Dentures are removable devices usually made of acrylic or a combination of chrome cobalt alloy (metal) and acrylic. They can be a complete denture that replaces all the teeth on the upper or lower arches or they can be a removable partial denture that replaces only the missing teeth on an arch that still has some of your own teeth.

Composites are tooth colored plastic fillings that are bonded to the tooth.

Onlays or crowns are usually used on premolars and molars that have been chipped.

Chipped teeth feel rough to the touch and to your tongue. There are countless ways someone can chip a tooth; rough-housing, football, boxing and normal every day activities. The important thing to remember about a chipped tooth is to see your dentist right away.

If you see your dentist right away, the minor treatment he will do to fix the tooth will prevent major treatment to correct it later.

Only your dentist can really evaluate the damage to a chipped tooth. If the chip is deep the damage might be more severe. If the inner tooth (pulp) is damaged it could affect the nerve endings and that could mean serious problems.

“How does the dentist fix a chipped tooth?”

Your dentist has several options when it comes to repairing a chipped tooth:

• Enamel- shaping or filling for small chips
• Bonding veneer- for larger chips
• Onlay- is a solution if the chip is on a molar or pre-molar
• Crown - if the fracture is too large for a filling

Ask us about chipped teeth.

Amalgam

Some people believe having metal in your body is dangerous to your health but numerous studies have shown that this is not true.

Amalgam is commonly used to treat and fill cavities. It is used to treat cavities based on its strength and durability. Amalgam is the most inexpensive type of filling compared to other options such as porcelain, composite or gold.Amalgam is made of an equal amount of elemental liquid mercury and an alloy powder containing silver, copper, tin and usually a small amount of zinc.

Amalgam controversy is a debate over the use of amalgams, which contain mercury, as a dental filling. Some people beleive that having metal in your body is dangerous to your health. It is recomended to research this on your own. If you are allergic to mercury, your dentist will not recommend any use of mercury .

Ask your dentist about more information.

Ask Stephen E. Stein
D.D.S., P.A.

When it’s time to see the dentist, do you try to cram a year’s worth of hygiene into the last few days? While the last minute brushing may make you feel better, it can’t take the place of good everyday habits. Pay attention to your teeth all year long and you’re much more likely to get a clean bill of dental health on your visit. And consistent oral care does more than just keep your dentist happy, it also helps prevent problems associated with tooth decay, or caries, also known as cavities.

Sugar, Sugar

Your parents warned you that too much sugar causes cavities, and it turns out they were right … sort of. More accurately, the bacteria in your mouth live off the sugars in your food and produce acids that slowly wear down the surfaces of your teeth, making them more prone to caries.

So yes, Mom and Dad, avoiding sugary foods is often helpful in preventing decay, but you can’t completely cut sugar out of your diet. That’s why it’s also important to decrease the amount of time that sugar sits on your teeth by brushing regularly. By giving those acids less time to weaken your teeth, you can ensure that you spend less time in the dental chair.

Cavity Search

At your regular appointment, your dentist or hygienist will examine your teeth for caries using a pick and mirror and/or dental X-ray. If caries are detected, they’ll recommend the appropriate treatment. However, in between appointments, you can also do your part by being on the lookout for signs of decay. Some of the common symptoms include:

- Chalky, white spot anywhere on your tooth
- Increased sensitivity to heat and cold
- Visible holes or indentions in teeth
- Toothache or pain when biting
- Discoloration or soft spots on tooth surface

Caring for Caries/Cavities

In its early stages, caries is sometimes reversible — fluoride treatments may actually help rebuild the tooth enamel. However, in most cases, your dentist will need to remove the decayed material and replace it with a filling. Luckily, thanks to modern advances in dentistry, most dentists now use plastic fillings that look and feel like natural teeth.

If the decay is extensive, or left untreated for long periods, it may require additional treatments as well. Crowns, root canals and in some cases extraction can stop caries in its tracks and spare you the discomfort of more serious dental problems down the road.

Remember, prevention is the most effective method for dealing with caries, so make sure to brush all year long and see your dentist regularly. If you think you may have early signs of caries, make an appointment right away. The sooner any possible problems are treated, the more easily your dental team can get your teeth back on track.

Cavities

The South Beach Diet™ and Enter the Zone warn that “bad” carbs affect your waistline. That might be debatable, but one thing’s for sure: “Bad” carbs are bad for your teeth. So bad, in fact, that they cause cavities.

Dental cavities, also known as tooth decay and dental caries, are a disease of the teeth that results in the destruction of tooth enamel. Cavities develop when foods containing “bad” carbohydrates — such as soda, cake and candy — are left on the teeth. Dental problems related to cavities result in more school absences than any other childhood disease.

Symptoms of Cavities

Chances are, if you have cavities, you’ll know soon enough. For example, years of gulping down an ice-cold soda every time you hear Def Leppard sing “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” might eventually cause a toothache. That toothache is actually a common symptom of a cavity. Another telltale sign is bad breath. An easy way to spot a cavity is to simply look at your teeth — if you see holes or pits, they are probably cavities. Some cavities, however, can only be detected by using X-rays or other sophisticated dental equipment.

Treating Cavities

Once you get a cavity, wishing it away won’t do any good. Neither will chewing on the other side of your mouth. The only way to treat a cavity is to visit the dentist. Dentists usually treat cavities by removing the decayed part of the tooth and replacing it with a dental filling.

Fillings can be made of:

- Amalgam — Durable, easy to use, highly resistant to wear and economical. Amalgam is typically silver or black in color and contains mercury.

- Composite — A tooth-colored mixture of glass and quartz in a resin medium. Composite fillings are less noticeable than amalgam but not as durable.

- Glass Ionomers — A translucent, tooth-colored mixture of acrylic acids and fine glass powders.

- Porcelain — A ceramic material that mimics a tooth’s natural color. Porcelain is very durable and virtually invisible to the naked eye.

How to Prevent Cavities

It might be tempting to follow Ernestine Ulmer’s advice, “Life is uncertain — eat dessert first,” but if you want to prevent cavities, skipping dessert is probably the better way to go. The fact is one of the simplest ways to preserve your teeth is to eat well-balanced, nutritious meals and to limit snacking.

Combining healthy eating habits with these steps can help reduce the risk even more:

- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily.
- Use supplemental fluoride (if approved by your dentist).
- Ask your dentist about getting dental sealants.

Remember, cavities are an equal opportunity disease and anyone can suffer from them. Studies show that cavities are particularly common in children and young adults, and that rates have been fuelled by an increase in sugars in the diet, and poor dental hygiene. But your teeth have a good chance at remaining healthy and decay-free if you practice good dental hygiene and visit your dentist on a regular basis.

Dental sealants offer a great way to protect your child’s permanent teeth from cavities.

Dental sealants are a clear and protective coating that is applied to the biting surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant protects the tooth from getting a cavity by shielding against bacteria and plaque. Sealants are most commonly placed on children’s permanent back teeth because they are more prone to cavities. Most insurance companies pay for sealants on children’s teeth. They can also be placed on adult’s teeth.

Contrary to popular belief, dental sealants are not meant to replace fluoride in your dental care program — sealants are meant to work with fluoride. Fluoride protects the smooth surfaces of teeth from decay; sealants protect the chewing surfaces. Therefore, using both ensures a well-rounded preventive dental care routine.

Composite resin fillings are best for those who care a lot about aesthetics as well as function, because they can match natural-teeth color. That makes it perfect for patients who don’t want to smile showing front teeth with a touch of silver (which may turn bluish-gray over time). Composite fillings are versatile enough to also be used for repair of chipped, broken or worn teeth. They are not as inexpensive as amalgam fillings but also don’t last as long.

Humans have always had cavities, and throughout history they’ve sought out better and better ways to treat them. That’s why today’s dentists have so many tried and true materials to choose from when it comes to placing a filling. If you have a cavity, your dentist may use metal, like gold or amalgam, but most dentists also offer more natural-looking alternatives, such as composite fillings.

The composite resin used in this type of filling is made from a blend of quartz, glass and plastic resin, and can be used for both front and back teeth. Because they mimic natural tooth color, they are often preferred by patients who dislike the look of metal fillings.

Reasons for Resin

While every type of filling has its own advantages and disadvantages, dentists who choose composite fillings generally do so because they:

- Are typically smaller than other fillings and require less tooth structure to be removed
- Provide a more aesthetic look
- Bond to the tooth for additional support and tooth strength
- May cause less sensitivity to heat and cold than metal fillings
- Allow dental care for patients with metal allergies

Talk to us about what type of fillings we recommend in your situation. Although composite resin is a popular choice, it’s not for everyone. The material is slightly more expensive than metal fillings and can require more chair time to place. In addition, composite fillings may not last quite as long as other materials and, just like your natural teeth, can become stained or yellow over time. Let your dentist know about your goals, budget and preferences to help choose the right method for your dental care.

Have Your Fill

During your appointment, we will numb the tooth and surrounding area with a local anesthetic and use a drill, laser or air abrasion tool to remove the decayed material. The composite resin is applied in layers, with a special light being used to harden each layer before the next is placed, until the entire cavity is filled. Finally, your dentist will make sure the shape of your filling does not interfere with your bite and finish off by polishing it for a natural-looking, white appearance.

Aftercare

It is normal to experience some sensitivity to extreme temperatures immediately after receiving your filling. If needed, your dentist can suggest a desensitizing toothpaste. Most patients will not need any pain relievers and can eat and chew normally as soon as the numbness wears off.

The most important thing to remember is that while composite fillings are an effective way to treat your cavities, your dentist would much prefer that you prevent them all together. After receiving your filling, it’s usually a good idea to reevaluate your oral hygiene regimen to make sure you’re brushing and flossing properly — because even the most natural looking filling can’t compare with beautiful, healthy teeth.

Imagine what it would be like to just have your partially decayed teeth yanked out by forceps, a tool similar to pliers and tongs. That was the way it was many, many years ago for generations who believed forceps were their only hope to rid themselves of toothache caused by a partially decayed tooth.

Thanks to Scribonius Largus, a Mesopotamian physician, for believing that decayed teeth can still be saved with less violent procedures (like yanking them out of the mouth with forceps). Because of his idea, fillings were born, and many generations of people after that didn’t have to deal with forceps.

Fillings are simply material that “fill” spaces left by decayed tooth which dentists remove to restore the tooth. They are used to repair cracks or broken areas and to replace parts that have been worn down.

The dental filling process is simple, usually done with only one or two dental visits - dentist removes decayed area, cleans it up and fills it with chosen kind of filling.

Fillings come in various types, depending on the size of the space to be filled and the patient’s choice with regard to aesthetics, durability and cost.

Amalgam Fillings
These are also known as silver fillings, the most common fillings seen in most open mouths as they are the least expensive and are so durable, they outlast many hairstyle fads, fashion trends and celebrity divorces. Aside from its most obvious vanity drawback (so un-tooth-like color), this filling type usually requires more healthy parts of the tooth be removed to make a space large enough to hold the filling. That’s the irony of “restoration” with amalgam fillings.

Composite Resin Fillings
Composite resin fillings are best for those who care a lot about aesthetics as well as function, because they can match natural-teeth color. That makes it perfect for patients who don’t want to smile showing front teeth with a touch of silver (which may turn bluish-gray over time). Composite fillings are versatile enough to also be used for repair of chipped, broken or worn teeth. They are not as inexpensive as amalgam fillings but also don’t last as long.

Cast Gold
If there are silver fillings, there are gold. We’re talking real gold here, understandably making these fillings 10 times more expensive than most. They are also more durable than other fillings, lasting up to 35 years. They require up to two dental office visits to place and can’t look like natural teeth. That makes having fillings a good excuse for rich people to showcase some gold, not on their jewelry or apparel, but in their mouths.

Ceramic Fillings
Another tooth-colored alternative to composite resin fillings are ceramic fillings, which are often made of porcelain, making them more resistant to staining. They are chemically bonded to natural teeth which can even strengthen them and may last for over 15 years.

Inlays and Onlays
These are more visually appealing, stronger and longer-lasting alternatives to traditional fillings, used when not enough structure exists to support a filling or when a tooth is not so damaged that it needs a crown. Read more about inlays and onlays here.

Temporary Fillings
That’s just what they are — temporary fillings not meant to last for a month. These are used for a variety of situations:

- when there is not enough time or money to complete a full filling procedure (patient used his lunch hour to get a filling, which brings us to the next reason)

- for emergency dental treatment (patient can’t bear his toothache for another minute, that’s why he had to go to the dentist on his lunch hour)

- to follow a root canal (decay was that bad)

Whatever kind of fillings they are, fillings are simply “teeth saviors” — they save decayed teeth from being pulled out even with the most modern forceps.

In dentistry, calculus or tartar refers to calcified deposits on the teeth, formed by the continuous presence of dental plaque. Its rough surface provides an ideal medium for further plaque formation, threatening the health of the gingiva. Calculus absorbs unaesthetic stains far more easily than natural teeth.Calculus accumulations occur in the absence of adequate oral care. Once formed, it is generally too firmly adherant to teeth to be removed with anything available to an individual at home; patients with calculus must therefore visit their dental professionals so that the calculus can be removed with ultrasonic tools and specialized sharp instruments.

How do your teeth feel when you roll your tongue over them? Is it smooth like porcelain, or is it rough? If it’s the latter, chances are that you have tartar buildup.

Tartar, also called calculus, is plaque that has hardened on your teeth. Plaque is a film of colorless bacteria that sticks to your teeth like a needy boyfriend or girlfriend. Bad oral hygiene habits cause plaque to build up and tartar to eventually collect above your gum line, which provides more sticky surfaces for plaque to grow on that again collect tartar. It’s a vicious cycle.

Not only is tartar a plaque magnet, but also a stain magnet. It absorbs stain from coffee, tea or smoking so easily that over time, it paints your teeth a strange kind of yellow or brown – colors that kindergarten kids do not usually associate with teeth. This may create self-esteem issues especially when people start to compliment you for such an authentic-looking pirate costume (with matching pirate breath).

This plaque-and-tartar partnership doesn’t just push people away, feeding personal insecurities, but also spawns more serious health issues as well, such as cavities and gum disease that at its worst leads to tooth loss. Yes, tartar is stickier than we give it discredit for, also because you can’t remove tartar yourself. But you can keep it from causing all that mess. Begin by going to your dentist, because only a dentist can remove tartar with a process called scaling. The dentist or hygienist uses special instruments to remove tartar from your teeth and below the gumline.

Your responsibility continues outside your dentist’s office with preventing tartar from coming back. All you need to do is to practice good oral hygiene habits – brush at least twice a day with fluoride or tartar control toothpaste, floss daily – and see your dentist regularly every 6 months. That’s not too much to do if you want to tick “mouth,” “teeth” or “gums” off your insecurity list.

Without plaque and tartar drawing bacteria and disease to your mouth, your teeth and gums will be happier than ever – and you can confidently draw more people to you and your healthy smile.

Fluoride is a naturally occuring compound that can help prevent dental decay.

The fluoride ion comes from the element fluorine. Fluorine is an abundant element in the earth’s crust in the form of the fluoride ion. As a gas, it never occurs in its free state in nature, but exists only in combination with other elements as a fluoride compound. Fluoride compounds are components of minerals in rocks and soil.

The American Dental Association reports that Fluoridation, the providing of Fluoride via the drinking water in adequate quantities is the single most effective public health measure.

Are you thirsty for dental health? If so, you’ll be glad to learn how an ordinary glass of water can help to strengthen your teeth. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral so beneficial to your smile, many communities even add it to their water supply.

Water naturally contains a small amount of fluoride, as do some foods. Increasing this fluoride content creates a constant “treatment” to prevent tooth decay and rebuild weakened enamel. Regular contact with these small doses helps maintain the surface and structure of your teeth.

The Function of Fluoride

Throughout the day, your teeth are exposed to acids that can break down enamel and lead to decay — fluoride helps inhibit these acids from attacking the tooth surface. More importantly, it helps restore the minerals that have been worn down and repair weak spots in the enamel. Fluoride is also especially beneficial for children because it becomes integrated with growing teeth and helps develop resistance to acids later in life.

Treat Your Teeth

In addition to the small amounts of fluoride you eat or drink, dentists recommend you brush with a fluoride toothpaste. At your regular checkups, your dentist will typically treat your teeth with a higher concentration of fluoride to protect your teeth year round. If needed, your dentist can also prescribe fluoride supplements or recommend a fluoride mouth rinse.

Who Needs it Anyway?

All patients benefit from fluoridated water, regular dental treatments and quality toothpastes, but for some teeth, fluoride is especially necessary. These include individuals with:

- Dry Mouth Conditions — Some medications and conditions reduce saliva production and make it harder to neutralize acids on the tooth.

- History of Gum Disease — Gum disease, or gingivitis, means your teeth are exposed to more bacteria and at higher risk for cavities and decay.

- Frequent Cavities — A history of cavities is a good indication that your teeth may benefit from additional fluoride.

- Braces, Crowns or Bridges — Anyone with dental fixtures such as these should take special care to prevent decay and keep teeth healthy and strong.

- Recent Teeth Whitening — A post-whitening fluoride treatment helps reduce sensitivity to heat and cold and restores important minerals to the tooth surface.

While fluoride is important for all adult teeth, it is also highly recommended for children — just remember that any dental treatment for children should be carefully supervised, so talk to your dentist before introducing fluoride into your kids’ routine. Regular, responsible use can help the whole family keep healthy teeth and give you something to smile about!