Composite fillings bond to the tooth and match its shade. They are the default for most small and moderate cavities — and there are situations where something else holds up better.
Where there is a reason to replace it, not simply because it is silver.
Where a filling is the wrong tool
When too much of the tooth is gone, a large filling leaves thin walls that flex under chewing load. That is where an onlay or crown becomes the more predictable choice — not because fillings are inferior, but because they need supporting structure to work.
How long any filling lasts depends on its size, where it is, your bite, grinding habits, and hygiene. Anyone quoting a fixed lifespan is guessing.
What we can explain here — and what needs an exam
A page can inform you. It cannot examine you.
We can explain online
How composite bonds to tooth structure
Why size and position matter
What affects longevity
Determined after an exam
Whether a filling is enough for your tooth
Whether an existing filling needs replacing
Whether an onlay or crown is more appropriate
What to do next
If a filling is recommended, it is fair to ask what makes it sufficient here rather than a crown.