Composite Fillings in Framingham, MA

More Than Just Patch Work!

If you have a decayed or damaged tooth, composite fillings are a durable, natural-looking tooth repair that blends into your smile so no one will ever know you had a dental restoration. At Atlantis Dental in Framingham, MA, Dr. Sumbul Naqvi uses composite fillings to correct and repair problem teeth.

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A woman is getting her teeth examined by a dentist.

The Composite Filling Procedure

A woman is getting her teeth examined by a dentist.

Fillings are a common dental restoration and your Framingham dentist is highly experienced at repairing teeth with this method.


The procedure begins by numbing the area around the affected tooth, followed by the removal of the decayed portion of the tooth. If your restoration is not targeting decay but only minor damage, you may not need a numbing agent at all. This is a conversation you and your dentist will have before the procedure begins to ensure that you are comfortable with how things will progress.


Because of their composition – a liquid resin embedded with finely ground glass particles – composite fillings can be placed on a tooth in thin layers, which preserves more of the natural tooth and slowly forms the final filling. By also blending into the tooth structure, composite fillings check both the functional and aesthetic boxes, which makes them especially appealing as a restoration for more visible tooth defects or decay.


Once the composite has been hardened and cured with a special blue light – a step that takes only seconds – the filling will be smoothed and polished to a high shine that reflects the beauty of natural enamel and results in a strong, smooth, conservative, invisible restoration. Your dentist will also check your bite to ensure that it is comfortable and no part of the filling is noticeable.

A woman is sitting in a dental chair with a dentist examining her teeth.

Problems Composite Fillings Can Fix

A woman is sitting in a dental chair with a dentist examining her teeth.

Tooth-colored fillings can do so much more than just fix a cavity. If you have any of the following structural or cosmetic complaints, a composite filling could be a viable solution:

  • Tooth decay
  • Chipped tooth
  • Cracked tooth
  • Discolored or stained tooth
  • Gapped teeth

Opting for a composite filling can often eliminate the need for invasive restorative dentistry or advanced cosmetic dentistry. Fillings improve both the health and appearance of your tooth without taking a large bite out of your budget.


Composite fillings not only fix existing problems, they are used as a preventive dentistry measure too to keep decay from developing and stop a tooth from deteriorating. Opting for a small filling now or fixing a tooth with a minor defect can protect your oral health from developing bigger and more painful problems later.


Many patients with existing silver fillings opt to have them replaced with composite fillings. Silver amalgam fillings are unsightly, can cause damage or discoloration, and contain toxic mercury. With a tooth-colored filling, you can correct a tooth and make it stronger at the same time.

A close up of three white teeth with a filling in them on a pink surface.

Advantages of Composite Fillings

A close up of three white teeth with a filling in them on a pink surface.

Composite fillings are a popular choice for restoring decayed or damaged teeth because they offer several advantages over traditional silver (amalgam) fillings. One of the most significant benefits is their natural appearance. The composite material is tooth-colored and can be precisely matched to the shade of surrounding teeth, making it virtually invisible when you smile or speak.


Beyond aesthetics, composite fillings also provide strong bonding capabilities. Unlike metal fillings, which rely on mechanical retention, composite fillings bond directly to the tooth structure. This enhances durability while preserving more of the natural tooth, helping to maintain its strength over time.


Another key advantage is that composite fillings are mercury-free, making them a safer and more environmentally friendly option. Many patients prefer composite materials because they eliminate concerns about mercury exposure. Additionally, composite fillings are less likely to expand and contract with temperature changes, reducing the risk of cracks or fractures in the tooth structure over time.


An elderly man is sitting in a dental chair while a dentist examines his teeth.

Caring for Your Composite Fillings

An elderly man is sitting in a dental chair while a dentist examines his teeth.

Maintaining your composite fillings is simple and requires the same good oral hygiene habits as natural teeth. Regular brushing and flossing are essential to prevent cavities from forming around the filling or in other areas of the mouth. Using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush can help keep your natural teeth and fillings in excellent condition.


To extend the lifespan of your fillings, it’s important to avoid excessive wear and tear. Habits such as chewing on hard objects (like ice or pens) or grinding your teeth at night can put stress on fillings and cause them to wear down more quickly. If you have a history of teeth grinding (bruxism), a custom nightguard from Atlantis Dental can help protect your restorations.


Routine dental checkups and cleanings with Dr. Sumbul Naqvi are also vital. During these visits, the dentist will examine your fillings for any signs of wear, cracks, or leaks and recommend touch-ups or replacements if needed. Compound fillings can last for many years with proper care while maintaining their strength and appearance.

A Small Solution With Big Benefits

Tooth-colored fillings are designed to stabilize tooth structure, which means they not only take care of the tooth in question but also protect neighboring teeth from deterioration. One decayed tooth can compromise nearby teeth if it is not addressed quickly, leading to bigger problems over time and the need for restorations like root canal therapy and, if an infection is severe, tooth extraction.


Your dentist will always do everything possible to save a tooth before reverting to extraction, and that includes tending to cavities and damage early using tooth-colored fillings. If you suspect trouble with a tooth, or if your dentist recommends a filling sooner rather than later, take action as soon as possible to correct the issue.


Contact Atlantis Dental in Framingham, MA to schedule an appointment and find out more about tooth-colored fillings and the best ways to take care of your oral health.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Are the Signs I Might Have a Cavity?

    Cavities don’t always hurt at first. In fact, early cavities can go completely unnoticed — which is why regular dental visits are so important. Some early signs to look for include:

    - Sensitivity to cold, sweets, or biting

    - Discoloration (white, brown, or dark spots)

    - Food getting stuck between teeth

    - Rough edges or a visible hole

  • How We Detect Cavities at Atlantis Dental?

    At Atlantis Dental, we use both digital X-rays and a radiation-free iTero scan to check for cavities.


    - X-rays show cavities between the teeth and deeper decay

    - The iTero scan helps us detect early surface cavities that may not yet appear on X-rays

    - If an X-ray is unclear, we use the scan to avoid unnecessary radiation and still make an accurate diagnosis

  • Why Did I Get Cavities?

    The most common reason? Frequency of eating or sipping.


    It’s not just what you eat — it’s how often.

    Drinking 1 can of soda all at once = less damage

    Sipping that same can over 2 hours = cavity risk skyrockets due to constant acid exposure


    Tip: Eat all your sweets in one sitting, then brush and floss — don't snack all day.

  • Why You Shouldn’t Delay Treatment

    Cavities never get smaller — they grow and can spread to nearby teeth.

    - Early fillings are small and preserve most of your tooth

    - Waiting = bigger fillings → possible root canal → crown

    - Each replacement shortens a tooth’s lifespan

  • What to Expect During Cavity Treatment

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  • How Long Do Fillings Last?

    It depends on the size and your cavity risk.

    Small, well-done white fillings can last for many years — even decades. But if you keep getting cavities, they may need to be replaced sooner.

  • How to Prevent More Cavities

    - Brush 2x/day — try brushing with baking soda for a week to raise your mouth’s pH

    - Floss daily — especially if cavities form between your teeth

    - Use a water flosser to lower bacteria levels

    - Chew xylitol gum after meals when brushing isn’t possible

    - Stay hydrated and avoid sipping sugary drinks all day


    If you’ve had cavities in the past 6 months, you're considered high-risk. Your goal: follow your dentist’s prevention plan to lower your risk over time.