Composite Fillings in Somerville, MA
Discreet, Durable Repairs That Blend Seamlessly
At Dr. Anthony P. Parrella’s Somerville dental practice, composite (tooth‑colored) fillings repair cavities, chips, and cracks while maintaining the natural beauty and function of your smile. These restorations closely match your tooth shade—and help preserve healthy tooth structure—with high-quality, mercury-free materials.
What Are Composite Fillings?
Composite fillings are made from a blend of synthetic resin and powdered glass particles, forming a strong, tooth‑like material that bonds directly to your tooth structure. Unlike older metal fillings, composite resin requires less drilling and allows us to restore your tooth with minimal removal of healthy enamel.
Lifespan & Longevity
With proper home care and regular check-ups, composite fillings often last 10 years or more—and many last well over a decade—depending on oral habits and location in the mouth.
Regular dental visits allow our team to monitor any wear or staining and perform minor touch-ups as needed, helping your filling last longer.
Why Choose Composite Over Metal?
- Natural aesthetics: Our team carefully shades each filling to match your smile for virtually invisible results, especially in front teeth or visible areas.
- Conservative care: Bonded resin allows us to remove less healthy tooth material compared to traditional amalgam fillings—preserving more of your natural smile.
- Stronger bond: Composite resin chemically adheres to enamel and dentin, enhancing structural stability and reducing leakage risk.
- Mercury-free: Our BPA-safe composite materials offer a mercury-free alternative to traditional metal fillings.
What to Expect During Treatment
During your appointment, Dr. Parrella removes any decay or damage and cleans the area thoroughly. The tooth is then conditioned, and bonding material is applied. Layer-by-layer, we build up the filling—curing each layer with a specialized light to ensure strength. Finally, the filling is shaped and polished for a smooth, functional finish.
Most composite fillings are completed in a single visit and are gentle on surrounding tissues, with little to no anesthesia required.
Benefits You’ll Enjoy
- A seamless, natural-looking repair that blends with your existing teeth
- Preservation of healthy tooth structure for long-term strength
- Less post-treatment sensitivity than metal fillings
- A safe and versatile option that supports ongoing dental wellness
- Easy repairability if chipping or wear occurs
Is a Composite Filling Right for You?
Composite fillings are ideal for:
- Small to medium cavities
- Visible areas of the mouth where aesthetic blending matters
- Repairing minor chips or gaps without full crowns
- Patients prioritizing conservative, mercury-free restorations
While they're a great option for most everyday restorations, composite fillings may be less durable than amalgam for large cavities in heavy-chewing areas. During a consultation, Dr. Parrella will help you choose the most suitable material for your needs.
Composite Fillings FAQ
All the answers to your questions can be found here, and if a new question pops up, don't worry feel free to call us
Quality composite restorations with good care often last 10 years or more—and sometimes much longer—depending on use, location, and oral hygiene.
No. Composite restorations bond directly to the tooth, allowing more conservative preparation and preservation of healthy enamel.
While composite resin is color-stable, it can discolor over many years, especially if exposed to coffee, tea, or tobacco. Regular polishing and oral hygiene help maintain shade.
Many insurance plans cover composite fillings, especially in visible areas. We’re happy to verify your coverage and outline costs upfront.
Ready for a Smile Refresh?
Whether you're dealing with decay or simply want to update an old metal filling, composite restorations offer a reliable, aesthetic solution rooted in the latest dental science.
We’ll confirm your visit and answer any questions.
Let’s Connect — We’d Love to Hear from You
Whether you have a question, need to reschedule, or are ready to book your first visit, our friendly team is here to help. Reach out anytime — we're happy to assist you.
Phone: (617) 625‑3022
Email: office@drparrella.com