A Safer, More Thoughtful Way to Treat Cavities
Cavity fillings in Bonney Lake WA are approached differently at Ecologic Dentistry. Dr. Carla Yamashiro believes that dental care should not only repair teeth but also support your long-term health. That is why she uses safe, biocompatible materials and techniques that are gentle, effective, and aligned with whole-body wellness.
Getting a cavity filled should not be a stressful experience. At Ecologic Dentistry, the focus is on helping you understand what is happening and giving you options that feel right for your body. With a calm, personalized process, you are treated with respect every step of the way.
Patients from Tehaleh, Puyallup, and Lake Tapps often choose this approach because it feels thoughtful and transparent. Dr. Yamashiro is known for taking time to explain options clearly and for using materials selected with both safety and long-term comfort in mind. Her focus on biologic principles and patient education helps people feel confident that their care supports more than just their teeth, it supports their overall wellbeing.
Why Cavity Fillings Are Necessary
Cavities form when bacteria and food particles break down tooth enamel over time. In the early stages, decay often causes no pain, which is why many cavities go unnoticed. Left untreated, they can grow deeper and lead to infection or tooth loss.
A filling stops that process by removing decay and restoring the tooth’s structure. When done early, fillings are smaller, more comfortable, and less invasive. This helps preserve as much natural tooth as possible.
How a Biologic Filling Approach Is Different
Traditional dentistry often relies on silver amalgam fillings that contain mercury or standard composite resins chosen for convenience. These materials may restore the tooth, but they are not designed with immune response or long-term compatibility in mind.
A biologic approach focuses on how materials interact with the body over time. Fillings are selected to be BPA-free and 100 percent mercury-free, helping reduce unnecessary chemical exposure. The goal is not just repair, but restoration that supports overall wellness.
Types of Fillings Used at Ecologic Dentistry
Not all fillings are created equal. At Ecologic Dentistry, materials are chosen for strength, appearance, and compatibility with the body. Safety and long-term comfort matter just as much as durability.
BPA-free composite resin is used for most fillings and blends naturally with tooth color. Ceramic fillings may be recommended for larger areas and are metal-free and highly biocompatible. Mercury and silver amalgam are never used.
Biocompatibility Testing for Dental Fillings
Not every person responds to dental materials the same way. In traditional dentistry, the same material is often used for everyone, without testing how the body may react. A biologic approach recognizes that immune response can vary.
When appropriate, biocompatibility testing may be recommended. This can involve sending a small blood sample to a specialized lab to evaluate how your immune system responds to specific resins or ceramics. This testing is not required for everyone, but when used, it adds another layer of confidence in material selection.
How Fillings Compare to Other Treatments
Fillings are only one part of the restorative process. Sometimes, other options may be needed depending on the size and location of the decay. Here’s how fillings compare to similar treatments:
| Treatment | When It’s Used | What It Does | Materials at Ecologic Dentistry |
| Filling | Small to medium cavities | Restores strength and appearance | BPA-free composite, ceramic |
| Inlay | Larger or deeper cavities | Reinforces biting surface | Ceramic or porcelain only |
| Onlay | Covers one or more cusps | Strengthens tooth without crown | Ceramic, no metals |
| Crown | Severe decay or cracks | Full coverage protection | Biocompatible, metal-free options |
When to Get a Cavity Checked
The best time to treat a cavity is before it starts to hurt. Most small cavities do not cause symptoms, which is why routine exams and cleanings are so important. Catching decay early keeps the treatment small, easy, and affordable.
You should consider making an appointment if you:
- Have not had a dental exam in over six months.
- Notice food getting stuck in a particular spot.
- Feel sensitivity when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods.
- See discoloration or rough spots on your teeth.
- Experience mild discomfort when chewing on one side.
People from Tehaleh, Lake Tapps, and Prairie Ridge often say they felt better once they understood what was going on. The earlier a cavity is caught, the easier it is to treat.
A Healthier Way to Restore Your Smile
At Ecologic Dentistry, every filling is treated as an opportunity to restore more than just your tooth. Dr. Yamashiro views dental repair as a step toward balance and resilience for the entire body. The materials used are selected not only for their strength and durability, but also for how they interact with your immune system and surrounding tissues. You are never treated with a one-size-fits-all plan. Instead, your visit is shaped around your comfort, health goals, and lifestyle.
From the moment you sit down to the moment you leave, you are supported by a team that understands how much dental care affects everything else you do. Patients from Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and Prairie Ridge choose this approach because it feels thoughtful, respectful, and aligned with their health goals. Restoring your smile is not just about teeth, it is about your overall vitality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during a filling appointment?
A filling appointment begins with a conversation about what was found and why treatment is recommended, so you always know what to expect. The tooth decay is carefully removed preserving tooth structure, and the area is cleaned before placing a BPA-free, mercury-free filling material chosen for your needs. The pace is calm and unhurried, with comfort guiding each step, and you are involved in decisions throughout the visit.
What should I expect after a filling?
Most patients feel little to no discomfort after a filling, though mild sensitivity to temperature or pressure can occur briefly. Your bite is checked and adjusted as needed, and you receive clear guidance on brushing, flossing, and follow-up care to support healing. If anything feels unusual afterward, the team is available to help, because care and support continue beyond the appointment itself.
Are the materials used in fillings safe?
Many patients want to avoid materials like mercury, BPA, or metals in their dental care, and that concern is understandable. Modern fillings are commonly made from BPA-free composite resins or ceramics that are widely considered safe and biocompatible, and many practices intentionally avoid mercury and metal altogether.
For patients who want to minimize chemical exposure even further, metal-free and BPA-free options are available and can be selected based on comfort, durability, and long-term compatibility.
Will I feel pain during a filling?
Worry about pain is one of the main reasons people delay fillings, even when they know treatment is needed. For most patients, getting a filling involves little to no discomfort because the area is fully numbed with safe local anesthetics before any work begins.
Modern techniques focus on gentle care and efficiency, so most people feel only mild pressure or vibration, and the numbness typically wears off within a couple of hours. If you are especially anxious or sensitive, letting your dentist know allows them to adjust the pace and provide extra comfort measures.
How long do fillings last?
Most patients want reassurance that their filling will last and be worth the investment. Composite and ceramic fillings are both strong and natural-looking and often last many years, sometimes a decade or longer, with good brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits.
Longevity depends on factors like bite pressure, grinding habits, diet, and overall oral hygiene, which is why routine checkups matter. Advances in dental materials continue to improve durability, and regular exams allow small adjustments or repairs before bigger issues develop.
OR Call (253) 863-7005
18008 State Route 410 East, Suite A
Bonney Lake, WA 98391
Dr. Carla Yamashiro, The Holistic Dentist
Ecologic Dentistry, PLLC
Voted one of Seattle's Top Dentists six years in a row
