Composite Fillings in San Juan Capistrano

Natural-looking repairs that protect your tooth

Composite fillings are tooth-colored restorations bonded to your enamel and dentin. They’re ideal for small-to-moderate cavities or chips and help restore shape, strength, and seal. At Kaban Dental Group, we place composite (no silver amalgam) to keep repairs strong and esthetic.

An elderly man with a gray mustache and beard, wearing a baseball cap and a dark sweater, smiling in front of a plain white wall.

Do I need a filling, onlay, or crown?

  • Filling — best for small–moderate decay or chips where enough healthy tooth remains.

  • Onlay (lab-made inlay/onlay) — for larger defects where a filling won’t hold shape long-term.

  • Crown — when the tooth is weak or cracked, or after many large fillings. Deep dive on materials and when crowns make sense → Dental Crown Types and Crowns & Bridges.

When pain lingers or there’s infection, a root canal may be needed before the final restoration. See Root Canal vs. Extraction for the save-vs-remove decision.

Signs you might need a filling

  • Sensitivity to cold, sweets, or biting pressure

  • Food catching between teeth / floss shredding

  • A visible dark spot, chip, or rough edge

  • “Zing” pain that’s brief (lingering pain suggests deeper nerve inflammation → see Toothache at Night for first-aid)

How a composite filling is placed (step-by-step)

  1. Comfort first — local anesthesia as needed.

  2. Clean & shape — remove decay and prepare the area.

  3. Bonding — treat the surface and layer the composite.

  4. Light cure & polish — restore contour and bite for a natural look and smooth finish.

White vs. silver fillings (what we use and why)

We don’t place silver (amalgam) fillings. Modern composites are strong, bond to tooth structure, and blend with your smile. When a cavity is too large for a predictable filling, we’ll recommend an onlay or crown for longevity.

Aftercare & longevity

  • Mild tenderness to cold/pressure is common for a few days.

  • Good home care + regular cleanings can help fillings last many years.

  • Call us if pain lingers, the bite feels high, or a corner chips—early fixes prevent bigger problems. For urgent issues, see Emergency Dental Care.

Costs, insurance & payment

You’ll get an insurance-aware estimate before treatment. If we recommend an onlay/crown or a root canal, we’ll outline total cost and timeline so there are no surprises. Learn more about what Insurance we accept and Payment Options.

Related guides about Fillings (keep learning)

FAQs: Fillings in San Juan Capistrano

  • Yes—composites come in multiple shades and are polished to blend naturally.

  • With good home care and bite alignment, many last years; larger defects may be better served by onlays/crowns for longevity.

  • You’ll be thoroughly numbed for comfort; mild post-op sensitivity is normal and fades.

  • Often yes—if the surrounding tooth is healthy. We’ll discuss pros/cons and whether an onlay or crown is smarter for a large replacement.

new patients welcome

new patients welcome

What patients are saying

  • Dr Kelly is awesome. Friendly, knowledgeable, and thorough with her examination. Impressed me with her read of my X-rays, which identified things I had forgotten (ie past tooth injuries) or never suspected. She takes her time and does all the work herself. You’re in good hands here.

    Jon E.

  • Dr. Kaban and the team were so welcoming and treated me with so care. They diligently walked me through my entire treatment and made me feel so comfortable. I'm so grateful to have found them!

    Daria J.

  • Dr. Kelly is incredible! A recommendation from a friend led me to this practice several years ago after visiting three other OC dentists in a year due to pain in my back molar. I was nervous about this dental visit, but Dr. Kelly … More

    Kristina R.

  • Always a pleasure, excellent service. I’ve had bad luck with dentist in the past and hate going but she always makes me feel comfortable and very conscious of my needs and fears.

    Amber H.

  • Dr. Kaban and her team are amazing! I’m usually not very comfortable at the dentist, but she made me feel at ease and really listened whenever I felt nervous. I highly recommend Kaban Dental Group to anyone!

    Erika M.