White Fillings

White Fillings in Salem, OR

The smart and healthy fix for cavities

How our dentists fix cavities

Even if you’re brushing and flossing regularly, cavities can happen to anyone. Your genetics, the foods you eat, and other factors can all affect your likelihood of getting a cavity. But with regular checkups and exams, the dentists at our Salem office catch cavities early when they’re still small and easy to repair with a durable white composite filling.

Your dentist will…

  • Explain the process and make sure you’re numb before getting started
  • Remove decay and prepare your tooth
  • Bond the composite resin in place
  • Shape and polish it for a picture-perfect restoration

Advantages of white fillings

Compared to mercury amalgam fillings, your white composite filling will…

  • Look more like a natural tooth
  • Strengthen the remaining tooth structure
  • Be free of metal and mercury
  • Be smaller and less noticeable

Keep an eye out for cavities, especially in your kiddos

Sensitivity to pressure and sweet or hot/cold foods and drinks are the most common signs of a cavity. But kids especially have a tendency to hide these symptoms. Keep an eye out for kids who are favoring one side of their mouth, avoiding certain foods, or who seem extra tired in the morning (a toothache can make it hard to sleep).

Cavities in a child’s baby teeth are more serious than most parents might think. Left untreated, they can cause serious infections and other health problems — just like cavities in adult teeth. Untreated cavities can become extremely painful toothaches that might require a root canal or even extraction to eliminate decay and infection. Teeth that are removed tend to cause problems like misalignment in neighboring teeth, TMJ pain, and even bone loss in the jaw.

Be aware that much of the time, you might not feel anything at all when you have a cavity. That’s why it’s so important to keep up with your dental exams and checkups. Early detection of tiny cavities is key!

Dentistry is teamwork

When you visit Healthy Smiles Family Dental, you’ll see how friendly and experienced team works together — and closely with you — to achieve smiles that are both healthy and beautiful. Even if it’s been years since your last visit to the dentist, we’re here to help not judge. Our Salem practice is known for a commitment to:

  • High-tech care
  • Quality and affordable treatments
  • Full-service dentistry for patients of all ages

You’ll feel confident about the care you’re receiving and about what the future holds for your smile.

Insurance and Financing Options

We can work with most insurance plans. If you don’t have dental insurance, we offer a variety of flexible payment options, including CareCredit.

Invest in your dental health and save!

We offer CareCredit and discount plans through Principal and Carrington. Our office can also arrange payment plans with automatic withdrawals from your bank account.

Whether you have dental insurance or not, we’ll help you get the care you need at a price you can afford. 

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions but prefer not to call? Browse our FAQs for quick answers and a better understanding of our dental office and services.

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing or damaged teeth. They act as artificial roots and support crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Most healthy adults who have missing or damaged teeth with sufficient jawbone density are good candidates. During your consultation, our team of expert dentists will assess your teeth and gums to see if implants are the right fit for you.

With proper care and regular dental check-ups, implants can last 15 years or longer. With the right maintenance, possibly a lifetime.

The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, and most patients report minimal discomfort. Mild soreness tends to occur afterwards and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Caring for implants is similar to caring for natural teeth—daily brushing and flossing with regular dental visits. These steps are essential for long-term success.