A regular dental examination should be done periodically every 4-6 months depending on your dentist's recommendation. During your routine checkup or oral examination, your dentist will highlight caries, periodontal disease and any other abnormality that may have developed, to you.
Tooth Decay
Caries or more commonly known as tooth decay happens when a single spot on one of your teeth is not cleaned daily, the remaining bacteria will transform themselves into a sticky film substance called plaque. The plaque will produce acids, which eat away at the enamel of the tooth and will eventually cause cavities. When the cavity gets through the enamel, or even deeper into the underlying tooth structure (the dentin), repair or restoration is necessary.
Restorations (Fillings)
If there is sufficient tooth structure remaining after removal of all the caries, a filling is placed
Amalgam (silver) fillings have been used for decades and they remain one of the most commonly used filling materials. They are often referred to as metal fillings. Amalgam is a mixture of silver and other metals, such as copper, tin and zinc, grounded into powdered form. The silver powder is mixed with mercury and placed into the cavity preparation where it is shaped before hardening. In recent years, the safety of amalgam fillings has come under scrutiny because of the mercury it contains. The absorption of elemental mercury is known to be a contributing factor to several diseases, including Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, dementia and arthritis. However, recent studies have proved amalgam fillings to be perfectly safe. It is true, that mercury vapor is toxic but mercury molecules in hardened amalgam are bound to the silver molecules rendering the level of toxicity harmless. The American Dental Association and the Food and Drug Administration have researched the safety of amalgam fillings and have found them to be not only safe but extremely effective.
Composite fillings are the newest type of filling in common usage. They are commonly known as white fillings. They are a porcelain/plastic hybrid that is bonded directly to the cavity preparation. Composite fillings were created as an alternative to traditional metal dental fillings. They are colored to look like natural teeth and are more esthetically pleasing than amalgam or gold fillings. They are also strong, durable, and make for a very natural looking smile.
Advantage
- The composite bonds to further support the remaining tooth structure helping to prevent breakage and damage to your tooth.
- They look more natural as they are color blended to match your natural tooth color. These fillings are often used to improve the appearance of misshapen, chipped or discolored teeth.
- Composite fillings last from six to twelve years or more.
- The procedure usually takes just one visit to your dentist.
- There is very little sensitivity to hot or cold items, often experienced with amalgam fillings.
- The dentist won't need to drill as much of the tooth structure as the composite is applied in layers
If such a filling is not going to be enough to protect your damaged tooth, or if your tooth enamel is thin and will easily fracture, or if your tooth has had a root canal that weakened your tooth condition, your tooth may require additional protection such as a crown.
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