Amalgam Fillings

Dental amalgam is one of the most researched and tested restorative material in use. It is durable, easy to use, highly resistant to wear and relatively inexpensive in comparison to other materials. For those reasons, it remains a valued treatment option for dentists and their patients.

Concern has arisen over the years because of the mercury content in amalgam fillings. The mercury in amalgam combines with other metals such as elemental mercury, silver, copper, and possibly other metallic elements to render it stable and safe for use in filling teeth.

What are some of the disadvantages of amalgam fillings? Disadvantages may include some temporary sensitivity to hot or cold after the filling is placed. The silver-colored filling is less aesthetic and more noticeable than a composite filling, especially when it’s an anterior restoration.  A conservative amalgam filling reduces the strength of the tooth by 50% since the dentist may need to remove more tooth structure to accommodate an amalgam filling than for other types of fillings.  The longevity of amalgam can be about 20 years.

 

Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are a mixture of glass and resin material which produces a white, or tooth-colored filling. An advantage of composite fillings is that less tooth structure is removed when the dentist prepares the tooth, allowing more of the natural tooth to stay intact. This may result in a smaller filling than that of an amalgam. Composites actually form a chemical bond with the tooth, creating a filling that is durable to pressure and chewing. Composites can be subject to stain and discoloration over time. They reduce the strength of the tooth by about 30%. The longevity of a composite filling is about 10 years.

Crowns

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that covers the whole tooth that lies above the gum line.

A dental crown may be necessary for the following reasons:

• To protect a weak tooth from breaking or restore one that has already broken
• To restore a cracked tooth
• Restoration to a tooth that has been worn down
• To restore a tooth with a large filling when most of the natural tooth is missing
• To hold part of a dental bridge
• To restore a tooth to its original shape or color
• To cover a dental implant 

 

Crowns restore a tooth to about 96% of its original strength if enough tooth structure is present when the crown is placed. Longevity of a crown can average 20 years.

 

Dr. Beck has invested in CEREC technology that allows a crown to be done in one visit. CEREC crowns are highly durable, tooth colored crowns that restore teeth to their natural strength and beauty. CEREC allows you to avoid impression materials, temporaries, and multiple dental appointments usually associated with crowns. Call or stop in for details!

 

Inlays & Onlays

Inlays and onlays are dental restorations recommended when the tooth cannot support a filling but there’s not enough damage to necessitate a crown. An inlay is placed on the biting surface of the tooth, in the grooves between cusps. Onlays cover the biting surface as well as at least one cusp of the tooth. This form of restoration is an excellent solution for teeth that are damaged, worn, or decayed. Inlays and onlays can be completed in dental visit.

 

Bridgework

A bridge is a false tooth that covers an area left by a missing tooth. The false tooth, or pontic, is anchored on either side by crowns. One or more missing teeth can be replaced by a bridge. This is a fixed appliance and cannot be removed. A bridge can usually last ten years or longer if properly maintained with good oral home care.

 

Dentures & Partials

Dentures and partials are removable appliances used to replace missing teeth. Complete dentures are used to replace all teeth, while partials are used when some natural teeth are still remaining. Denture and partial fittings require several appointments, including the taking of accurate impressions to insure proper fit. The procedure takes approximately four to six weeks from start to finish.

Adjusting to a new partial or denture may take time. However, you will soon become accustomed to the feel of the appliance and will be able to resume eating and speaking as normal.

 

Root Canals

A root canal is a procedure that allows the dentist to remove the nerve and pulp, bacteria, and other debris from the canals of the tooth. This is necessary when tooth decay becomes deep enough to reach the pulp of the tooth, or if the tooth is cracked, bacteria enters the canals and can create an abscess. Besides the pain from an abscess, damage can then occur to the bone around the tooth, and tooth loss can result. If a dentist is consulted in the early stages of this condition, the tooth can most likely be saved through root canal therapy.

Implants

Dental implants are an excellent option for replacing missing teeth. In the past, restorative options included a fixed bridge or a full or partial denture, none of which are as durable or effective as implants. If properly cared for, implants can last for a lifetime. Further benefits of implants include the confidence of secure, stable teeth that do not click or wobble when eating or speaking as well as the esthetically pleasing look of a prosthetic that feels and looks like your natural teeth.

 

Implants can be used to replace single teeth, as a support for a dental bridge, or to increase stability for a denture.  

 

An implant is made of three parts: the titanium implant that fuses to the bone, the abutment that attaches to the implant and extends beyond the gum line, and the crown.

 

A comprehensive exam by Dr. Beck will determine if a patient is a candidate for implants.

Bonding

Bonding is a procedure that improves the look of a smile by applying a tooth colored resin material to the natural tooth. Bonding can be used to close spaces between teeth, change the shape of a tooth, and approve the appearance of discolored teeth. Bonding can be done in one office visit. It is a faster, less expensive way to improve a smile when compared to veneers and crowns.