Composite Fillings
Tooth-coloured fillings that repair decay in one visit — no metal.
Overview
A composite filling repairs a tooth with a resin that is bonded in place and colour-matched to the surrounding enamel, so the repair is not visible. Unlike silver amalgam it bonds to the tooth rather than being wedged into it, which means less healthy tooth structure has to be removed to hold it. Most fillings are completed in a single visit under local anesthesia.
Cost depends on how many surfaces of the tooth are involved, not on the material — a single-surface filling is a smaller job than one wrapping three surfaces of a molar. Denvida is a metal-free practice for fillings and will tell you plainly when a tooth has too little structure left for a filling and needs a crown instead, since an overlarge filling tends to fracture.
Options & Types
One-surface filling
The smallest repair — a single decayed surface, usually 20–30 minutes.
Two- or three-surface filling
Decay wrapping the side and biting surface of a tooth, common in molars between teeth.
Crown instead
When too little tooth remains to hold a filling, a crown covers and protects the whole tooth.
The Process
- 1
Exam & X-ray
We confirm the depth of the decay — this determines whether a filling is enough or the tooth needs a crown or root canal.
- 2
Numbing & decay removal
Local anesthesia, then only the decayed tissue is removed — healthy enamel is preserved.
- 3
Shade match & bonding
The resin shade is matched to your tooth, placed in layers and cured, then shaped.
- 4
Polish & bite check
The filling is polished and the bite adjusted so nothing feels high when you close.
Cost & Financing
| Procedure | Bay Area range | Denvida |
|---|---|---|
| Filling — 1 surface | $200–$375 | written estimate |
| Filling — 2 surfaces | $250–$450 | written estimate |
| Filling — 3+ surfaces | $300–$550 | written estimate |
Ranges are Bay Area market references, not quotes. Fillings are usually covered as basic restorative at around 80% by PPO plans. Denvida gives a detailed written estimate before treatment and is in-network with Delta Dental & Cigna; financing available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a composite filling cost in San Mateo?
A tooth-coloured composite filling in San Mateo typically costs $200–$375 for one surface, $250–$450 for two, and $300–$550 for three or more. Fillings are usually covered as basic restorative at around 80% by dental PPO plans. Denvida gives a written estimate before treatment and is in-network with Delta Dental and Cigna.
Are composite fillings better than silver amalgam?
For most cavities, yes. Composite bonds to the tooth, so less healthy structure has to be removed to retain it, and it matches your tooth colour. Amalgam is still durable and slightly cheaper, but requires a more retentive cavity shape and is visibly dark. Denvida places tooth-coloured composite rather than amalgam.
How long do composite fillings last?
A well-placed composite filling commonly lasts 7–10 years, and longer on teeth that take less biting force. Large fillings on molars wear fastest — if a filling covers most of the biting surface, a crown usually lasts considerably longer than replacing the filling again.
Can a filling be done in one visit?
Yes. Composite is placed, cured and polished in the same appointment, typically 20–45 minutes depending on how many surfaces are involved. You can eat once the anesthesia wears off — there is no waiting period as there is with a lab-made crown.
Related Services
Free consultation + 3D scan
Meet Dr. Na Zhao (DDS, PhD) for a no-obligation consultation, 3D scan and written estimate. Mandarin & Spanish spoken.