best dental fillings

Dental Fillings Guide: Gold, Silver, Composite Resin, Ceramic, And More

Do you need a dental filling? What type of dental filling is best for you? There are a number of things to consider such as cost and durability. Please read below as we look at dental fillings in more detail.

Cavities can be caused by a sticky coating of germs called plaque that forms on the teeth and accumulate every day. Almost 96% of adults have at least one filling and the average is around 10, while teens have at least 2 decayed or filled teeth.

Fillings are a protective measure as unfilled cavities can grow bigger, creating pain caused by infection, fracture, and destruction of the tooth pulp, that eventually affects the nerves and finally leads to tooth loss.

Dentists use different materials to fill tooth cavities but recent concerns about the safety of certain materials have raised concerns over fillings and how much of a risk they pose to our health.

Beyond the type of material, dentists have other things to consider when determining which type of material will be suitable for a particular patient.

Not surprisingly cost is usually a major consideration followed by a suitable installation technique, durability, and aesthetics. In some cases, some patients may even need to replace existing fillings and may opt for a different material to what was originally used.

The two most commonly used materials for dental fillings which have also caused the most concern are silver amalgam and composite resin.

Silver Amalgam

Silver amalgam is a strong and durable alloy composed of silver, copper, tin, and mercury that will last anything from ten to fifteen years, will not corrode and is less expensive than composite fillings.

This type of filling material has been used for more than 160 years and since the 1840s dentists have disagreed over the safety of the metal mixture.

The formulation contains elemental mercury which, according to evidence-based research has been shown to cause health problems to humans at high exposure, including brain and kidney damage.

Although silver amalgam does release trace amounts of mercury, it has largely been agreed by dental health associations that the amount released does not pose any health risk.

Composite Resins

Composite resin fillings are popular as they can be closely matched to the colour of existing teeth. Because they chemically bond to the tooth structure they provide further support. Further to this, less tooth structure needs to be removed than with amalgam fillings.

However, they are less durable and last only five years compared to ten to fifteen years for amalgams and do not perform as well under pressure when chewing, particularly with larger cavities.

Composite resin fillings can also cost up to twice the amount of amalgam fillings.

Because they are fast replacing amalgams there have been concerns about the risk of resin-based materials made from bis-DMA (bisphenol A dimethacrylate) as BPA may be released continuously when the material starts to degrade.

In some clinical studies trace elements of BPA were found in the saliva of dental patients immediately after receiving a composite resin filling, but these were found to be well below acceptable levels and after a couple of hours was undetectable.

The overall conclusion is that there are no significant adverse effects from bis-GMA composites on the health of dental patients.

Cast Gold Fillings

Gold fillings last ten to fifteen years on average and sometimes longer. They are highly durable and strong and will not corrode. Some people find the aesthetics of gold more pleasing than silver amalgam, especially where it is more visible.

The biggest disadvantage is the high cost as a gold filling can cost up to ten times more than silver amalgam and it takes at least two visits to complete the placement.

Ceramics

Ceramic fillings are made of porcelain which has a higher resistance to stains than composite materials, however, they tend to be more abrasive. They are highly durable and will last up to fifteen years and longer, however, they can cost as much as gold fillings.

Glass Ionomer

This type of filling is made from a combination of acrylic and a specific type of glass material.

The cost is comparable to composite resin fillings but it is not as durable as it will last only five years or less due to its weaker construction, susceptibility to wear and tear, and being more prone to fracture.

This type of filling is most commonly used for young children or for cavities below the gum line.

Today there are many more materials than ever to choose from and the type you decide on will largely depend on factors such as the cost of the material, your dentist’s recommendation, your aesthetic preference, and your insurance coverage.

Your dentist will be able to discuss these issues with you and help you determine which type of filling will be best for you.

Do you suspect you have a cavity? Or do you have signs of wear on your fillings? If you need to visit the dentist for any type of dental procedure, then look no further than Gardens Dental.

Gardens Dental offers a full array of dental services in Taylors Lakes and Caroline Springs area to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth. 

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 9449 2626 or through our website

When Is a Toothache Considered an Emergency Situation?

Are you experiencing a toothache? Is the pain starting to occur on a more regular basis? It’s time you visit the dentist before it becomes an emergency situation. If this sounds like you, you need to read this article.

Most people will experience some sort of pain or discomfort with their teeth from time to time.

While some minor toothaches may go away on their own after a few hours, other toothaches are much more severe and can cause chronic pain.

Knowing when a toothache has become an emergency situation is important because you will need to have your tooth examined immediately by a Taylors Lakes dentist and have it properly treated to avoid any potentially serious health problems.

The Pain Will Not Subside

If you happen to have a toothache that is causing you a lot of pain and the pain is not going away despite your best efforts, you may have an emergency on your hands. You may have attempted to take an over-the-counter pain reliever to get some relief.

However, if the over-the-counter medication didn’t provide you with the relief you were looking for and your tooth is still causing you pain and discomfort, you need to see an emergency dentist.

The emergency dentist will look at the tooth and then find out the cause of the pain, along with finding a proper solution like a filling, for example, to put a stop to that pain.

You should never try to ignore the pain, especially if it is getting worse.

You Are Having a Difficult Time Eating or Drinking Anything

When a toothache is causing so much pain that it becomes hard for you to eat or drink anything, you need to get help. You can’t go long without eating or drinking simply because your tooth is hurting.

No one wants to have to stop eating the foods they enjoy because they are experiencing excruciating pain each time that they take a bite out of something.

If you know that your toothache is getting in the way of you being able to enjoy a meal or even drink something cold or warm, you should contact an emergency dentist who can see you immediately to get to the bottom of the situation.

Your Gums or Cheeks Are Swollen Because of the Tooth

If your gums are swollen or if your cheeks are swollen because of your tooth, you should waste no time getting to a dental clinic. When swelling occurs, it could be a sign of inflammation and infection.

To reduce inflammation and if you have an infection, you may need to take antibiotics for the infection to clear it up. When an infection is not properly treated, it can lead to serious health problems. It is simply not worth the health risks that are involved.

Even if you are not completely sure if the swelling has anything to do with your teeth, you should still visit the dentist just in case. It is better to be safe and take precautionary measures.

When a toothache occurs, it has the potential to turn into a serious situation.

Not only do toothaches often cause excruciating pain that is difficult to manage, but they can also lead to other serious health problems, especially if an infection is spreading inside your mouth.

It goes without saying that you do not want to take risks and continue to deal with pain for days or weeks on end. Therefore, it is best to see an emergency dentist for help with your tooth.

The dentist will be able to find out why you are experiencing such aches in the first place and then provide treatment options while making sure they eliminate the pain for you.

Are you looking for an emergency dentist for your teeth? If so, then look no further than Gardens Dental. Gardens Dental offers a full array of dental services in Taylors Lakes and Caroline Springs area to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth. 

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 9449 2626 or through our website. 

 

Dental Implant Surgery inserts

Dental Implant Surgery: What To Expect? 

Do you require dental implant surgery? Do you know what to expect and how it will help you and your smile? Please read below for more detail.

Dentistry has come a long way over the years, especially with the advent of technology. Most people these days will vouch for the fact that visits to the dentist are not nearly as uncomfortable as they used to be. 

These technological advancements are even more pronounced when it comes to procedures such as dental implant surgery

If you need a permanent solution for missing teeth, you can simply make use of dental implants. This is the most natural way to replace a gap in your teeth. 

Not only does it always stay in place, but it blends in perfectly with the remaining natural teeth. More importantly, the titanium screw fuses with the jawbone. 

This prevents the jawbone from going through changes due to bone density loss – which happens when a tooth is missing. 

Following is what you can expect with dental implant surgery.

The Consultation  

The first order of business is to talk with a specialist. It is important to discuss the best options for the given circumstances and what everything will potentially cost. 

And after sorting out the details and getting all the crucial information, it is time for the next step.  

The Evaluation 

Even though most candidates qualify for dental implants, there are certain exceptions. This is why a specialist will do a proper evaluation before going through with any type of surgery. 

They will need to establish whether the candidate has good oral healthOtherwise, a treatment cycle might be necessary before the surgery can happen. All of these things are addressed during the evaluation. 

Placing The Screw 

When the first phases are through, it is time for the actual surgery to take place. However, it should be noted that implants usually require more than one visit to the dentist. 

This is because the titanium screw needs to fuse with the jawbone first, which takes time. Only after the screw is ready and stable can the tooth be placed. 

The average waiting time for the jawbone to fuse with screw is several weeks. However, a more approximate time should be given by the specialist installing the implants.  

Placing The Tooth 

Placing the tooth is usually regarded as the second phase of the surgery. And as expected, the tooth is specifically moulded and created to appear natural. 

At no point will anyone be able to tell whether the tooth is authentic or not. Of course, every specialist will have a different approach in terms of fixing the tooth, but the end result remains the same. 

And from this point on, it is a matter of maintaining the implant with brushing, flossing, and annual visits to the dentist. 

Recovery 

Candidates that eventually get an implant will notice a slight discomfort at first. This can be expected given the titanium screw underneath the gumline. 

This acts like a typical root for the tooth and does not have any adverse effects, even after twenty years in the same place. All in all, you should prepare for more than one visit over the course of several weeks. 

However, after the final part of the surgery is finished, there should not be any problems with eating or smiling with confidence. 

New Technology Makes Implants More Convenient 

This is definitely not the first article about dental implants. Which means the techniques for the surgery have improved over time. 

For example, newer and smaller screws can be used. These are easier to place and join with the jawbone, and it only shows one of the many advancements already present in dentist clinics.

The risks are low, the solution permanent, and the final result is as natural as a fake tooth can get. Even though it is not an overnight procedure, those gaps can be filled fairly quickly by the right people.

Do you have any missing or damaged teeth that need replacement? If so, then look no further than Gardens Dental. Gardens Dental offers a full array of dental services in Taylors Lakes to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth. 

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 9449 2626 or through our website.

dental crown procedure

What Are Dental Crowns And How Do They Work?

Are you in need of dental crowns? Do you actually know what the procedure is and how they work? Let’s take a look in more detail in the article below.

Crown restoration is a common dental procedure performed by dentists in Australia. Most people don’t understand the actual reason for this dental procedure. They are intimidated by the prospect of having a crown restoration. 

The procedure is straightforward and logical. Dental crowns play an important part in improving the function of your teeth. This article provides information on what are dental crowns, and how they work. We will cover the following topics:

  • What Are Dental Crowns?
  • When Do You Need A Dental Crown?
  • How Does A Dental Crown Work?
  • How Is A Dental Crown Installed?

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are restorations that help restore a damaged tooth to its original size and shape. The crown is installed on a cracked or damaged tooth. 

The dental crown will replace the outer part of the natural tooth – although it sometimes extends onto the tooth root. 

The crown will fully encase the outer part of the natural tooth when restored properly. They are custom made so that they fit over each tooth perfectly. 

Dental crowns are made from different materials such as porcelain, ceramics, gold, resin, and porcelain-and-metal.  

When Do You Need A Dental Crown? 

Dental crowns are used to protect weak teeth in your mouth. They are also used to restore cracked, broken, and damaged teethDental crowns will restore the appearance, functionality, shape, size, and alignment of a damaged tooth. 

Crowns become the only visible part of your tooth once they are cemented in place. Dental crowns are made to mimic your natural teeth. Thay way they don’t stand out or look odd compared to the other teeth in your mouth.   

How Does A Dental Crown Work?

Dental crowns fit over the top of your natural teeth. They are placed over damaged and cracked teeth to protect the remaining part of the natural tooth. 

Once the crown is cemented on top of the damaged tooth, it will hold the tooth together and keep it from breaking apart. Your bite, tooth alignment, and appearance will improve as a result. Dental crowns are made of strong and resilient materials. 

They can withstand the pressures of chewing just like the other natural teeth in your mouth. The crown is similar to a cover on top of the visible part of a tooth. 

Once your cosmetic dentist cements the crown on top of the damaged part of the tooth, it will become a part of the natural tooth.

How Is A Dental Crown Installed?

The cosmetic dentist will apply an anaesthetic to the damaged tooth and the adjoining gum tissue. A dental drill will be used to remove the cracked or damaged part of the natural tooth. 

The damaged tooth will be drilled so that there is enough room for the dental crown. If you don’t have enough tooth to support the crown, the dentist will add a crown buildup to create the appropriate foundation for the dental crown. 

During the first appointment, the dentist will use a digital scanner to make an impression of the damaged tooth and send it to the dental laboratory to make the crown. 

It may take a couple of weeks to make the crown. Your dentist will install a temporary crown during this period. 

Your second appointment is when the dental crown arrives at the dentist’s office. The new crown will be installed after removing the temporary crown. The dentist will use a special cement to fix the crown over the natural tooth and that’s the job done!

Are you in need of dental crowns and need some advice on dental crowns? If so, then look no further than Gardens Dental. Gardens Dental offers a full array of advice and dental services in Taylors Lakes to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth. 

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 9449 2626 or through our website.

Mouthguards gum damage

Can Using Mouthguards Cause Damage to Your Gums?

Do you use a mouthguard? Do you know if this can actually be causing damage to your gums and teeth? Let’s take a look at this in more detail.

Mouthguards are often used by people who grind their teeth at night. They are a useful tool for protecting tooth enamel from long-term damage. 

They are also used by people who play contact sports in order to protect their teeth in the event of an impact to the mouth or jaw. 

However, they are not without problems. It is important that you use a mouthguard as directed, and clean it properly, to protect your oral health.

What are the Dangers of Mouthguards

Aside from playing sport, mouthguards are designed to treat a condition called bruxism. However, they are not a one-stop solution for oral health. 

You should make sure that you brush your teeth before you put your mouthguard in, and also make sure that you keep the mouthguard clean. 

A mouthguard can harbour bacteria which can cause gum disease.

Can Mouthguards Make Your Gums Recede?

If you use a mouthguard properly, then it should actually protect your gums, rather than damage them. If, however, you use a dirty, damaged or ill-fitting mouthguard then you could actually be damaging your gums.

Some people who are nervous about going to the dentist, or who think that they cannot afford to go to the dentist, will wear stock mouthguards that are cheap but are ‘one size fits most’. 

These may offer some protection from griding, but they do not fit well and they can make it hard for people to breathe normally while they are in. 

In addition, they can be hard and uncomfortable and may irritate the gums, making them at greater risk of infection. There are ‘boil and bite’ mouth protectors, which are often used by young athletes who play contact sports. 

These are better than a stock mouthguard, and they could be used to manage bruxism. However, they are thicker and heavier than the mouthguards that a dentist would usually provide if you grind your teeth, so they are not the ideal option.

Custom-fit mouthguards are a more expensive up-front investment, but they are more comfortable and are gentler on your gums, too. 

Custom-fit mouthguards allow you to breathe comfortably and even talk while they are in. You may need them refitted every year or so, but it is well worth the expense to get something that is kinder to the delicate tissue in your mouth.

Caring for a Mouthguard

To reduce the risk of infection or gum damage, we recommend that people clean their mouthguard between use. Simply rinse it with mouthwash before and after wearing it. 

In addition to the daily cleaning, it’s a good idea to clean the mouthguard with warm soapy water on a regular basis. 

You don’t need to scrub the mouthguard particularly vigorously, because this could actually damage it, creating small scratches where more bacteria could live. Keeping it generally clean, however, is important.

Don’t Neglect Dental Check-Ups

Regular dental health check-ups are a must for everyone, but particularly for people who suffer from bruxism. 

It is important that you wear a mouthguard that properly covers all of your teeth, and that you have regular checkups to ensure that your ‘bite’ is not shifting over time because of an ill-fitted mouthguard. 

We recommend that people get their mouthguards checked regularly, to ensure that they still fit properly and that they are not damaging their gums. We also recommend that people see a hygienist regularly to ensure that their gums are in good health.

When it comes to the health of your teeth and gums, it really is true to say that prevention is better than cure. Getting corrective dental treatment is expensive and can be painful in some cases. 

Taking a few moments a couple of times a year to ensure that everything is OK, and to catch issues early, is a much better option. Are you concerned about the effect of mouthguards on your teeth and gums? If so, then look no further than Gardens Dental.

Gardens Dental offers a full array of advice and dental services in Taylors Lakes to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth. 

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 9449 2626 or through our website.