When decay is detected early at Buffalo Family, tooth-coloured composite fillings allow the team to restore the tooth with minimal removal of healthy structure — a significant clinical advantage over older amalgam techniques that required wider preparation. Dr. Dill and Dr. Grean use a bonded composite system that adheres directly to tooth enamel and dentine, sealing the cavity and restoring full biting function. The shade is matched precisely to your natural tooth, making the restoration invisible in normal conversation and photographs.
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With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, composite fillings typically last 7–10 years before replacement is needed. Fillings in high-load areas such as back molars may wear faster than those on front teeth, and the team will monitor their condition at every check-up so replacement is planned rather than reactive.
For most fillings involving decay that has reached the dentine layer, local anaesthetic is used to ensure you feel nothing during the procedure. Very small, superficial cavities confined to enamel can sometimes be treated without anaesthetic — Dr. Grean or Dr. Dill will always discuss this with you beforehand and will never proceed without your comfort confirmed.
There is no clinical requirement to replace amalgam fillings that are intact and functioning well. However, if an existing amalgam filling is cracked, leaking, or causing the surrounding tooth to fracture, replacing it with a bonded composite or ceramic restoration is clinically justified. The team will assess your existing restorations at check-up and give you an honest recommendation — not a sales pitch.