Teeth are the only visible part of the human skeleton, and this exposure makes them susceptible to damage and decay from various factors. Sugar, a staple in the Western diet, plagues Americans’ dental health. This addictive ingredient is commonly added to food and beverages, and even refined carbohydrates like white bread break down into sugars. Though saliva contains remineralizing agents like fluoride, food and beverage particles that get stuck in between the teeth, between the teeth and gums, and in the surface grooves of the crowns can lead to the development of dental cavities.
Cavities occur in the mouth after plaque forms on the teeth. Plaque, a sticky, bacteria-laced biofilm, eats away at the outer layer of the teeth, or the enamel, which eventually causes a hole in the tooth. In some cases, cavities are so extensive that they erode the enamel and the underlying dentin.
We always recommend what is best for your teeth, whether that is dental crowns or a filling or even a dental implant. Thus, it is important that you understand why one may need a crown and what purpose the crown itself serves.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are commonly referred to as dental caps since they cover an entire area of the tooth or the entire tooth. Customized to specification in a laboratory, the dental crown performs a variety of functions that are very important. Two of these functions include preventing infection and support for damaged teeth. The dental crown works to prevent an infection by covering the teeth that have a great deal of decay. We are always working to prevent bacteria from spreading, which means it is often wiser to get a dental crown after removing the infection.
Upon placement, the dental crown immediately provides support for damaged teeth. The extra support helps to preserve the functionality of the teeth themselves. It also prevents further damage from occurring or from forcing the mouth to adapt to a damaged tooth, which can lead to misalignments or a bite that is not quite aligned.
Dental Crown or Dental Filling
The question then arises, when does a patient actually need a dental crown and when can they get by with just a filling? Ultimately the choice to get a crown belongs to the patient. We will give the patient the necessary information and advice to help them make an educated decision. Patients need to keep in mind that protecting their teeth, and keeping them in the best condition, is a better health choice all around. Crowns are necessary after a Root Canal Procedure to protect the integrity of the tooth. Root canal teeth become brittle and weak because the nerve is no longer viable and there is no blood supply to that tooth.
In comparison to white fillings and porcelain restorations, silver fillings are not chemically bonded to the teeth. Over time the silver tends to expand and the remaining walls of the healthy teeth tend to crack because of it. it’s quite common to get the old silver filling replaced with a different dental filling.
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- Mario Perez
Silver Filling Replacements
People may have different reasons to have their silver fillings (“restorations”) replaced; the nonesthetic appearance of these dental restorations, the common “mercury scare”, the prevention of caries and cracks, and many more. At Bliss Dental we strongly recommend the General Dentist performing an evaluation of these teeth in question as well as of the overall oral cavity to be able to recommend an optimal treatment plan based on patients’ demands, expectations, and on ideal dental care. Bliss Dental takes pride in being able to recommend optimal treatment plan to patients, all while optimizing beauty. With the current dental materials and technology available, ideal dental treatment can be performed all while increasing the cosmetic appearance of somebody. Although appearance may not always be the priority from a clinical point of view, nowadays ideal dentistry can be performed in an esthetic manner.
In comparison to resin composite restorations (white fillings) and porcelain restorations, silver fillings (or Amalgam Restorations on Dental lingo) are not chemically bonded to the teeth; they are mechanically “locked” into place. Over time the material tends to expand, a physical property called “Creep” in dental terminology. Not only do the margins or borders of these fillings get compromised, but the remaining walls of the healthy teeth tend to crack because of it. It is quite common for teeth to actually break or crack because of it.
It is important for people to be proactive from a dental point of view. Regular appointments at the dentist are strongly recommended for the dentist to evaluate the overall dentition and determine whether treatment is recommended, and whether silver fillings could stay or should be replaced.
Upon replacement of the silver filling, the general dentist will evaluate the amount remaining of healthy tooth structure. If compromised, a full coverage porcelain crown will be recommended to add protection to the tooth to avoid future fracture. Should there be enough healthy tooth structure upon removal of the silver filling a porcelain inlay/onlay (indirect restoration – a filling performed by a laboratory and bonded onto the teeth afterwards by the dentist) or a composite restoration (white filling) will be the recommended treatment given by the dentist.
During the examination it is possible the dentist may recommend not replacing certain silver fillings that may appear to be very deep and close to the nerve of the tooth if the margins or borders of the filling still appear to be intact or not compromised. That is a decision both the dentist and the patient will need to agree upon.
Composite Fillings
We can place a composite resin filling fairly quickly. This is an affordable and durable restoration that will look similar to a regular tooth. We make sure to complete the procedure in a way that is comfortable, effective, and fast. In some situations, depending on the patient and the position of where the filling will go, we can complete a filling every 30 minutes. If you live in the Kendall area, we encourage you to consider the many benefits of getting tooth-colored fillings instead of amalgam ones.
Silver vs. Tooth-Colored Filling: What You Should Know
Tooth-colored fillings are safer for your health since they consist of resin or a plastic material. Silver fillings are typically not silver, but a metal alloy that includes several materials with mercury among them. There have been numerous health warnings regarding the overexposure to mercury, which is why pregnant women are warned to stay away from tuna. While many people believe amalgam fillings are perfectly safe, the data can be contradictory from study to study. If you want to avoid the risks that come with mercury exposure, select tooth-colored fillings, or replace your existing silver fillings. Visit our Florida dental office for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Resin fillings match the shade of your natural teeth while providing the necessary level of protection. While many refer to a composite resin as a “white” filling, the actual shade may be more of a crème, if that is what is necessary to blend in. Composite resin fillings function in the same way amalgam ones do, so they are still effective for restoring teeth that have suffered from decay or fracture. However, they can blend in and become more discreet for other patients.
The biggest advantages of composite vs. amalgam fillings is that composite tooth-colored fillings do not stand out. If you have a cavity and need a filling, you can select a restoration that stands out when you smile or one that blends in. Patients do not have to worry about other people noticing the tooth-colored fillings. Another advantage is not having any mercury in the filling and decreasing the risk of other health risks. To learn more about this option, call (305) 274-6500 and schedule an appointment with our Kendall, FL dental office.
In our 33183 dental office, we use composite fillings to restore tooth structure after removing the pieces of tooth that have decay. In other cases, we will use composite fillings to restore tooth damage. For example, if a tooth is chipped or loses some of the enamel, a filling may be the appropriate restoration.
No. At Bliss Dental, we place fillings on a frequent basis, but in order for this type of restoration to work, you need to have a certain amount of healthy tooth structure remaining. If you are missing too much of the tooth’s structure, a dental crown may be the better solution. In this case, a crown surrounds the tooth like a cap, providing a stronger and more protective restoration.
Composite dental fillings are just one type of tooth-colored fillings available. While professionals can use the alternate types of tooth-colored fillings interchangeably, there is more than one way to receive a tooth-colored filling. Natural-looking fillings typically consist of resin, ceramic, plastic, or glass ionomer; the most common material being composite resin. While all materials are effective, glass ionomer lasts the least amount of time since the material is more fragile.
There is no set expiration date, but Dr. Gaertner warns patients that fillings can deteriorate and wear down just like normal teeth. This makes it important to practice good oral hygiene and to brush with a soft or electronic toothbrush while avoiding biting down on anything inedible like a pencil.
If you live near Kendall, FL, Bliss Dental offers Tooth Fillings among its services, and is conveniently located at 8501 SW 124th Ave Ste 104 Kendall, FL 33183
No, you need to care for your fillings just like you do your other teeth. You need to brush at least twice a day and floss on a daily basis. We recommend using fluoride toothpaste, since this can help to further strengthen your teeth and prevent further decay. In some cases, we may even recommend a fluoride treatment in our dental office. You should also be careful to avoid doing anything that could damage your teeth and wear a mouthguard if applicable. Keep in mind that a filling is there to restore your tooth structure both in appearance and in functionality. This means we are not trying to restrict your activities or even what you can eat. Instead, we place fillings to ensure your life is not interrupted and you can return to your normal daily activities quickly.
If you need to have a filling placed, we will first need to remove the decayed portion of your tooth and complete a thorough cleaning. Next, we will place the composite resin filling material on your tooth and shape it before the hardening. The shape needs to be just right so your bite will fit together correctly. It can take a couple of days to get used to eating on the tooth. Thus, while it will not be particularly uncomfortable, you may have one day where you feel as though you are adjusting. For more specific information, call 305-274-6500 to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose Dr. Gaertner of Bliss Dental
As the son of a dentist, Dr. Gaertner’s passion for dentistry began at an early age. Following high school, Dr. Gaertner attended Nova Southeastern University in Florida where he earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Biology, then graduated with his Doctorate of Dental Medicine (D.M.D) degree. Dr. Gaertner has practiced dentistry in both the United States and his home country of Belgium and now calls the Miami area home.
He practices a variety of dentistry, including Cosmetic Dentistry, Smile Makeovers, Dental Crowns, Porcelain Veneers, Root Canal Treatments, Invisalign, and so on. Dr. Gaertner has also integrated the use of Dental Lasers and Botox injections into his practice.
Bliss Dental is a full-service facility, offering top-notch patient care and providing services that range from routine dental care to endodontics to cosmetic and restorative dentistry services that enhance patients’ smiles.
If you live in Kendall, Florida call 305-274-6500 and schedule your appointment to experience why patients trust Bliss Dental with all of their restoration needs.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Terms. 2015
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2015
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2015
