If you’ve been told you have a cavity—or you’re noticing discomfort when eating or drinking—you might be wondering what kind of dental filling is right for you.
At Alta Loma Dental Care, we believe that restoring your smile shouldn’t come at the cost of your confidence. That’s why we proudly offer composite tooth fillings to patients in Rancho Cucamonga, Alta Loma, Upland, Fontana, and nearby communities.
These modern, tooth-colored fillings not only protect your teeth but also blend in beautifully with your natural smile. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about composite fillings—from how they work to what they cost—so you can feel comfortable, informed, and confident about your dental care.
Key Takeaways
- Natural, Aesthetic Results: Composite fillings match your tooth color perfectly—no visible silver or dark spots when you smile.
- Safe & Durable: Made from strong, mercury-free resin that bonds securely to your natural tooth for years of protection.
- Quick & Comfortable: The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour, with minimal drilling and no pain.
- Affordable Local Care: Alta Loma Dental Care offers composite fillings with insurance and flexible payment options available.
- Trusted Local Experts: Conveniently located at 7283 Carnelian St, Rancho Cucamonga, serving patients across Alta Loma, Upland, Fontana, and Ontario.
- Comprehensive Support: Whether you need a new filling or replacement, our experienced dentists ensure your comfort and confidence from start to finish.
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What Is a Composite Tooth Filling?
A composite filling is a durable, tooth-colored material used to restore a tooth that’s been damaged by decay, wear, or minor fractures. Unlike traditional silver (amalgam) fillings, composite fillings are made from a blend of resin and fine glass particles, allowing them to match the color and texture of your natural teeth.
They are bonded directly to your tooth structure, which helps preserve more of your healthy enamel and provides a strong, long-lasting result. For patients who care about aesthetics and oral health, composite fillings are the preferred choice.
In short: Composite fillings protect your tooth and your confidence.
Why Rancho Cucamonga Patients Prefer Composite Fillings
Here in Rancho Cucamonga, where bright smiles are part of our sunny lifestyle, patients often choose composite fillings for several key reasons:
1. Natural Look Composite fillings blend perfectly with your teeth, making them virtually invisible—even when you laugh or talk.
2. Strong Bonding The material bonds tightly to your natural tooth, restoring its shape and strength while minimizing the risk of future decay.
3. Safe and Mercury-Free Unlike traditional metal fillings, composite materials contain no mercury—a reassuring fact for families and health-conscious patients.
4. Preserves More of Your Tooth Less drilling means more of your healthy tooth structure stays intact, which leads to a stronger, longer-lasting result.
5. Ideal for Small to Medium Cavities Composite fillings are perfect for small or moderate cavities in both front and back teeth.
The Composite Filling Procedure (Step by Step)
At Alta Loma Dental Care, your comfort always comes first. From start to finish, the entire composite filling process usually takes less than an hour and is completely pain-free.
Here’s what you can expect:
-
Gentle Numbing:
We use a local anesthetic to make sure your experience is completely comfortable. -
Decay Removal:
The decayed portion of your tooth is gently removed, leaving a clean surface ready for the filling. -
Tooth Preparation:
A special bonding solution is applied to help the composite adhere securely to your tooth. -
Layering and Shaping:
The composite material is applied in layers, each one hardened with a curing light. -
Polishing and Bite Check:
Once the filling is shaped, it’s polished to match the shine of your natural enamel. We’ll also check your bite to ensure everything feels natural.
Total time: Usually 30–60 minutes per tooth. You can eat and drink normally soon after your appointment.
How Long Do Composite Fillings Last?
On average, composite fillings last between 5 and 10 years, though with excellent oral care, they can last much longer. Factors that affect longevity include:
- The size and location of the filling
- Daily brushing and flossing habits
- Diet (especially sugar and acid intake)
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Regular dental checkups
Our Rancho Cucamonga patients who follow consistent home care routines often enjoy 10+ years of durability before needing any touch-ups or replacements.
When to Replace a Composite Filling
Composite fillings can wear down over time, just like natural teeth. You might need a replacement if you notice:
- Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets
- Visible cracks or wear on the filling
- A dark line around the edge of the filling
- Rough texture when you run your tongue over it
If you’re unsure, it’s always best to schedule an exam. At Alta Loma Dental Care, we can quickly check the integrity of your existing fillings and replace them if needed—often in a single visit.
Composite Fillings vs. Other Filling Materials
| Feature | Composite Filling | Amalgam (Silver) | Porcelain / Ceramic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Tooth-colored | Silver / gray | Tooth-colored |
| Durability | 5–10 years | 10–15 years | 10–20 years |
| Cost | Moderate | Low | High |
| Safety | Mercury-free | Contains mercury | Mercury-free |
| Tooth Preservation | Excellent | Moderate | Excellent |
| Ideal Use | Small–medium cavities | Large cavities | Cosmetic restorations |
For most patients in the Inland Empire area, composite fillings offer the best balance of beauty, safety, and performance.
Cost of Composite Tooth Fillings in Rancho Cucamonga
At Alta Loma Dental Care, we understand that cost is an important part of your decision. The average price of a composite tooth filling in Rancho Cucamonga ranges between $120 and $350 per tooth, depending on:
- The size of the cavity
- Tooth location (front vs. back)
- Whether anesthesia or extra bonding is needed
- Insurance coverage or membership discounts
We proudly accept most major dental insurance plans and can help estimate your out-of-pocket cost before treatment begins.
If you don’t have insurance, we offer flexible payment options and in-house financing to make your care affordable and stress-free.
Tip: Before scheduling, check your coverage or ask our team to verify your benefits. We’re happy to help.
Call us at (909) 987-6268 for a quick quote or benefit check.
Caring for Your Composite Fillings
After getting a composite filling, most patients return to their normal routine right away. To extend the life of your restoration:
*Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush
- Floss gently around your filling
- Avoid biting ice, pens, or hard candies
- Schedule cleanings every six months
- Let us know if you feel sensitivity that lasts more than a few days
With proper care, your filling can stay strong and beautiful for years.
Why Rancho Cucamonga Residents Trust Alta Loma Dental Care
We’re proud to serve our neighbors across Rancho Cucamonga, Alta Loma, Upland, Fontana, and Ontario with gentle, modern dentistry. Patients choose us for:
✅ Personalized Care: Every smile is unique. We tailor each filling to your tooth’s natural shape and shade.
✅ Comfort-Focused Dentistry: We use the latest technology and a gentle touch to make your visit relaxing.
✅ Experienced Dentists: Our skilled team has years of experience restoring smiles with precision and artistry.
✅ Convenient Location: We’re centrally located at 7283 Carnelian St, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91701
— just minutes from Victoria Gardens and major highways.
✅ Community Connection: Many of our patients are local families who’ve trusted us for generations.
Whether you live in Etiwanda, Claremont, or Ontario, you’ll always be welcomed like family here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Composite Fillings
1. Do composite fillings hurt? No. The area is completely numbed before treatment, and most patients feel little to no discomfort during or after the procedure.
2. Can I eat after getting a composite filling? Yes! Once the numbness wears off (usually in a couple of hours), you can eat normally.
3. How long will my filling last? With good care, many of our Rancho Cucamonga patients keep their composite fillings for 10 years or more.
4. Are composite fillings covered by insurance? Most PPO plans cover composite fillings on front and back teeth. Our office can check your benefits for you before treatment.
5. Can I replace my old silver fillings with composite? Absolutely. We can safely remove old metal fillings and replace them with tooth-colored composites for a more natural look.
