver filling when it is cracked, leaking, has decay underneath, or you want a tooth-colored look on a visible tooth and understand the trade-offs.
When we do replace a silver filling, we use rubber dam isolation and high-volume suction to limit what you breathe in or swallow.
Your Filling Visit, Step by Step
1. Check and plan
We look at the tooth, take an X-ray if needed and show you the cavity on screen. You get the cost before we start.
2. Numbing
We numb the area and check it is fully numb before starting. Small fillings near the surface sometimes need little or no numbing. Read do cavity fillings hurt?
3. Removing decay
Only the decayed or damaged part of the tooth is removed. Healthy tooth is kept wherever possible.
4. Shade matching and bonding
The tooth is kept dry, a bonding agent is applied, and the composite is placed in thin layers. Each layer is hardened with a curing light.
5. Shaping and bite check
We shape the filling to match your natural tooth, check your bite with marking paper and polish it smooth. A high spot is the most common cause of pain after a filling, so we take time on this step.
6. Done
A typical filling takes 30 to 60 minutes. You can eat once the numbness wears off, usually within 2 to 3 hours.
After Your Filling
- Wait for the numbness to wear off before eating, so you do not bite your cheek or tongue.
- Mild sensitivity to cold or biting for a few days is common, especially after a deep filling.
- Brush and floss normally from the same day.
- Call us if your bite feels high, pain is getting worse instead of better, or a tooth throbs on its own.
Our most-read guide, how long should a tooth hurt after a filling, explains what is normal and what is not. Severe pain, swelling or a gum bump may mean the nerve is involved; see signs you need a root canal.
How Long Do Tooth-Colored Fillings Last?
Composite fillings often last 5 to 10 years or more. How long yours lasts depends on:
- Size and location: small fillings on front teeth last longer than large fillings on back molars.
- Grinding and clenching: a night guard protects fillings if you grind.
- Diet and home care: sugary snacks and missed flossing let new decay start at the edges.
- Regular checkups: we check every filling at your exam and fix small problems early.
Do tooth-colored fillings stain? Composite can pick up some staining from coffee, tea, red wine and smoking over the years, and it does not whiten. If you plan to whiten your teeth, do it first, then we match new fillings to your brighter shade.
When a Filling Is Not the Best Choice
A filling replaces part of a tooth, but it cannot hold together a tooth that is badly broken. We may suggest something stronger if:
- The cavity covers more than about half of the tooth’s width
- A cusp is cracked or missing
- You have a large old filling with cracks around it
- The tooth has had a root canal
In those cases, a porcelain onlay or a crown protects the tooth from splitting. If decay has reached the nerve, root canal therapy comes first. For purely cosmetic changes to front teeth, such as shape or color, veneers may be a better fit.
Tooth-Colored Filling Cost in Beverly Hills
Treatment | Typical cost |
Small tooth-colored filling (one surface) | About $200 to $300 |
Medium filling (two surfaces) | About $300 to $450 |
Large filling (three or more surfaces) | About $400 to $600 |
Replacing an old silver filling | Similar to a new filling of the same size |
Porcelain inlay or onlay | [CONFIRM] |
Crown | $1,200 to $2,000 |
Insurance and payment:
- Most dental plans cover a large share of fillings after your deductible.
- Some plans pay only the silver-filling rate for back teeth (called a “downgrade”), and you pay the difference for a tooth-colored filling. We check this for you before treatment.
- See understanding dental insurance and our payment options.
Why Choose ConfiDental Beverly Hills for Tooth-Colored Fillings
Dr. Liyan Massaband | Confidental Beverly hills
Dr. Liyan Massaband, DMD, MPH earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from Midwestern University and her Master of Public Health from the University of Southern California, and is licensed by the Dental Board of California. She has practiced in Beverly Hills for more than 15 years. Her approach to fillings is simple: keep as much natural tooth as possible, show you the problem before treating it, and check the bite carefully so the filling feels like your own tooth.
Read Dr. Massaband’s full profile.
Patient Stories
Real experiences shared by patients reflect comfort, trust, and positive outcomes built over time through consistent care and open conversations with our dental team.
Why people love Confidental Beverly hills
Patients often mention how clearly things are explained, how gently visits are handled, and how supported they feel before and after appointments. Many reviews highlight feeling heard, not rushed, and genuinely cared for.
Schedule a Tooth-Colored Filling Appointment
If you have a cavity, minor tooth damage, or an older filling you’d like to replace, a consultation can help determine the right next step. Our team is here to explain options clearly and support your comfort throughout care.
You can contact our Beverly Hills dental office to schedule a tooth-colored filling appointment and restore your smile discreetly and comfortably.
Tooth-Colored Filling FAQs
Are tooth-colored fillings as strong as silver fillings?
For small and medium fillings, modern composite performs very well and bonds to the tooth. For very large fillings on back teeth, an onlay or crown is usually stronger than either.
How much does a tooth-colored filling cost in Beverly Hills?
Usually about $200 to $600 per tooth, depending on the size and how many surfaces are involved. You get a written estimate first.
Does insurance cover tooth-colored fillings?
Most plans cover fillings. Some pay only the silver-filling rate on back teeth, so you may pay a small difference. We check your plan before treatment.
Does getting a filling hurt?
The tooth is numbed first, so most people feel pressure and vibration but not pain. Mild sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal.
How long does a tooth-colored filling take?
About 30 to 60 minutes for one filling. Several fillings can often be done in one visit.
Should I replace my silver fillings?
Only if they are cracked, leaking, decayed underneath, or you want a tooth-colored look and understand the trade-offs. The FDA does not recommend removing silver fillings that are in good condition.
Can I eat right after a tooth-colored filling?
Composite is fully hardened before you leave, so you can eat as soon as the numbness wears off. Wait until then to avoid biting your cheek.
Do tooth-colored fillings stain or change color?
They can pick up some surface staining over the years, and they do not whiten with bleaching. A polish at your cleaning helps keep them looking fresh.
Why does my tooth hurt after a new filling?
Mild sensitivity is common and fades. Pain when biting usually means the filling is slightly high and needs a quick adjustment. Pain that throbs on its own should be checked.