Composite Dental Fillings Corvallis, OR
The Clear Alternative to Traditional Mercury Fillings
Nearly everyone gets cavities and will eventually need a filling, no matter how well they brush and floss. Genetics, diet, environment, and other risk factors all contribute to tooth decay– which over 95% of Americans will experience at some point in their life. If you’re looking for a fix for cavities, consider a composite filling at our Corvallis dental office.
At Timberhill Dental, our philosophy focuses on reducing the damage done by tooth decay through early detection, and quick follow up with a safe, minimally invasive tooth colored composite filling. Minimally invasive techniques save more tooth structure than traditional fillings.
Do You Need a Composite Filling?
At Timberhill Dental in Corvallis, our approach to composite fillings is simple. We use the latest digital x-ray and laser diagnostic technologies, as well as years of experience to help you understand the health of your teeth. We’ll talk with you about:
- The tooth decay on any portion of your teeth
- The state of your current old-fashioned, mercury (silver) fillings
- Risk factors that predispose you to tooth decay
- And your desire to maintain a natural, white, and healthy smile for a lifetime
You’ll learn more about the advantages of composite fillings, as well as our process for removing decay, improving the health of your teeth and restoring your smile. Additionally, we may recommend alternative treatments like crowns, inlays, or onlays, which may be the only option in cases of serious and extensive decay.
Did You Know?
Fluoride makes small cavities harder to detect using traditional methods like visual inspection of the tooth, non-digital x-rays, or probing the tooth with a dental instrument.
Our Corvallis dental office uses the DIAGNOdent® laser to diagnose decay that other dentists may miss. The DIAGNOdent® uses painless pulses of light to search for areas of decay. The earlier we find and fill your cavities, the healthier your teeth and mouth will be.
Composite vs. Mercury Fillings
For decades, many dentists offered only mercury-amalgam (silver) fillings. Mercury fillings are still used to fill cavities because it is relatively easy to work with, inexpensive, and readily available.
Today, however, a much better option exists: composite fillings.
At Timberhill Dental, we’re committed to helping you make the best choice for your health and your smile. Because of this, we use only composite fillings, which offer many advantages over traditional mercury fillings.
| Composite Fillings | Mercury Silver Fillings | |
|---|---|---|
| Made from… | Non-toxic and environmentally friendly quartz-like material. | Toxic mercury that’s potentially dangerous to your health and the environment. |
| Look… | Just like one of your own teeth, thanks to the natural white color. | Like a filling. Bright silver color stands out and can make you conscious of your teeth and your smile. |
| Work by... | Bonding directly to the surface of your tooth. Requires minimal removal of healthy tooth structure. | Filling in space created by drilling to remove healthy tooth structure, known as “undercutting”. |
| Durability | By their nature, composite fillings can last for decades and actually strengthen and protect the surrounding tooth structure from breaks and fractures. | Mercury fillings can weaken teeth, causing cracks and fractures. Must also be replaced if they fall out or are damaged. |
Our Minimally Invasive Process
At Timberhill Dental, we offer high-tech, high-touch dental care that will maximize your comfort and provide minimally invasive treatments with amazing results.
When restoring your teeth using composite fillings, here’s what you can expect:
- We’ll offer our spa amenities (hand wax dip, warm blanket and other extras) to ensure you’re comfortable before we begin your treatment.
- We’ll remove tooth decay and clean the tooth surface making sure to leave as much healthy tooth structure intact as possible.
- We’ll build up layers of composite filling material onto the tooth surface, each layer hardened or cured with incredibly intense beams of light.
- After several layers of filling material are in place and fully hardened, we’ll shape and polish the surface of the filling to match your bite and make sure it’s a perfect fit.
When done with the care and attention to detail that Timberhill Dental is known for, your new composite filling will be essentially invisible and feel completely natural.
What Our Clients Say
“I have been going to Timberhill Dental for 6 years and I think it is the best dental practice that I have ever found. They are very timely, professional and actually concerned about me and my teeth. Why can’t all caregivers be like this?”
– Rich S.
“All of the Timberhill Dental staff are awesome! They care about keeping your mouth healthy, clean and looking good. Timberhill Dental is top notch and I would recommend it highly for all your dental needs!“
– Franci Miller
Check out all our 5 star reviews!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental fillings last?
We generally expect a composite filling to last upwards of 10 years with proper brushing, flossing, and regular exams/checkups. Of course, there’s a bit of luck involved because a filling can be damaged by biting down on hard bits of food or as the result of chronic clenching (bruxism).
Are mercury fillings bad?
Mercury amalgam fillings have been used for decades because they’re inexpensive and relatively easy for dentists to work out. That said they do have disadvantages compared to high-tech composite fillings:
- Require the removal of more tooth structure
- More likely to fall out and fracture
- Don’t have a natural tooth-colored appearance
Can I wait 6 months to fill a cavity?
Every situation is unique, but waiting to fill a cavity can allow it to grow and cause an infection deep inside the tooth. If this happens, a root canal will likely be needed to relieve pain and stop the infection. Generally speaking, fixing a small cavity when it is found early is easier, less expensive, and better for your health than waiting 6 months. If a cavity is found, your dentist will make their recommendation and allow you to make the decision that’s best for you.
Do fillings make teeth weaker?
Composite fillings bond directly to the natural tooth structure and actually make it stronger and less likely to break/fracture in the future.
Can cavities spread to other teeth?
If we see a cavity on a tooth, it’s likely acid-producing bacteria that cause tooth decay will cause cavities in nearby teeth, too. But the cavity itself doesn’t “spread.” Our goal is to help you develop healthy brushing/flossing habits and maintain good dental health with regular exams and cleanings that remove tartar and bacterial buildup. We can also offer advice on tooth-friendly eating habits to minimize your risk of cavities.
Get In Touch
Are you ready to learn more about your options for natural, safe, long-lasting composite fillings?
Call Timberhill Dental at (541) 754-0144
OR
Did You Know?
Timberhill Dental offers second opinions and will help you make the best choice for your health and your smile.