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Composite fillings are a mixture of glass or quartz filler in a resin medium that produces a tooth colored filling. They are sometimes referred to as composites or filled resins. Composite fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small-to-mid size restorations that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure.
The cost is moderate and depends on the size of the filling and the technique used by the dentist to place it in the prepared tooth. It generally takes longer to place a composite filling than what is required for an amalgam filling. Composite fillings require a cavity that can be kept clean and dry during filling. They are also subject to stain and discoloration over time.
Other disadvantages of composite fillings include higher costs and less resistance to wear when compared to amalgam fillings.
Used by dentists for more than a century, dental amalgam is the most thoroughly researched and tested restorative material among all those in use. It is durable, easy to use, highly resistant to wear and relatively inexpensive in comparison to other materials. For those reasons, it remains a valuable option for dentists and their patients.
Although dental amalgam continues to be safe, commonly used restorative material, some concern has been raised because of its mercury content. However, the mercury in amalgam combines with other metals to render it stable and safe for use in filling teeth.
Because amalgam fillings can withstand high chewing loads, they are particularly useful in restoring molars in the back of the mouth where chewing load is the greatest. They are also useful in areas where a cavity preparation is difficult to keep dry during the filling replacement, such as deep fillings below the gum line.
Disadvantages of amalgam include possible short-term sensitivity to hot or cold after the filling is placed. The other disadvantage is that the silver-colored filling is not as natural looking as one that is tooth colored.
Several factors influence the performance, durability, longevity and cost of dental restorations. These factors include: The patient’s oral and general health, the components used in the filling material; where and how the filling is placed; the chewing load that the tooth will bear; and the length and number of visits needed to prepare and adjust the restored tooth.
The patients, after consulting with PEB Dental, can best determine what filling is the best for them.
When a tooth is fractured, has a large, old filling, or is severely damaged by decay, your dentist may recommend the placement of a crown, or cap. Crowns strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure and can improve the appearance of your smile. Types of crowns include the porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, all metal crown, and full porcelain crown.
Fitting a crown requires at least two visits to the dentist office:
At the initial visit the dentist removes any decay and shapes the tooth. Then they take an impression and make a temporary or transitional crown.
At the subsequent visit the dentist removes the temporary crown, fits and adjust the final crown and cements the final crown into place.
Few incidents have greater impact on dental health and personal appearance than tooth loss. When one or more teeth are missing, the remaining teeth can drift out of position, which can lead to a change in the bite, the loss of additional teeth, decay and gum disease.
When tooth loss occurs, your dentist may recommend the placement of a bridge. A bridge is one or more replacement teeth anchored by one or more crowns on each side.
At the initial visit, the dentist prepares teeth on each side of the space to receive crowns and takes an impression of the entire area. A temporary or transitional bridge is then fitted.
At the next visit, the metal portion of the bridge or framework is tried in for fit and accuracy.
At the final visit, the dentist places, adjusts and cements the fixed bridge.
Our dentists at PEB Dental are experienced in all facets of crown and bridges and can assess your oral condition to determine the best treatment for our patients.
Our dentists are highly skilled in fabricating complete and partial dentures. We offer cast as well as flexi partials.
A Complete Denture is a removable prosthesis that replaces all teeth within an arch, thus some patients have only an upper denture, some only a lower and some have both upper and lower complete dentures.
Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases. Depending on your needs, your dentist will design a partial denture for you. A partial denture may have a metal framework and clasps that connect to your teeth, or they can have other connectors that are more natural looking.
