Dr. Dyer Family Dentistry Preventative Services
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Sometimes called silver fillings, dental amalgams are actually a mix of mercury, silver, tin and copper. The amalgam usually comes in a capsule that is broken to make the amalgam paste that the dentist molds into the tooth cavity. The paste hardens in few minutes to match the hardness of the tooth. The amalgam can last for many years. It requires one or two visits to do a cavity filling with amalgam.
Dental amalgam is preferred as a restorative substance for the back teeth because of its hardness. Back teeth are designed for chewing and grinding which the amalgam handles very well. Old Amalgam can be removed if it is corroded too much. It can be replaced with more amalgam painlessly.
It has been proven that the mercury used as a binding agent is safe. When combined with other metals in the amalgam, mercury is completely harmless. In fact the amount used is so little that it is equal to what one is exposed to in the air and water.
This is a tooth colored glass and plastic mixture that is used for filling teeth. This is an alternative to amalgam. The composite is laid on layer by layer on the lost tooth structure after which the dentists use a special light to harden, shape and polish it. This can be done in a single visit.
Composites are ideal for crown fillings for trauma and broken teeth they can also be used for shaping teeth and closing small gaps. They have been found to be more aesthetically than amalgam fillings. When used in small cavities, they can last just as long as amalgam.
The use of both crowns and bridges can help you to maintain a healthy, attractive smile. When you have a damaged, unattractive, unhealthy, missing, or otherwise abnormal tooth, you can use either of these methods to fix the problem. They are fixed into your mouth to give you the appearance of natural teeth. They are high quality and, unlike dentures, will remain in place. You can eat, drink, smile, and talk with them without any noticeable changes outside of their intended purpose. You can speak to a dentist about having a crown or a bridge fitted to your teeth to improve their quality, health, and appearance.
These are removable replacements for missing teeth. Dentures can be full or partial. Full dentures are mimicry of the whole upper or lower jaw, complete with the 16 teeth. To be placed, all teeth must be removed on the jaw so that the denture rests completely on the gum. This calls for removing of all teeth on the jaw and allowing for healing. Partial dentures are replacement for one or two teeth. The replacement is attached to the adjacent teeth with safety clasps.
Full dentures are preferred for teeth loss from old age and when over half the teeth have been lost. Partial dentures are ideal for those who want natural looking replacements for one or two teeth, especially on the front row.
These are relatively new developments in dental restoration materials. The denture is made from flexible plastic. They are more aesthetically appealing. The metallic taste that some people find in metal dentures is also absent. They are ideal for those allergic to metals.
Root Canal Treatments
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that is carried out to treat infection at the root canal system of a tooth. It is usually carried out to repair a badly damaged tooth. This procedure involves complete removal of the damaged part of the tooth, cleaning of the area and later disinfecting the teeth. Later on, the tooth is filled and sealed. Some of the known causes of root canal problems include, cracked tooth, repeated dental procedures to the tooth and deep cavity. The following are some of the things to expect during root canal treatments:
