Medically reviewed by Dr. Aditi Jain, BDS, MDS · Periodontist & Oral Implantologist · with 15 years of experience·Last reviewed 11 June 2026
A tooth-coloured filling is a repair that rebuilds a decayed, chipped or worn tooth with a composite resin matched to the natural shade of your teeth, so the mended area blends in rather than showing as a dark patch. At Surekha Dental Clinic in Mulund West, Mumbai, tooth-coloured fillings (also called composite or white fillings) are usually completed in a single sitting, and where the cavity is deep the tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic so you should feel little to no pain. They suit anyone who wants to treat a cavity, close a small gap or tidy a chipped front tooth without a silver metal filling on show. If a worn or discoloured filling is bothering you, our friendly team is here to help your smile look natural again.
A composite filling is a gentle way to repair a tooth while keeping your smile natural. It is usually a good fit if any of the following sound like you.
You have a small to medium cavity that the dentist can repair without a crown or cap
You would like to replace an old silver (amalgam) filling with one that matches your teeth
You have a small chip, crack or worn edge on a front tooth you would like tidied
You want to close a minor gap or reshape a tooth without more involved cosmetic work
You prefer a repair that keeps as much of your natural tooth as possible
You are happy to keep up gentle brushing and regular check-ups so the filling lasts well
Step by step
Here is exactly what happens during your tooth-coloured fillings, step by step.
1Step 1 of 3
How does the dentist prepare the tooth for a filling?
Your tooth-coloured filling starts by gently cleaning out the decay so the tooth has a healthy, solid base to rebuild on. If the cavity is deep, the dentist first gives a small injection of local anaesthetic near the tooth, so you should feel little to no pain, just mild pressure. A shallow cavity often needs no injection. Using a small dental bur, the dentist carefully removes the softened, decayed part of the tooth and shapes the cavity so the new filling will hold firmly. Only the damaged tissue is taken away, keeping as much of your natural tooth as possible. Most people notice nothing sharp, only a light buzzing. Once the cavity is clean and shaped, the tooth is ready to be bonded and filled in the next step.
2Step 2 of 3
How is the tooth-coloured filling bonded into the cavity?
With the cavity clean, the dentist bonds the filling so it grips the tooth and seals out bacteria. First a mild etching gel is applied for a few seconds to lightly roughen the surface, then rinsed off, and a thin bonding adhesive is painted on to help the filling stick. The tooth-coloured composite resin, shade-matched to your tooth, is then added in soft layers and gently sculpted to rebuild the natural shape and contours. Building it up in layers is what lets the dentist recreate the right form and a close colour match, so the repair blends in. Because the resin starts soft, you should feel no discomfort during this shaping. Once the tooth looks right, the filling is ready to be set hard and finished in the final step.
3Step 3 of 3
How is the filling set hard and finished?
The last step sets the filling firm and smooths it so it feels like a natural part of your tooth. The dentist shines a small curing light onto the composite for a few seconds, which hardens the resin straight away, so you can usually eat the same day once any numbness wears off. The filling is then trimmed of any excess and polished until the surface is smooth and the shade blends with the tooth around it. To finish, you bite gently on a thin coloured strip so the dentist can check the filling meets your other teeth evenly and adjust any high spot. This bite check stops the filling feeling tall or catching when you chew. You leave with a repaired tooth that feels comfortable and looks natural.
Frequently asked questions about tooth-coloured fillings
Does getting a tooth-coloured filling hurt?
No, having a tooth-coloured filling is usually comfortable. Where the cavity is deep the tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic, so you should feel little to no pain, just mild pressure. A shallow filling often needs no injection, and you can eat once the numbness wears off. Mild sensitivity to hot or cold normally settles within a few days.
How long does a tooth-coloured filling last?
A well-cared-for composite filling typically lasts around five to seven years, though this varies with its size, where it sits and how you look after it. Gentle brushing, avoiding very hard foods on it and regular check-ups all help it last. The dentist will keep an eye on it over time and refresh it when needed.
Are white fillings better than silver fillings?
Tooth-coloured fillings are shade-matched to your natural teeth, so they do not stand out like silver amalgam, and they bond directly to the tooth, which helps the dentist keep more of it. They suit small to medium cavities and front teeth especially well. The team at Surekha Dental Clinic can advise which option suits your particular tooth.
Can old silver fillings be replaced with tooth-coloured ones?
Yes, in many cases an old silver (amalgam) filling can be removed and replaced with a tooth-coloured composite one that blends in. This is a popular choice for a more natural smile. After a short examination the dentist will check the tooth is suitable and explain what the change involves for you.
How much does a tooth-coloured filling cost in Mumbai?
The cost depends on the size and number of fillings, which tooth is involved, and whether an old filling is being replaced. Please call Surekha Dental Clinic on +91 98334 88847 or use the booking form, and a written cost is provided after a short examination, with no obligation to proceed.
How long does it take to get a filling done?
Most tooth-coloured fillings are completed in a single sitting, often in under an hour for one tooth. Larger or multiple fillings may take a little longer or a second sitting. After examining the tooth, the team at Surekha Dental Clinic will give you a clear idea of the time and number of sittings needed.
