Natural-Looking Restorations

Tooth Fillings in London, ON

What Are Tooth Fillings?

Tooth fillings are used to restore teeth affected by decay, small fractures, or other minor damage. At Blue Heron Dental Centre, white composite fillings provide a quick and cost-effective way to restore both the function and appearance of a tooth while preserving as much natural structure as possible.


Composite fillings are tooth-coloured restorations designed to blend with your natural teeth, making them a popular choice for patients who want a more seamless and aesthetic result. Once placed, the filling helps strengthen the tooth and restore a natural shape for comfortable everyday function.


At Blue Heron Dental Centre, Dr. Kabak and Dr. Yurchuk begin treatment with a careful examination and place strong emphasis on preventing recurrent decay and creating durable, high-quality restorations.

How White Composite Fillings Are Placed

White composite fillings are bonded directly to the tooth after the damaged area has been removed. Because only the affected part of the tooth is treated, this is considered a more conservative approach that often requires less drilling than some traditional methods.


At Blue Heron Dental Centre, our dentists often use a rubber dam during treatment. This helps isolate the tooth, maintain a clean and dry working area, and improve both safety and precision while the filling is placed.


The composite material is carefully selected to match the colour of your surrounding teeth and then cured with a special blue light, which hardens the material and allows it to withstand daily chewing pressure. The final result is designed to look natural and support proper tooth function.

Replacing Old Metal Fillings

Amalgam, or metal fillings, were commonly used in the past and are known for their durability. However, over time, older amalgam restorations can contribute to tooth fractures. As the restoration ages, small gaps may develop around it, and the surrounding tooth structure can become stressed under chewing pressure.


This repeated pressure may lead to crack lines in the tooth, which can gradually worsen and result in fracture. In some cases, if the fracture becomes too severe, the tooth may no longer be restorable.


At Blue Heron Dental Centre, Dr. Kabak and Dr. Yurchuk carefully assess older fillings and the surrounding tooth structure for signs of wear, cracks, or fracture risk. If an older metal filling is surrounded by deep staining or visible crack lines, replacement with a white composite filling or a crown may be recommended to help protect the tooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a white composite filling?

    A white composite filling is a tooth-coloured restoration used to repair teeth affected by decay, small fractures, or minor damage. It is made from a resin material that bonds directly to the tooth and is shaped to match the natural appearance of the surrounding teeth. Composite fillings are often chosen because they restore both function and aesthetics in a conservative way.

  • Are white fillings noticeable?

    White composite fillings are designed to blend closely with the natural colour of your teeth, making them much less noticeable than metal fillings. At Blue Heron Dental Centre, care is taken to choose the appropriate shade and restore the tooth to a natural-looking shape, helping the final result look balanced and seamless within your smile.

  • Why might an old metal filling need to be replaced?

    Older metal fillings can sometimes contribute to cracks or fractures in the surrounding tooth structure over time. Small gaps may also develop around the filling, increasing the risk of recurrent decay. If a tooth shows signs of staining, crack lines, or structural weakness around an old filling, your dentist may recommend replacing it to help protect the tooth.

  • Is getting a filling painful?

    Tooth fillings are typically placed with local anesthesia when needed, helping keep the procedure comfortable. Most patients experience little discomfort during treatment. After the filling is placed, mild sensitivity may occur for a short time, but this usually improves quickly. Our team focuses on making the experience as comfortable and efficient as possible.

  • How long do composite fillings last?

    Composite fillings can last many years with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Their lifespan depends on factors such as the size of the filling, where it is located, chewing habits, and overall oral health. During routine checkups, your dentist will monitor the condition of your fillings and let you know if maintenance or replacement is needed.