Tooth Colored Fillings

 

When a tooth has decay or has been damaged, a dental restoration is needed to "restore" the tooth to its previous healthy condition. A dental filling is one of the most common and well-known types of restorations. A dental filling is used to repair decayed or damaged tooth surfaces. Most people have a few fillings in their mouth.

If you have old silver amalgam fillings, we can replace them with nearly-invisible tooth-colored fillings. These fillings are made out of a strong composite resin. Many of our patients have replaced their old silver fillings with fillings matched to their teeth. You can improve your smile instantly and relatively inexpensively by getting rid of the "silver or metal."

Another reason some of our patients have had their old silver fillings replaced is because they are concerned about the possible heavy metal toxicity of the mercury in the silver.

If you would like to replace your amalgam (silver) fillings, call us at 314-965-3500 to schedule a consultation. We are currently accepting new patients and would be happy to show you around our dental office and introduce you to our friendly team.

Smile – it increases your face value!

Does Antiseptic Mouthwash Replace Flossing?

  
An antiseptic mouthwash does not replace flossing and brushing, according to the American Dental Association. In fact, in most cases an antiseptic mouthwash is primarily cosmetic, unless it is prescribed by a dentist, meaning that the formula will be stronger and more effective. Mouthwashes and rinses can actually cover up smells which might indicate dental problems which need to be addressed. For this reason, dentists stress that regular dental care, including checkups, is very important.

In 2005, the company which makes Listerine® antiseptic mouthwash was specifically warned against using the phrase “as effective as flossing” in its advertisements. Flossing is a crucial element of dental care because it gets in between the teeth, removing embedded food and scouring away plaque. Flossing accesses places that a toothbrush cannot reach, and a fair amount of physical pressure is involved to make flossing effective. No mouthwash can mimic the action of flossing, despite advertising claims.

Because antiseptic mouthwash is swished around in the mouth, it cannot effectively remove plaque from the surface of the teeth. The mouthwash may kill bacteria, but only for a short period of time. Within a few hours, the natural flora of the mouth will have replenished itself, despite claims made by antiseptic mouthwash manufacturers. Brushing is also an important part of oral care, because it removes plaque from the surface of the teeth and can also be used to clean the tongue. Some antiseptic mouthwashes may also lead to dry mouth, because of the high alcohol content of some mouthwash products.

When a dentist prescribes antiseptic mouthwash, it is usually to treat a specific condition, and the mouthwash is formulated to act over a period of time longer than a few hours. Even so, the patient is directed to use the mouthwash frequently, and is told to continue flossing and brushing. In most cases, an antiseptic mouthwash merely removes oral debris and a small amount of bacteria. The primary benefit appears to be the fresher scent and taste of the breath, but if a consumer has bad breath, it is an indicator of ill health which should be addressed by a dentist, not an over the counter antiseptic mouthwash.

An antiseptic mouthwash should not be used instead of flossing and brushing. In order to be most effective, a mouthwash can be used after the teeth have been brushed and flossed, making them as clean as possible. It should be swished in the mouth firmly for 30 seconds to one minute. All of these aspects of home dental care should also be supplemented by regular visits to our practice for checkups and professional teeth cleanings.

What you eat can affect your teeth!

Americans are consuming foods and drinks high in sugar and starches more often and in larger portions than ever before.  It is clear that "junk" foods, drinks and foods high in carbs and fats gradually have replaced nutrious beverages and foods for many people.

Alarmingly, a steady diet of sugary foods and drinks can ruin teeth, especially among those who snack throughout the day.  When sugar is consumed over and over again in large amounts the harmful effect on teeth supplies food for bacteria which produces acid.  The acid in turn can eat away the enamel on teeth.

Almost all foods have some type of sugar that cannot and should not be eliminated from our diets.  Many of them contain important nutrients and add enjoyment to eating.  But there is extra risks for tooth decay if your diet is hight in sugars and starches.  Starches can be found in everything from bread to pretzels to salad dressing, so read labels and plan carefully for a balanced and nutritious diet.

Reduce your risk of tooth decay:

• If you choose to consume sugary foods and drinks, do so with meals.  Saliva production increases during meals and helps neutralize acid production and rinse food particles from the mouth.
• Limit between-meal snacks.  If you crave a snack, choose nutritious foods, and consider chewing sugarless gum afterward.  Sugarless gum increases saliva flow and helps wash out food and decay-producing acid.
• Drink more water.  Consuming optimally fluoridated water can help prevent tooth decay.  If you're choosing bottled water, check the label for the fluoride content.
• Brush your teeth twice daily and floss daily  with ADA - Accepted dental products.
• See us regularly for dental check-ups.

Types of Dental Examinations

This blog is covering the types of dental examinations that we use to aid in appropriate treatment. The first examination is the comprehensive oral evaluation. As the name implies, this is an examination that should involve the entire oral complex. This exam is done most frequently with a patient who is new to our dental practice or who has not been seen by their dentist for a number of years. During this exam, we will review the patients current and past medical history as well as the patients current and past dental history. There is often much to be learned before even looking in the patients mouth. A patients expectations, past dental treatment and anxiety level can all be discussed to aid in making the patient more comfortable and informed. Once we begin to examine the patient we will look at much more than teeth. We will also look at the patients periodontal (gums) health. This is accomplished by measuring the space between the teeth and gums.  Excessive tooth wear or mobility of teeth should also be noted. The comprehensive exam will also include an oral cancer screening and a review of any bite or TMJ (jaw joint) issues. After a visual examination, often a complete set of dental x-rays will be imaged. A complete radiographic series should be accomplished every 3-5 years depending on the patients condition. Occasionally, diagnostic molds (impressions) of the teeth will be taken as well as photographs of the mouth. All of this information will be used to determine the level of health and potential need for treatment.

The next type of exam to is the periodic exam. This is accomplished during the patients recare and follow up visits. A review of the medical and dental histories will be accomplished. Since the patient is known to the practice the depth of the exam is lessened but still involves evaluation of the entire oral cavity. This exam can be done by the dental hygienist or dentist, and commonly both. The need for current x-rays will be evaluated depending on the patients condition. The patient should have the results of the exam discussed, as well as any recommendations for necessary treatment.

The most obvious dental examination is the problem focused, or “emergency” exam. This type of exam would take place when a patient realizes that they have a problem and need to seek dental care. Commonly this would occur with the fracture of a tooth or filling or the occurence of pain or trauma. As you would imagine, a diagnosis will need to be made before treatment is rendered, and arriving at the correct diagnosis can be quite obvious, or it can be quite a challenge. Visual examination, past dental history, and appropriate dental x-rays are all tools to aid in arriving at a correct diagnosis.

Hopefully, this blog will help our patients understand that not all dental exams are the same. Each is critical to optimal dental health for the individuals that we treat.