Dental Fillings - Mooney, Lukasiewcz and Bellavance Dentist
In dentistry today, there are several materials available to us to restore your teeth to optimum health. To aid you in deciding which alternative may be best for you, we have developed this list which provides some details about each material and technique.
What's in a Filling?
Fillings, known clinically as amalgams, are synthetic materials that are used to restore a portion of a tooth damaged by decay or traumatic injury. There are different types of materials used to fill cavities, including gold and metal alloys.
Is Mercury in a Dental Filling Safe?
The American Dental Association cautions that emotional reports claiming amalgam is responsible for a variety of diseases are confusing and perhaps even alarming people to the point where they will not seek necessary dental care. Moreover, the ADA maintains that there has been no scientific evidence to show that amalgams are harmful because the miniscule amounts of mercury are so stable, they present no risks to humans. There have been rare cases of patients developing allergic reactions to amalgams.
Silver Amalgam - Amalgam has been used by dentists for over 150 years to restore teeth. It is a mixture of silver, nickel, tin copper and zinc using mercury to mix these components together. Approximately 10 years ago, there was controversy that silver amalgam could expel mercury in your body at levels high enough to cause systematic diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis or Alzheimer’s Disease. This has been proven to be not true by studies done at the National Institute of Health, the F.D.A. and the A.D.A. However, we do know that silver amalgam can and will chip and break teeth as the size of the filling increase. We also know that silver can stain teeth as it ages. The average life span of a silver amalgam is 12-14 years.
Composite - These “tooth-colored” plastic fillings have been used by dentists since the 1970's in different formulations. It is bonded into place and comes in shades to match your tooth color and therefore is more esthetic than silver amalgam, however these plastic fillings are of limited strength. The average longevity is 3 to 6 years before needing replacement. The fee for a composite is approximately 30% more than a comparable sized silver filling. Composite fillings on back teeth are reimbursed at a lower level and can result in greater out of pocket costs for you.
Crowns - A crown or "cap” is a restoration that covers the entire tooth to support it. They are indicated for use in cases where either decay, fracture, of massive fillings have left little of your natural tooth. Crowns are a very predictable restoration that have been used in dentistry for centuries. They are made of gold, porcelain, or a combination of the two. A crown will provide both strength, and a lifelike appear¬ance to your tooth. They have a life span that is significantly longer than amalgam or composite fillings, but requires that we prepare more of your natural tooth to place it. In some cases it may be necessary to perform endodontic therapy or a "root canal" prior to placing a crown. To place a crown typically involves two appointments.
Cerec - A cerec restoration is a computer generated filling or crown that is bonded into your tooth. When it is bonded in place it will restore the tooth to a strength comparable to the strength of the natural unrestored tooth. It can be placed with a less invasive preparation than a typical crown, preserving more of your natural tooth. The cerec porcelain material comes in colors to closely match your existing tooth shade. It is performed in one visit and has the life span comparable to a traditional crown.
Alternative Materials
There are alternatives to conventional substances used in amalgams, such as gold and metal alloys. These include materials made from porcelain and composite resins, which are colored to match natural tooth enamel. Unfortunately, few materials can match the strength and durability of conventional dental amalgam and may need more frequent replacement.
Common amalgam alternatives include:
Composite fillings - As stated, composite fillings are just what the name implies: a mixture of resins and fine particles designed to mimic the color of natural teeth. While not as strong as dental amalgam, composite fillings provide a pleasing aesthetic alternative. Sometimes composite resins need to be cemented or bonded to a tooth to allow for better adhesion.
Ionomers - Like composite resins, these materials are tooth-colored. Ionomers are made from a combination of various materials, including ground glass and acrylic resins. Ionomers are typically used for fillings near the gum line or tooth root, where biting pressure is not a factor. They are more fragile than dental amalgam, however. A small amount of fluoride is released by these compounds in order to facilitate strengthened enamel in the affected area.
Porcelain (ceramic) - These materials are usually a combination of porcelain, glass powder, and ceramic. Candidates for porcelain fillings are typically crowns, veneers, and onlays and inlays. Unlike ionomers, porcelain fillings are more durable, but can become fractured if exposed to prolonged biting pressures.
Sealants
The pits and grooves of your teeth are prime areas for opportunistic decay. Even regular brushing sometimes misses some of these intricate structures on the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Enter sealants, which are thin coatings applied to the chewing surfaces designed to prevent the intrusion of bacteria and other debris into the deep crevices on the tops of your teeth.
Sealants actually were developed about 50 years ago, but didn't become commonly used until the 1970s. Today, sealants are becoming widely popular and effective; young children are great candidates for preventative measures like sealants because in many cases, decay has not set in. Even on teeth where decay is present, sealants have been shown to fight additional damage.
Sealants are applied by first cleaning the tooth surface. The procedure is followed by "etching" the tooth with an abrasive substance, which allows the sealant to better adhere. After the sealant is applied, a warm light source is directed to the site to promote faster drying. Sealants usually need re-application every five to 10 years.
We hope this gives you some insight into the current materials and techniques available to you to restore your teeth. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
