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Well, it looks as though Spring is finally arriving. We'll soon be able to enjoy those beautiful days outside planting flowers, getting the barbecue grill in shape for our 'special recipe' burgers, playing a round on the local golf course, or just hanging out enjoying the warmth of the sun!
Everyone deserves a good case of Spring Fever and no matter how you choose to cure yours, I hope you have a wonderful Spring season.
Dr. Alan M. Smolen |
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A smile is a curve that sets everything straight. ~Phyllis Diller |
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| Greetings!
Do you still have a mouthful of silver fillings? If you do, you might want to think about replacing them. These fillings, called "amalgams", were the best we had to offer in dental fillings for many years. Today there are other options that perform much better, from both a dental health perspective and an esthetic point of view.
Amalgams are held in the tooth by mechanical retention. They are "plugs", if you will, that fill the holes left by dental decay. Over time, amalgams can shrink and wear causing leakage that leads to decay around the amalgam. Because there is no physical joining of the filling to the tooth structure, amalgams, larger ones especially, can weaken the tooth. The remaining tooth structure actually flexes when you chew. This can lead to cracks hidden under the fillings.
You may think that because you have your teeth checked and x-rayed on a regular basis, that you don't need to be concerned. Look at your x-rays the next time you come into the office. If you have amalgams, you will see large white areas. Metal obstructs the x-rays so that you can't see through it. Therefore, by the time we can actually see something developing around an amalgam, it has usually passed the point of minimal treatment. |
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What's Hiding Under Your Amalgams?
Sometimes it can be too late. Here the crack goes all the way into the nerve of the tooth. |
Options to Dental Amalgams
Composites are one option when replacing amalgams. Unlike amalgams, composites are resin materials that are actually bonded to the tooth structure so that leaks are prevented and the tooth structure becomes stronger. Instead of a 'plug' that lets the tooth walls flex, the tooth is actually held together and supported by the resin bonded material to prevent the tooth from flexing and cracking. And...an added bonus...this material looks like the enamel of your tooth.
Another option is a cast porcelain restoration. This category includes inlays, onlays, and crowns. These restorations are also bonded in place so that they actually strengthen and support the tooth structure. Porcelain restorations give the best esthetic results. They can make you appear to have a mouthful of perfect, untouched teeth!
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| If you would like to discuss replacing your silver amalgams, please call or make an appointment to come in for a consultation. |
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