A Health Guide to the Three Modern Methods of Saving Your Teeth from Decay
September 7th 2007 15:19
Seeing a dentist at least once a year is an advice we've all heard of since our younger years. The reasons for doing so are varied: for a cleaning, a filling, or a more complex procedure. By becoming aware of the many facets of both familiar and more advanced procedures, you may be able to improve the results.
Left alone, a decayed tooth can become infected, causing pain and eventually the loss of the tooth. Modern dentistry can prevent this from happening with these three methods:
1. Dental amalgams. For moderately decayed teeth, dentists drill the cavity and fill it with a strong material - usually a dental amalgam made of silver, tin, copper, and mercury. In the past decade, concerns have been raised over the mercury in amalgams. When fillings break down, as they all eventually do, small particles of mercury enter the bloodstream, and some people feared that this might increase the risk of arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. But studies have found no link between medical disorders and amalgam fillings that contain mercury. It appears that the amount of mercury released by the amalgam is so minute that it doesn't do any damage. Health experts say that amalgam is safe for all but a small number of people who are specifically sensitive or allergic to mercury and who may suffer severe health problems even from low exposure.
2. Crowns. Also called caps, these fit over a badly decayed or damaged tooth. Most are made of porcelain fused to metal, but some people opt for stronger gold for back teeth. The positioning of a crown may leave a small space between it and the remaining part of the tooth, providing a place for plaque to collect. Be sure to brush thoroughly - but gently - around the gum line of a cap and to floss daily. Ask your dentist if you should do anything extra, such as using an antiplaque mouthwash, an electric toothbrush, or a dental-irrigation system (a Water Pik, for example).
3. Sealants. These plastic films, which bond to the chewing surfaces of teeth and act as a barrier to bacteria, prevent decay. They have been used primarily among children, but many adults could also benefit from sealants. However, the resin does not adhere to metal fillings.
If you loose a tooth, your dentist will replace it, because leaving gaps in your mouth can cause the teeth to shift and crowd one another, increasing the possibility of cavities and gum disease. Teeth that have greatly shifted may also change your bite; this can affect the jaw joints and muscles and may lead to pain and difficulty chewing. Without a full set of teeth, your cheek and other facial muscles may sag.
Left alone, a decayed tooth can become infected, causing pain and eventually the loss of the tooth. Modern dentistry can prevent this from happening with these three methods:
1. Dental amalgams. For moderately decayed teeth, dentists drill the cavity and fill it with a strong material - usually a dental amalgam made of silver, tin, copper, and mercury. In the past decade, concerns have been raised over the mercury in amalgams. When fillings break down, as they all eventually do, small particles of mercury enter the bloodstream, and some people feared that this might increase the risk of arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. But studies have found no link between medical disorders and amalgam fillings that contain mercury. It appears that the amount of mercury released by the amalgam is so minute that it doesn't do any damage. Health experts say that amalgam is safe for all but a small number of people who are specifically sensitive or allergic to mercury and who may suffer severe health problems even from low exposure.
2. Crowns. Also called caps, these fit over a badly decayed or damaged tooth. Most are made of porcelain fused to metal, but some people opt for stronger gold for back teeth. The positioning of a crown may leave a small space between it and the remaining part of the tooth, providing a place for plaque to collect. Be sure to brush thoroughly - but gently - around the gum line of a cap and to floss daily. Ask your dentist if you should do anything extra, such as using an antiplaque mouthwash, an electric toothbrush, or a dental-irrigation system (a Water Pik, for example).
3. Sealants. These plastic films, which bond to the chewing surfaces of teeth and act as a barrier to bacteria, prevent decay. They have been used primarily among children, but many adults could also benefit from sealants. However, the resin does not adhere to metal fillings.
If you loose a tooth, your dentist will replace it, because leaving gaps in your mouth can cause the teeth to shift and crowd one another, increasing the possibility of cavities and gum disease. Teeth that have greatly shifted may also change your bite; this can affect the jaw joints and muscles and may lead to pain and difficulty chewing. Without a full set of teeth, your cheek and other facial muscles may sag.
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