882C Emerson Street
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Delores W Eberhart D.D.S.
880 Middlefield Rd
Palo Alto, CA, 94301
(650) 328-3384
Javidan Endodontics
2290 Birch St Ste A
Palo Alto, CA, 94306-1559
(650) 328-3636
Roland N Kumagai Inc
2421 Park Blvd Ste A202
Palo Alto, CA, 94306-1956
(650) 321-0915
Javidan Endodontics
2290 Birch St # A
Palo Alto, CA, 94306-1559
Technology in dentistry now offers attractive options in dental fillings for cavity restorations in dental care. Called composites, these new tooth-colored dental fillings are excellent choices for front teeth and other repairs that might be visible. Composites duplicate the natural appearance of a tooth in restoring decayed teeth or repairing a defect and giving you a more attractive mouth.
Dental fillings composites are made from a mixture of microscopic plastic and ceramic resin particles. Another type of tooth-colored dental fillings used in dental care are called a resin ionomer, which releases fluoride useful for preventing tooth decay.
The bonding process used in restoration provides strength to the tooth, making it more structurally sound. It also seals the tooth, decreasing the chance of sensitivity to hot and cold. Some composites made with materials releasing fluoride are ideal for treating root decay, a condition when gums recede, exposing tooth roots to more cavity-causing plaque. These fluoride-releasing materials also are useful dental fillings for decayed baby teeth.
Following removal of the decayed area, a mild acid solution is used to prepare the tooth's surface for bonding and dental fillings. A bonding agent is then brushed over the surface. Several layers of the composite are applied during the next dental care process. For a natural appearance, the dentist matches the color of the dental fillings composite to the tooth.
Then, it is chemically hardened or cured with a special light and finally polished for a natural-looking finishing touch.
In a five-year clinical study of dental care, some of the resin materials demonstrated 100% effectiveness for adhesion and retention. Like other types of dental fillings, they may require periodic replacement. While the material is very durable, they may not perform quite as long as silver fillings or amalgams for their resistance to the rigors of grinding and chewing.
Scheduling dental care on a regular basis is an important part of good oral hygiene. Your dentist will check your fillings each time to ensure their performance.
By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.
A. In cleaning your dentures you should first rinse away loose food particles thoroughly. Then moisten your toothbrush and apply denture cleanser. Brush every surface, scrubbing gently to avoid damage.
A. Your teeth may seem darker because plaque can build up faster and in larger amounts as you age. Changes in dentin can cause your teeth to appear a little darker as well.
A. Dry mouth is a common problem among seniors. It is caused by certain medical disorders and is often a side effect of some medications.
A. Yes. The severity of gum disease may be increased due to ill-fitting dentures or bridges, poor diets, poor oral hygiene, other medical diseases, and even some medications.
A. Seniors tend to lose their sense of taste because age decreases the sense of taste and smell. Certain diseases, medications and dentures can also contribute to the decrease of your sense of taste.
A. Yes. The majorities of seniors have tooth-root decay and are more susceptible to cavities.
A. For many women, dental care depends on their different stages of life that are directly related to surges in sex hormone levels. Your dentist may request to see you more frequently during hormonal surges.
Gingivitis may occur with long-term use of oral contraceptives because they contain estrogen or progesterone. Women who use oral contraceptives are two times as likely to develop dry sockets and require dental care more often.
A. There is an increase in the amount of plaque on your teeth due to pregnancy because there is an increase in estrogen and progesterone.
A. The acid in vomit causes tooth erosion. Women can neutralize the acid by using a baking soda and water paste and rubbing it on their teeth. Rinse the paste off after 30 seconds and then brush and floss.
A. Women are at risk for developing pregnancy tumors that are benign growths that develop when swollen gums become irritated. The tumors usually shrink soon after the pregnancy is over.
A. If plaque is not removed it can cause gingivitis and women with periodontal disease may be at risk for pre-term, low-birth weight babies.
A. The surge in hormones that occurs during puberty may cause swollen gums, especially during menstruation. Herpes-type lesions and ulcers can also develop. They may also experience sensitive gums that react more to irritants.
A. An intraoral camera is a miniature video camera that the dentist places in the patient’s mouth so that together they can view any dental problems that the patient is having. The image from the camera is enlarged and sent to a monitor for viewing.
A. The purpose behind intraoral cameras is to allow the patient to see the specific area that needs treatment so that they are more likely to understand the dentist’s recommendation and accept it.
A. CD-ROM is beneficial in dentistry because patient education will be much simpler with information stored on CD-ROM. Procedures can be explained to patients in advance and post-operative instructions can be provided for them to take home.
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.
