Diamons

filling

Photography by Dr. Padval

Composite Fillings

What is a composite resin (white filling)? A composite resin is a tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide). Introduced in the 1960s, dental composites were confined to the front teeth because they were not strong enough to withstand the pressure and wear generated by the back teeth. Since then, composites have been significantly improved and can be successfully placed in the back teeth as well. Composites are not only used for restoring decay, but are also used for cosmetic improvements of the [...]

By |2024-09-02T14:36:52-07:00February 13, 2024|Restorative Dentistry|

Tooth-Colored Fillings vs. Amalgams

With advancements in dental materials, cavity fillings have come a long way. It used to be commonplace for dentists to use amalgam fillings to treat teeth affected by decay or cavities. Today, more and more people opt for tooth-colored fillings. What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings? Tooth-colored fillings are a composite resin that typically contains a ceramic & plastic compound. We apply this material to the prepared tooth, then cure it with a special light to harden it into place, completing the restoration. It's not hard [...]

By |2022-10-04T08:00:49-07:00October 4, 2022|Restorative Dentistry|

Getting a Cavity Filled

When You Have A Cavity... What to know about the cavity filling process. When you visit our office for a dental checkup, of course, you never want to hear the news that you have a cavity. However, it's not the end of the world. In fact, its an excellent opportunity to realize that something is wrong with your brushing or flossing technique, and to make the appropriate changes to prevent future problems. When we diagnose the cavity, we'll probably schedule a followup appointment for [...]

By |2022-02-01T08:00:52-08:00February 1, 2022|Restorative Dentistry|

How Do Cavities Start?

You do your best to brush and floss. You make sure that you get your dental checkups. But then, you get the dreaded news; you have cavities. How can this happen?!? Well, the first thing to remember is don't panic, and don't beat yourself up over a minor setback. These things can happen, even to those with the best at-home oral hygiene. What's important is that we discovered the cavity early, before it has gotten bigger and before more severe complications arise. Why Do [...]

By |2021-11-09T08:00:06-08:00November 9, 2021|Preventative Dentistry|

Have You Knocked Out a Tooth?

Cheat The Tooth Fairy We sure can try, but your help is needed, and the most important word is TIME. When a permanent tooth is knocked out, the less time it is out of the mouth the better. In fact, the best results are obtained when the tooth is replaced within 30 minutes! A parent or friend can place the tooth back into the socket or place it in a wet issue and bring the patient, and the tooth to the dentist at once. [...]

By |2017-10-03T00:00:09-07:00October 3, 2017|Restorative Dentistry|

The Rubber Dental Dam

Throughout your treatment at our office, we want to keep you comfortable and safe while providing the best possible care. During many of our procedures we use a rubber dam (aka dental dam) to help. The rubber dam is a thin sheet that allows us to isolate the teeth we're treating. By stretching the rubber shield over a U-shaped framework, only the teeth being treated are exposed to the water spray and filling materials (such as silver amalgam bits or resin particles). The rest [...]

By |2017-05-02T00:00:24-07:00May 2, 2017|Patient Education|

What Causes a Toothache, Besides Cavities

"My tooth hurts. It must have a cavity." Well, maybe it does. However, other conditions can cause a tooth to be sensitive to hot or cold foods, to the pressure of chewing... or to just plain ache. A few of these other toothache possibilities are: Shrinkage of the gum down below the top part of the tooth (crown) onto the tooth surface. This part of the tooth (cementum) is as sensitive to hot and cold as the part of the tooth (dentin) affected by [...]

By |2016-03-08T00:00:25-08:00March 8, 2016|Restorative Dentistry|