GENERAL DENTISTRY
Amalgam Fillings
Dental amalgam is the traditional silver-coloured filling we are all familiar with. Although there is mercury in dental amalgam, once it is combined with the other materials in the amalgam filling its chemical nature is changed rendering it harmless. Research into the safety of dental amalgam has been carried out for over a century and to date, no trustworthy controlled studies have found a connection between amalgam fillings and any medical problem.
Whilst composite (tooth coloured) fillings are becoming more popular, amalgam fillings represent the most durable and long-lasting form of filling available. (Apart from gold fillings which are more expensive.)
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Amalgam fillings are the only type of filling provided through the NHS – composite fillings are considered to be ‘cosmetic’ and therefore must be paid for.
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Life Benefits
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Least expensive form of filling
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Strong and durable
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Quick to apply
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Last for many years
Bridges
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What are bridges made of?
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Bridges are usually made of a precious metal. If the bridge will show, porcelain is then bonded to the base. Sometimes, there are other non-precious metals used in the base for strength.
Are bridges expensive?
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Although a bridge may seem costly they can be a wise investment that will give many years of good service. It will also improve your appearance and bite. A bridge uses the considerable skill of the dentist and technician, and in this way, it's similar to ordering a piece of hand-made jewellery.
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How do I look after my bridge?
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You need to clean your bridge every day, to prevent problems such as bad breath and gum disease. You also have to clean under the false tooth every day. Your dentist or hygienist will show you how to use a bridge needle or special floss, as a normal toothbrush cannot reach.
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Here is how they work:
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Bridges are usually made of a precious metal base, which gives them a solid structure and makes them hard-wearing. If you need a bridge in your smile line, porcelain is usually added to the base to make it look more like real teeth.
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A bridge helps to strengthen the prepared teeth and makes chewing and eating easier because they are fixed and can't come out.
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Some bridges can also be fixed to your jaw with dental implants, if you have several teeth next to each other that are missing.
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Life Benefits
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A sturdy way to restore several teeth in a row.
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Beautiful, natural-looking restoration.
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Restores the ability to chew and eat as before.
Crowns
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What is a crown?
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A crown is a cap that is placed over a tooth and held in place by dental adhesive or cement.
Crowns are used for several reasons:
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as a protective cover for badly decayed teeth or fractured teeth
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as a permanent restoration for teeth with large fillings
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to correct minor problems in natural teeth like spacing and irregular shape or severe discolouration.
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What are crowns made from?
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Crowns can be made from a variety of materials. They can be made from plastic, ceramic or metal alloys. A combination of metal and ceramic is also possible to maximise strength and simulate the appearance of natural teeth.
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How are crowns made?
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Firstly, a thorough clinical examination is conducted with radiographs, by the dentist. The suitability for crowns is assessed and any preparatory work is carried out. Your dentist will also be able to advise on material choices, treatment sequence and any other concerns you may have.
At the second appointment, the teeth to be crowned are prepared. This involves reduction of the tooth size (usually under local anaesthesia) followed by an impression or mould of the prepared tooth. This trimming of the tooth is required to create space for the crown to be fitted. The mould taken is then sent to a laboratory where skilled technicians will fabricate the crown. In the meantime, a temporary crown is made and fitted onto the trimmed tooth.
At the third appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the tooth surfaces cleaned. The completed crown is tried on the tooth for fit, harmony with the bite, and appearance. Finally, the crown is cemented onto the prepared tooth with dental cement.
How long do crowns last and how do I care for them?
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Crowns are made of inert materials that do not deteriorate over time. However, the underlying tooth is still prone to decay and gum disease.
Ceramic on the surface may chip or fracture. Avoid chewing excessively-hard substances like ice or bones. Daily brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining good oral health as well as keeping the crown trouble-free. The most vulnerable portion of the crown is the margin or the junction between tooth and crown.
Regular check-ups will enable your dentist to detect any problems with your crown and recommend necessary treatment.
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Here is how it works:
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An impression is taken of the tooth that needs restoring.
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A crown is made in the dental laboratory to fit the tooth precisely and match the neighbouring teeth.
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The tooth is then prepared and the crown fitted securely on top.
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Life Benefits
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Strengthens remaining tooth structure.
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Natural-looking restoration.
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Functions like a real tooth, so you can bite and chew as usual.
Inlays
Porcelain (tooth coloured) inlays and onlays are restorations placed usually on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.
An inlay fits within the confines of the teeth. An onlay covers the entire chewing surface of the tooth. These can be made of either plastic resin or porcelain.
The procedure involves removing decayed tooth structure or old fillings, preparing the tooth cavity, taking an impression of the cavity to fabricate a custom-fit inlay or onlay. Two visits are required to complete the treatment.
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Here is how they work:
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After an impression is made of your tooth, the inlay or onlay will be made in a dental laboratory by a technician.
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While these are being made, you will wear a temporary filling. When your inlay or onlay is ready we will bond it into place using a special adhesive, after removing the temporary filling. Your restored tooth will not only look like a real tooth but also function like one, allowing you to bite, chew and eat without any discomfort.
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Life Benefits
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Preserves remaining tooth structure.
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Long-term aesthetic and functional solution.
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Natural-looking restoration.
TESTIMONIALS
I was amazed by what the team at Cray Dental Care achieved with restoring my worn teeth and I will always be grateful to Dr. Saadat for giving me my smile and confidence back.
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- SALLY -