Composite Restorations(Tooth-Colored)
Composites contain small "filler" particles of glass-like material for strength and wear resistance. Some things you should be aware of about composite restorations are as follows:
1. Chewing: Although composites harden completely while you are in the dental chair, you should avoid chewing excessively hard foods such as hard candy, corn kernels, ice, ect. because this material can be broken from the tooth with heavy force.
2. Preventative Procedures: To provide optimum longevity for your restorations and to prevent future dental decay and supporting tissue breakdown, please use the following preventative procedures:
a. Brush with a fluoride-containing toothpaste after meals, and clean your teeth with floss at least once a day.
b. Rinse daily with an over-the-counter fluoride product. Alternatively, a prescription rinse or brush on gel may be prescribed for you.
c. Use a mechanical toothbrush.
Possible adverse outcomes with any restoration include but are not limited to:
1. Stains may occur at locations around edge of tooth restoration. We can often remove these.
2. Chipping at the juncture of the tooth and restoration. Usually these chips can be smoothed.
3. The gingiva (gums) may shrink from the restorations, revealing the edge of the filling. This may require remaking the restoration or modifying the gums.
4. Tooth sensitivity following preparation. This may last a few days to several months.
5. Tooth pulp (nerve) degeneration. As a tooth decays, pulp degeneration becomes more likely, even if no treatment is performed. Generally, the larger the cavity the more likely the pulp will degenerate. This will require root canal therapy and possible crown build-up with or without a post and core.
6. Damage to adjacent teeth, particularly to teeth that are already compromised. If you have a large filling or porcelain restoration, it is possible that all or part of the filling or procelain may break and require a new filling or other procedures to restore the tooth. While this is uncommon because we take great care in preparation, it does still happen occasionally.
1. Chewing: Although composites harden completely while you are in the dental chair, you should avoid chewing excessively hard foods such as hard candy, corn kernels, ice, ect. because this material can be broken from the tooth with heavy force.
2. Preventative Procedures: To provide optimum longevity for your restorations and to prevent future dental decay and supporting tissue breakdown, please use the following preventative procedures:
a. Brush with a fluoride-containing toothpaste after meals, and clean your teeth with floss at least once a day.
b. Rinse daily with an over-the-counter fluoride product. Alternatively, a prescription rinse or brush on gel may be prescribed for you.
c. Use a mechanical toothbrush.
Possible adverse outcomes with any restoration include but are not limited to:
1. Stains may occur at locations around edge of tooth restoration. We can often remove these.
2. Chipping at the juncture of the tooth and restoration. Usually these chips can be smoothed.
3. The gingiva (gums) may shrink from the restorations, revealing the edge of the filling. This may require remaking the restoration or modifying the gums.
4. Tooth sensitivity following preparation. This may last a few days to several months.
5. Tooth pulp (nerve) degeneration. As a tooth decays, pulp degeneration becomes more likely, even if no treatment is performed. Generally, the larger the cavity the more likely the pulp will degenerate. This will require root canal therapy and possible crown build-up with or without a post and core.
6. Damage to adjacent teeth, particularly to teeth that are already compromised. If you have a large filling or porcelain restoration, it is possible that all or part of the filling or procelain may break and require a new filling or other procedures to restore the tooth. While this is uncommon because we take great care in preparation, it does still happen occasionally.
Silver Amalgam Restorations
As you may be aware, some people have been saying that amalgams are dangerous because the silver mixture contains mercury. Silver amalgam restorations are accepted by the American Dental Association. Except for a rare allergy, no known relationships with other diseases or disorders have been scientifically proven to be associated with silver amalgam restorations. However, you should be aware of the following information about silver amalgam restorations:
1. Chewing: Amalgam restorations do not develop their maximum strength for 24 hours. Chew only soft foods on the new restoration until that time.
2. Sensitivity: Metal conducts heat and cold faster than tooth structure. Therefore, you may experience mild sensitivity to hot and cold foods for a few days. This should disappear within one month. If it does not go away or gets worse, please contact us.
Possible adverse outcomes with any restoration include but are not limited to:
1. Small silver amalgam restorations are expected to serve many years in your mouth. However, large restorations (and remaining tooth structure) are more likely to break. If breakage occurs, the involved tooth may require a crown (cap) for optimal strength.
2. As with natural unrestored teeth, do not chew ice or other hard objects. Avoid chewing sticky "hard tack" candy or caramels because they can pull out restorations.
3. Tooth sensitivity following preparation is common.
4. Tooth pulp (nerve) degeneration may happen to any tooth receiving treatment, as explained above in composite restorations.
5. Damage to adjacent teeth, particularly to teeth that are already compromised, as explained above in composite restorations.
6. Aggressive chewing shortly after placement of a silver amalgam filling is likely to break the filling. Contact us immediately if you feel movement or looseness in the restoration, sensitivity to sweet foods, a peculiar taste from the restoration site, or breakage of a piece of material from the restoration.
7. Exposed surfaces of teeth with restorations may still decay, especially if oral hygiene is not optimal, resulting in loss of the restoration. In some cases, this can occur in a few months or years, if not properly maintained.
1. Chewing: Amalgam restorations do not develop their maximum strength for 24 hours. Chew only soft foods on the new restoration until that time.
2. Sensitivity: Metal conducts heat and cold faster than tooth structure. Therefore, you may experience mild sensitivity to hot and cold foods for a few days. This should disappear within one month. If it does not go away or gets worse, please contact us.
Possible adverse outcomes with any restoration include but are not limited to:
1. Small silver amalgam restorations are expected to serve many years in your mouth. However, large restorations (and remaining tooth structure) are more likely to break. If breakage occurs, the involved tooth may require a crown (cap) for optimal strength.
2. As with natural unrestored teeth, do not chew ice or other hard objects. Avoid chewing sticky "hard tack" candy or caramels because they can pull out restorations.
3. Tooth sensitivity following preparation is common.
4. Tooth pulp (nerve) degeneration may happen to any tooth receiving treatment, as explained above in composite restorations.
5. Damage to adjacent teeth, particularly to teeth that are already compromised, as explained above in composite restorations.
6. Aggressive chewing shortly after placement of a silver amalgam filling is likely to break the filling. Contact us immediately if you feel movement or looseness in the restoration, sensitivity to sweet foods, a peculiar taste from the restoration site, or breakage of a piece of material from the restoration.
7. Exposed surfaces of teeth with restorations may still decay, especially if oral hygiene is not optimal, resulting in loss of the restoration. In some cases, this can occur in a few months or years, if not properly maintained.
Whitening
We offer whitening trays, whitening stripes, and non-vital bleaching (placing medication inside the tooth for 7-10 days). Whitening treatment should be done before restorative work. Risks include: sensitivity (potassium nitrate products help decrease it) and wearing away enamel, possibly exposing the dentin.
Please click picture below to connect to our Venus Smile store to order bleaching products sent directly to your home.
Please click picture below to connect to our Venus Smile store to order bleaching products sent directly to your home.
