What is a cavity?

Cavities are a common dental issue that refers to the presence of holes in teeth, caused by decay. Typically, the surrounding area of the cavity will appear dark brown or gray. Bacteria in your mouth, found in plaque, are the main culprits of cavities. These bacteria interact with carbohydrates and sugars in your food, creating an acidic environment that dissolves the protective enamel on the outer layer of your tooth. Once the enamel is compromised, the softer dentin layer is exposed, leading to the formation of a cavity. If left untreated, the decay process will quickly progress and spread deeper into the tooth. It’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding sugary foods, to prevent cavities and other dental problems.

Composite Fillings vs Metal Amalagram

Tooth colored fillings, also known as composite fillings, offer several benefits over amalgam fillings:

Aesthetics: Tooth colored fillings are made of a tooth-colored resin material that can be matched to the natural color of your teeth, making them virtually invisible. In contrast, amalgam fillings are silver or gray in color, which can make them more noticeable, particularly in the front teeth.

Bonding: Tooth colored fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, creating a tight seal that helps to prevent further decay. In contrast, amalgam fillings do not bond as well to the tooth structure and require the removal of healthy tooth structure to hold them in place.

Preservation of Tooth Structure: Since tooth colored fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, less healthy tooth structure needs to be removed during the preparation process. This means that more of the natural tooth can be preserved, which is important for long-term dental health.

Durability: While amalgam fillings have been used for many years and are known for their durability, tooth colored fillings have also been shown to be durable and long-lasting. With proper care, composite fillings can last for many years.

Safety: There are concerns about the safety of amalgam fillings due to the presence of mercury. While the American Dental Association maintains that amalgam fillings are safe, some individuals prefer to use alternative materials, such as tooth colored fillings.

Ultimately, the choice between tooth colored fillings and amalgam fillings depends on the individual’s preferences, the location and extent of the decay or damage, and the dentist’s recommendation. We can help you choose the best option for your needs and preferences.

WHY DO YOU NEED A DENTAL CROWN?

In the past, you may have had fillings to repair your teeth therefore you may wonder why you require an onlay or crown this time? Both of these options are an ideal way to restore teeth that have large, old restorations that can’t be repaired. Dental crowns also help to strengthen teeth after root canal therapy. These restorations are also recommended to restore a tooth that has been fractured or extensively damaged by decay in a way that a filling can’t fix.

Crowns are designed to adhere to your remaining tooth structure and cover your tooth like a cap. This allows it to encase the entire tooth, so you can eat, chew, brush, and floss with ease again.

What Types of Dental Bridges Are Available?

Dental crowns generally have a uniform structure, but the various types of dental bridges exhibit distinct variations in their structure. At present, four different types of dental bridges are available: traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported. The traditional dental bridge is composed of two dental crowns utilized as anchors with a fake tooth or teeth placed in the middle, making it one of the most widely used types of dental bridges. Similarly, a cantilever bridge utilizes an anchor crown only on one adjacent tooth to the missing tooth. Due to the potential excessive strain on the anchor tooth, cantilever bridges are usually not recommended, although they may be necessary towards the back of the mouth. A Maryland dental bridge, like a traditional dental bridge, employs the same structure, but instead of dental crowns, it employs a metal framework attached to the backs of the two teeth on either side of the gap. Finally, an implant-supported dental bridge is identical in structure to a traditional bridge, but with dental implants serving as the anchor teeth.