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Forum PointsDENTAL TREATMENTS
RESTORATIONS (FILLINGS)
If
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, into the underlying tooth structure (the dentin),
repair or restoration is necessary.
If
there is sufficient tooth structure remaining after removal of all the
caries, a filling is placed. There are three types of fillings commonly
used:
~^~*Amalgam fillings
~^~*Gold fillings
~^~*Composite fillings
Amalgam (silver) fillings
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.
Gold filling
Gold
fillings are widely viewed of restorations. From a bio-mechanical
perspective, they are the ideal material as they will not tarnish or
corrode and they wear at the same rate as tooth enamel. The placement
of a gold filling requires two separate appointments with your dentist.
At the first visit, the cavity is removed and the tooth is prepared. An
impression is taken of the tooth preparation and a temporary
restoration is placed. A custom made filling is made from the
impression. At the second visit the temporary restoration is removed
and the gold filling is placed. A cast gold filling is made in a dental
lab and sent back to your dentist, who cements it in place in your
mouth. You will need at least two visits to the dentist to get the job
done.
Advantages
Gold fillings is stronger than amalgam fillings.
Gold fillings last a long time.
Disadvantages
Gold fillings costs more than other kinds of fillings.
Gold fillings and crowns are indirect fillings, so they require at least two appointments.
The gold colour may not appeal to people who want a "natural" look.
RESTORATIONS (FILLINGS)
If
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, into the underlying tooth structure (the dentin),
repair or restoration is necessary.
If
there is sufficient tooth structure remaining after removal of all the
caries, a filling is placed. There are three types of fillings commonly
used:
~^~*Amalgam fillings
~^~*Gold fillings
~^~*Composite fillings
Amalgam (silver) fillings
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.
Gold filling
Gold
fillings are widely viewed of restorations. From a bio-mechanical
perspective, they are the ideal material as they will not tarnish or
corrode and they wear at the same rate as tooth enamel. The placement
of a gold filling requires two separate appointments with your dentist.
At the first visit, the cavity is removed and the tooth is prepared. An
impression is taken of the tooth preparation and a temporary
restoration is placed. A custom made filling is made from the
impression. At the second visit the temporary restoration is removed
and the gold filling is placed. A cast gold filling is made in a dental
lab and sent back to your dentist, who cements it in place in your
mouth. You will need at least two visits to the dentist to get the job
done.
Advantages
Gold fillings is stronger than amalgam fillings.
Gold fillings last a long time.
Disadvantages
Gold fillings costs more than other kinds of fillings.
Gold fillings and crowns are indirect fillings, so they require at least two appointments.
The gold colour may not appeal to people who want a "natural" look.
Last edited by ERUM ALI on 23/01/09, 01:07 pm; edited 3 times in total
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