Category Archive for ‘Dental Care’

October 14, 2018

Why should I get a composite filling instead of an amalgam filling?

by admin / Posted in Dental Care, General Dentistry
When you need to get a cavity filled, your doctor may present you with a number of options. It can be confusing and intimidating to have to choose between the two or more different types of fillings that can be used. In this article we will discuss two of the most common types of fillings, a composite filling and an amalgam filling.

What is the difference between the two?

An amalgam is a kind of filling material that has been used for more than 150 years. It is a mixture of metals: liquid mercury, and a powdered allow composted of silver, tin, and copper. The mercury is used to bind together the other metals to form the amalgam. About fifty percent of the amalgam is mercury by weight. A composite filling is a resin made from plastic and glass. The resin is tooth-colored and is used to help restore small to medium sized cavities or decay in teeth. The fillings are able to withstand the pressure and constant stress of chewing. They can be used on the front or back teeth, and, for people who prefer their fillings to look more natural, they are an excellent choice.

How are the fillings applied?

For the amalgam, the dentist will mix the powdered alloy with the liquid mercury to form the amalgam putty, after the tooth has been drilled to remove any decay. The softened putty is then placed and shaped in the cavity to where it rapidly hardens to form a filling. A composite filling is placed after drilling the decayed part of the tooth, then thoroughly cleaning the tooth, before finally drying the area to be filled. The composite is then placed in successive layers and hardened using a special light. The process continues in this way until the cavity is filled. Finally, the composite is polished to help prevent staining and early wear. The composite will then bond with the remaining structure of the tooth. This helps to prevent further breaking, and to also insulate the teeth from excessive temperature changes. Because composites preserve your natural smile, they have a clear advantage over amalgam fillings. The process can often be done in a single visit. Your dentist can even match the shade of your natural tooth by blending the composites. If the patient fears excessive staining, then a  clear plastic coating can be applied. Composites do tend to wear out sooner in large cavities, but they hold up just as well in small cavities. The amalgam does offer a strong and long-lasting filling that is less likely to break, and is also the least expensive type of filling material. But, it does carry with it some risks: The elemental mercury present in over 50% of the amalgam filling may release low levels of mercury vapor that can be inhaled. Mercury can accumulate in the body, causing damage to the brain and kidneys. According to the FDA website: “High levels of mercury vapor exposure are associated with adverse effects in the brain and the kidneys”. Dental amalgam fillings are generally considered safe for adults and children older than 6, as the amount of mercury vapor accumulated is not enough to damage vital organs. There are some disadvantages to composite fillings. They tend to cost more and may not be covered by all insurances, so be sure to check with your provider. However, as composites improve, more insurance companies may  increase their coverage of composites.

What makes composite fillings a better choice

Your smile is your signature, and many people want to preserve the signature they were born with, or have spent hundreds of dollars on perfecting. Don’t let a single cavity undo all that work! Composite fillings offer two big advantages over amalgam fillings: you get to retain your natural smile, and they do not contain any elemental mercury. Composite fillings are a fantastic choice for keeping your smile looking natural and healthy. While the mercury present in amalgam fillings might not be harmful, you may still be allergic to any of the other metals present in the filling. Also, the effects of the mercury vapor on fetus development and children breastfeeding has not been adequately researched for there to be enough data to make an informed recommendation.

The secret best option

Even those of us who keep up with their regular oral hygiene routine may develop a cavity. That is why it is important to maintain a regular oral health routine to help ensure your teeth remain strong and healthy throughout your lifetime. Here are some of the best practices to maintain your oral health:
  • Brush twice a day, or more if eating sweet or sticky foods.
  • Brush with short, even strokes, being sure to reach every tooth surface. Don’t push hard when brushing, your teeth don’t need to be handled roughly.
  • Use a fluoridated toothpaste to help rebuild your tooth enamel. Check the label before purchasing a toothpaste to make sure that it is fluoridated. Fluoride helps rebuild the enamel of your teeth, repairing small cracks and decay!
  • Floss at least once a day to help remove plaque build up from between the teeth.
  • Avoid damaging foods, like sugary drinks, or hard candy.
  • Avoid habits that help destroy your teeth, like smoking.
  • Visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups at least once every six months.
Follow these simple rules and you can be sure to preserve your smile for your entire life. Always be sure to consult your dentist when you are unsure about what steps to take to improve your oral health. Even if you have not taken care of your oral health in the past, each day you do adds up overtime. Oral health is a long-term project. When considering what type of filling to get from your dentist, consider the information presented in this article and talk with your dentist. They may have a recommendation that can make the decision making process easier.
Dental Fillings
October 1, 2018

Why Switch to White Composite Fillings?

by admin / Posted in Dental Care, General Dentistry
If you currently have silver amalgam fillings and want to change the filling, you may wonder what a white composite filling offers. Whether it is because you dislike the metal color of the filling, and like many people prefer the natural color of your tooth, a white composite filling is a good choice as an alternative. They are tooth-colored and can be blended by your dentist to match the look of your tooth. In this article, we’ll look at the different types of fillings available and why you might consider going with a white, or composite filling instead.

What is a composite filling? What is an amalgam?

White fillings, also known as composite fillings, are made of a variety of materials, often either resin, with some being made from a ceramic or glass ionomer material. White composite fillings are becoming more and more popular as having a beautiful smile is the most important thing for many patients. White composites offer a better aesthetic and are less invasive than silver amalgam fillings. A silver amalgam filling is made up of an alloy of the metals mercury, silver, copper, tin and zinc which is used to fill cavities. These are often referred to as simply amalgam fillings. This kind of filling has been used by dentists for more than 100 years to fill and preserve decayed teeth. Silver amalgam fillings are very durable, typically lasting 10 to 15 years and they are strong enough to withstand chewing forces and pressures. They also can be less expensive than some other filling materials, but they do not match the tooth’s natural color, putting them at a substantial disadvantage. Silver amalgam fillings and white composite fillings each have different methods of application. Silver amalgam fillings require the dentist to create a mixture of liquid mercury and various other metals. The mixture is then applied to the tooth, where it quickly sets. White composite fillings are applied differently, in a series of layers alternatively hardened before the next layer is applied. A special high intensity light is used to “cure” or hardens the layer. After the layering process  the dentist will then shape and contour the composite material to the shape of your natural tooth before finally trimming and polishing the final restoration.

What is the process of getting a tooth filled?

A filling always begins with a cavity. A cavity is a hole in the tooth caused by the buildup of plaque on the tooth. After a dentist identifies the decay on the tooth, they will then often have to fill the cavity to prevent further decay, or repair a damaged tooth. To treat a cavity, the dentist will first remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then fill the cavity with a filling material. Doing this  will help to prevent the spread of more decay and restores the teeth so they can be used to do their job of chewing and breaking down edible materials. Fillings can also be used to repair cracked or broken teeth, or teeth that have been worn down through bad tooth habits, like nail biting or tooth grinding. The dentist will first apply a local anesthetic in order to numb the area around the tooth. Next, the dentist will use a tool, such as a drill, or air abrasion instrument, or even a laser, to remove the decayed area. The choice of tool depends on the dentist’s skill and training, as well as the location and extent of the cavity and the availability of the equipment. After the drilling, the dentist will check to see if all the decay was removed by probing the site. Satisfied there is no more remaining decay, the dentist will clean the space of germs and debris and then prepare it for filling. Finally, after the filling the dentist will finish and polish the tooth.

What are the benefits of a composite filling?

White composite fillings offer many advantages, the strongest being able to matching the natural color of your teeth. Most people have spent good money on making sure they have a healthy smile. Why would you ruin it with a silver amalgam filling, when you can preserve your smile with a white composite filling? White composite fillings also bond to your tooth structure, which helps to create a stronger support for the filling. They also are extremely versatile. They are used to repair worn, chipped, or broken teeth in addition to filling a cavity. They also spare healthy tooth structure, as less of the structure will need to be removed in order for the cavity to be drilled and set. While composite fillings may require a slightly longer visit, because of the setting process, they offer huge advantages. Some other white fillings also exist on the market, like the previously mentioned glass ionomer. A glass ionomer filling is made of acrylic and a specific type of glass. The glass ionomer will actually release fluoride, which helps protect the tooth from further decay. However, glass ionomer has a short durability, lasting five or fewer years, but newer methods are being developed to prolong their lifespan

Why should I not get a silver amalgam filling?

Silver amalgam fillings may be available at a low cost, but they come with some pretty hefty disadvantages. First, they are not aesthetically pleasing as many people prefer to have their natural tooth color preserve where possible. They also discolor the surrounding tooth structure, often creating a grayish hue. Silver amalgam fillings will also require more destruction of the tooth by the dentist, as healthy parts of the tooth may have to be removed in order for there to be enough room for the use of the amalgam. Silver amalgam fillings are made with elemental mercury, and therefore it carries with it some risk. The mercury used in the filing can decay and become a vapor, that when inhaled in high amounts, can lead to major damage to the brain and kidneys. However, the FDA has found no link between the silver amalgam fillings and health problems, and considers them safe for adults and children over 6. Additionally, for only a small percentage of people, the elemental mercury used in silver amalgam fillings may cause an allergic reaction. As for infants and fetuses, there simply isn’t enough data available for the FDA to make an accurate evaluation on the effect of silver amalgam fillings on their health. The FDA has recently made a statement saying “Dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetuses” and “Pregnant women and persons who may have a health condition that makes them more sensitive to mercury exposure, including individuals with existing high levels of mercury bioburden, should not avoid seeking dental care, but should discuss options with their health practitioner.” When considering silver amalgam fillings, talk with your doctor to make sure that  you have considered all your options, and listen to their recommendation. Consider a white composite filling next time your doctor informs you that you need to have a filling to help preserve your wonderful smile.
Clean Teeth daily teeth routine
August 22, 2018

8 Tips for Good Dental Hygiene

by admin / Posted in Dental Care

  1. Brush at least twice daily

    Brushing at least twice a day is the bedrock of good dental health. Brushing your teeth helps break up plaque, a sticky layer of matter that is home to bacteria. It accumulates on the teeth, including in parts of the mouth a toothbrush can’t reach. It is created when the food you eat cause the bacteria in your mouth to produce acids. Plaque also produces compounds that irritate the gums and can sometimes lead to gum disease. At Golden Smiles Dental we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice every day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use a brush which is of a small enough size to fit your mouth and allow you to reach all areas easily. Use soft short strokes, reaching the all surfaces of your teeth: the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces. You can also brush your tongue to help freshen your breath. Most dentists recommend to brush between three to four minutes, which is the average length of a song. Choose your favorite song to listen to in the morning and you’ll be sure to go the full length needed.

  2. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride

    When brushing, use a toothpaste with fluoride in it. Fluoride is a mineral naturally present in foods and water. Fluoride makes the tooth more resistant to the plaque that builds up during the day, helping to prevent tooth decay. It can sometimes even reverse tooth decay! Fluoride is in most kinds of toothpaste, so using a brand with fluoride helps prevent tooth decay while you brush. When you next visit Golden Smiles Dental for a cleaning,you may also have fluoride applied directly to your teeth. Getting fluoride and calcium in your diet is another way to help keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free.

  3. Floss daily

    Flossing gets rid of plaque buildup in areas that brushing cannot reach. Namely, between teeth and under the gum-line. There are a many types of dental floss you can choose from. One, like a dental ribbon, is smoother and more comfortable than traditional floss. A dental ribbon is perfect if your gums ache or bleed when you floss. Flossing is the best way to fight gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can become a risk factor for diabetes, heart disease among other conditions. Bacteria can also cause bad breath and flossing will improve the appearance of your smile. It is better to floss once a day and to do so slowly than many short sessions over the course of the day. Next time you’re at Golden Smiles Dental or at your dentists office, feel free to ask about the best flossing techniques. The dentists will be happy to demonstrate how to floss the proper way so you can be sure to keep your smile plaque free.

  4. Limit acidic and sugary drinks and food

    Acidic drinks, such as soft drinks, fruit juices, and coffee, will wear down your teeth. When you drink a sugary, or acidic drink, the bacteria in your mouth will interact with the sugar in the drink to create acid. This combined with the acid present in the drink create a double-whammy of acid. These are the two main effects soft drinks have on your teeth: The first is the erosion of the outermost layer of your teeth, called the tooth enamel. When it is damaged it reduces the surface hardness of the tooth. Soft drinks can also affect the next layer of your tooth, which is called the dentin. This damage caused by sugary and acidic drinks can create cavities, which are formed over time as bacteria and plaque build up in a pocket in the enamel of the tooth. You don’t have to completely stop drinking soft drinks. Use a straw to bypass the teeth, and brush soon after to help keep the worst effects at bay. Brushing regularly will help repair your teeth.

  5. Eat foods that protect tooth enamel

    There are a lot of foods that are both tasty and easy to make that help with keep up with your dental health. Consuming these foods instead of high-sugar foods is a great way to help your teeth and help maintain your daily health. Here are just some of them:
    1. Black and green tea contain a substance that helps disrupt the bacteria that live in your mouth. Drinking just a few cups a day can possibly help fight bad breath. Tea contains some compounds that control the bacteria’s creation of order creating substances.
    2. Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables create saliva. Saliva is nature’s natural cavity fighter. Saliva contains minerals like calcium and phosphate which help repair the enamel on your teeth. Dairy products, such as cheese, yogurt and milk, also contain calcium and phosphate that help restore your tooth enamel.

  6. Go to regular check ups

    At Golden Smiles Dental, your dentists is your number one ally in your journey to healthy oral and dental health. Regular check-ups are the best way to keep track of your dental health status and to assess what treatments are needed. You want to have at least two check ups per year, generally two months apart. At the appointment, the dentist will check on your overall oral health, then look for cavities. X-rays might be taken to detect cavities between teeth. They will also look for the buildup of plaque and tartar. Tartar is hardened plaque and cannot be removed by regular brushing. They will also examine your gums, using a special tool to measure the depth of spaces between your teeth and gums. Shallow spaces means healthy gums. Your teeth will also get a thorough cleaning at the visit. Specialized tools are used to clean the tartar that has built up. Next, they will polish your teeth to help remove any surface stains. Finally, your teeth will be flossed to make sure all areas of your teeth are cleaned.

  7. Only use your teeth for chewing food

    Teeth are very easy to chip, break, or damage a tooth when using incorrectly. Hard items will put more stress on your tooth enamel than the enamel can handle. Ice, in particular, is very damaging to tooth enamel. Its hardness and coldness will cause your enamel to expand as you chew. This will cause the enamel to develop tiny cracks. Smoking or chewing tobacco also disrupts your mouth’s immune response and will dry out your mouth. This exposes the roots of your teeth, which doesn’t have the hard enamel of the rest of the tooth. This makes them particularly susceptible to being damaged. Cavities and gum disease are just one common side effect of chewing and smoking tobacco.

  8. Don’t over-brush your teeth.

    It is possible to wear down your tooth enamel through over brushing. Vigorous brushing or brushing too many times a day can wear down the enamel on the teeth, as well as damage and push back the gums. Plaque is so soft that doesn’t need to be scrubbed off. It is so soft it could be removed with a gentle rag. Focus on being thorough in your brushing getting all surfaces of the teeth. Aggressive brushing offers no further benefit. Take a soft-bristled brush and go in slow, short strokes about the size of the tooth, several times in the same spot. Apply just enough pressure to feel the bristles against the gums. If you squish the bristles, you’re pushing too hard.
Follow these eight tips and you’ll be on your way to having fantastic dental health!  If you’d like a free dental examination, call Golden Smiles Dental in Rancho Cucamonga, CA to schedule an appointment.