Cavity Fillings: What to Expect, Types & Potential Problems

The process of filling cavities is a fairly simple and straightforward one that can be done right at your dentist's office.

Filling Cavities: What to Expect

You should expect to be at your dentist's office for around an hour. This gives him or her enough time to take x-rays if needed, talk to you about the procedure and complete the dental work. Before filling cavities, your dentist will numb your teeth, gums and surrounding skin to avoid and lessen discomfort during the procedure. Next, he or she will drill out the decay in the tooth and replace it with a filling. This process only takes a few minutes.

Once you're done, your mouth will probably remain numb for a few more hours. There aren’t any significant risks associated with filling cavities, but be sure to keep your dentist’s contact information on hand in case you have any questions or complications.

The most common use of tooth fillings is to fill a cavity in the tooth. But tooth fillings also can be used to repair damage to teeth caused by teeth grinding (bruxism) or to replace part of a broken tooth.

Types of Cavity Fillings

Many options are available for tooth fillings, and all of them have their pros and cons. Types of tooth fillings include gold, silver amalgam (a composite of mercury, silver, and other metals), tooth-colored composite material, porcelain, and a special type of glass. The best tooth fillings for you will depend on cost, what your insurance may cover, and your aesthetic preferences.

There is a wide variety of materials used for filling cavities and they vary in strength and color. The two most common types are amalgam and composite.

• Amalgam Fillings: Amalgam has been used by dental professionals for more than a century; it is the most researched material used for filling cavities. Amalgam fillings are strong and are therefore ideal for filling cavities in the back of the mouth such as in the molars, where chewing takes place. Since they are made of a combination of several metallic elements, amalgam fillings can be noticeable when you laugh or smile. These fillings are among the least expensive of all cavity-filling materials.
• Composite Fillings: Sometimes referred to as composites or filled resins, these fillings feature a combination of glass or quartz filler and can be made to match the color of your tooth. Composite fillings are also fairly durable and are ideal for small-to-mid-size restorations in areas of your mouth that perform moderate chewing.
• Metals: Gold or silver amalgam are the most common metals used for a cavity filling. Gold fillings can cost as much as 10 times more than silver amalgam fillings, but some people prefer the appearance of gold to silver fillings if they want the durability of metal vs. a less-durable composite material. Some people don’t like the appearance of metal fillings, but metal fillings can last as long as 10-15 years before they need to be replaced.
• Ceramic: A ceramic cavity filling (usually made of porcelain) is tooth-colored, and it may be less likely to show tooth stains over time than a composite cavity filling. But price is a factor—a ceramic filling can be nearly as expensive as a gold cavity filling.
• Glass Ionomer: This blend of acrylic and glass is used to create a cavity filling that releases fluoride to help protect teeth. But a glass ionomer cavity filling is less durable than other types, and may need to be replaced in as little as five years.

Taking Care of Cavity Fillings

You may experience some sensitivity and pain after receiving tooth fillings, but this discomfort should subside. Don't neglect your oral care routine. Instead, try products designed specifically to protect sensitive teeth. Crest Pro-Health Sensitive Plus Enamel Shield Toothpaste protects sensitive teeth, and also provides protection against future tooth decay. In addition, Oral-B Glide Floss for sensitive gums shouldn’t irritate the area around tooth fillings.

When to Replace a Cavity Filling

Tooth fillings usually last for many years before they need to be replaced. But tooth fillings can wear out over years of chewing. If you clench or grind your teeth, you may need to have tooth fillings replaced sooner.

If you notice signs of wear on your tooth fillings, such as cracks or worn areas, see your dentist to have the filling replaced as soon as possible. Continuing to chew with a damaged filling can cause the tooth to crack and require additional repair that is more expensive and more complicated than a simple cavity filling. If additional tooth decay develops around a filling, whether or not the filling is damaged, your dentist may choose to repair the tooth with a crown instead of a second cavity filling.

Other Potential Problems with Cavity Fillings

It’s important to know about potential problems, so you can see your dentist promptly to have cavity fillings adjusted or repaired. Possible complications from cavity fillings include: 

• Infection: Sometimes a cavity filling will pull away from the tooth to which it is attached, creating a small space. This space can be a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause additional tooth decay. If you notice a space between your tooth and your cavity filling, visit a dentist as soon as possible.
• Damage: Sometimes a cavity filling breaks, cracks, or falls out. Damage to a filling can occur when you bite down on something hard or if you are hit in the mouth while playing sports. See a dentist as soon as you notice damage to a cavity filling to avoid irritation and infection of the unprotected tooth.

The above article is from crest.com

Lim and Yabu  
Geraldine Lim, DDS & Eric Yabu, DDS   
4174 Park Boulevard, Suite A  
Oakland, CA 94602  
(510) 530-7000  
OaklandLaserDentist.com

Seal Out Tooth Decay

Brushing and flossing are the best ways to help prevent cavities, but it’s not always easy to clean every nook and cranny of your teeth – especially those back teeth you use to chew (called molars). Molars are rough, uneven and a favorite place for leftover food and cavity-causing bacteria to hide. 

Still, there’s another safety net to help keep those teeth clean. It’s called a sealant, and it is a thin, protective coating (made from plastic or other dental materials) that adheres to the chewing surface of your back teeth. They’re no substitute for brushing and flossing, but they can keep cavities from forming and may even stop early stages of decay from becoming a full-blown cavity. 

In fact, sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars. This is especially important when it comes to your child's dental health. In October 2016, the Centers for Disease Control released a report on the importance of sealants for school-aged children, of which only 43% of children ages 6-11 have. According to the CDC, "school-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants."

You may have many questions about sealants, and we have answers for you below. Read on to learn more about sealing out tooth decay. 

How Do Sealants Work? 

Think of them as raincoats for your teeth. When the cavity-causing bacteria that live in everyone’s mouth meet leftover food particles, they produce acids that can create holes in teeth. These holes are cavities. After sealant has been applied it keeps those bits of food out and stops bacteria and acid from settling on your teeth—just like a raincoat keeps you clean and dry during a storm.

Who Can Get Sealants? 

Children and adults can benefit from sealants, but the earlier you get them, the better. Your first molars appear around age 6, and second molars break through around age 12. Sealing these teeth as soon as they come through can keep them cavity-free from the start, which helps save time and money in the long run. Ask your dentist if sealants are a good option for you and your family. 

How Are Sealants Applied?

It’s a quick and painless process. Your dentist will clean and dry your tooth before placing an acidic gel on your teeth. This gel roughs up your tooth surface so a strong bond will form between your tooth and the sealant. After a few seconds, your dentist will rinse off the gel and dry your tooth once again before applying the sealant onto the grooves of your tooth. Your dentist will then use a special blue light to harden the sealant. 

Can Sealants Be Placed Over Cavities? 

Sealants can be used over areas of early decay to prevent further damage to your tooth. Because some sealants are clear, your dentist can keep an eye on the tooth to make sure the sealant is doing its job. 

Are There Any Side Effects? 

With the exception of an allergy that may exist, there are no known side effects from sealants.  

Is There BPA In Sealants? 

Yes, there is a tiny amount of BPA in sealants but not enough to cause you or a loved one any harm. In fact, you get more exposure to BPA by simply touching a receipt, using cosmetics or coming in contact with dust.

 

How Long Do Sealants Last? 

Sealants will often last for several years before they need to be reapplied. During your regular dental visit, your dentist will check the condition of the sealant and can reapply them as needed. 

Are Sealants Covered By Dental Plans? 

Some plans do cover sealants, so call your dental benefit company to find out what kind of coverage you have.

The above article is from mouthhealthy.org

Lim and Yabu  
Geraldine Lim, DDS & Eric Yabu, DDS   
4174 Park Boulevard, Suite A  
Oakland, CA 94602  
(510) 530-7000  
OaklandLaserDentist.com

Strep Throat and Tonsils: What's the Connection?

If your throat is sore and your tonsils feel swollen, it can be hard to know if you have strep throat or if it's something else. The good news is that your doctor can help your figure out if you're experiencing strep throat. Read on to find out what causes strep throat, its symptoms, and the connection between strep throat and tonsils.

What Is Strep Throat?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that makes your throat feel sore and scratchy. It accounts for just a small percentage of sore throats. According to the Mayo Clinic, the specific bacteria that causes strep throat is group A Streptococcus (group A strep). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out that the same bacteria can cause scarlet fever and rheumatic fever, especially if untreated.

So how can you get strep throat? Group A strep bacteria are highly contagious and can spread through airborne droplets if someone with the infection coughs or sneezes near you or through sharing food or drinks with someone infected. You can also get infected by touching a doorknob or other surface that has bacteria on it and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes. While it's kids who most commonly experience strep throat, people of all ages can get infected, and it has a higher occurrence in winter and early spring.

Have you ever wondered if you can get strep throat from not brushing your teeth or tooth infections? While this isn't true, it's still important to brush your teeth twice a day to prevent tooth decay and dental caries, commonly known as cavities.

What Is the Connection between Strep Throat and Your Tonsils?

If you're wondering if your tonsils are affected by strep throat, the answer is yes. Strep throat can cause your tonsils to feel red and swollen, sometimes even having white patches or streaks of pus on them.

The Mayo Clinic states that other signs and symptoms include:

• Throat pain
• Pain while swallowing
• Swollen or tender lymph nodes
• Fever, body ache, and headaches
• Rash
• Nausea and vomiting, especially in kids

It's worth noting that you might have some or many of these symptoms and not have strep throat. Likewise, it's possible to carry group A strep bacteria without showing any signs.

Strep Throat versus Tonsillitis

We've established that your tonsils can be affected by strep throat. Does that mean strep throat is just an interchangeable term for tonsillitis? That's actually not the case. According to the Mayo Clinic, while tonsillitis can be caused by group A streptococcus, the same bacterium that causes strep throat, it can also be caused by other strains of strep and other bacteria.

That's why if you or your child is experiencing symptoms like a sore throat or swollen tonsils, it's essential to consult with your doctor to get a proper diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment. While you can go to your dentist if you think you have tonsillitis, your general physician will probably be the best healthcare professional to consult in this situation.

If you have strep throat, your doctor will most likely prescribe an oral antibiotic. If taken within the first 48 hours of becoming sick, the antibiotics will decrease the length and severity of your symptoms, as well as reduce the chance of you spreading it to anyone else.

If you have tonsillitis, your doctor will first figure out if it's caused by a virus or a bacteria, like group A strep. If a virus has caused your illness, rest and at-home strategies are the only treatment. But if a bacterium causes your tonsillitis, your doctor will most likely prescribe a course of antibiotics.

If your child has recurring strep throat, you might also wonder if removing the tonsils might help. The Mayo Clinic notes that if your child is diagnosed with strep throat seven or more times a year, a tonsillectomy(removal of the tonsils) can reduce the frequency and severity of strep throat infections. That said, your child may still get strep throat even after having their tonsils removed.

Strep throat can be really painful, no matter what age you get it at. If you're worried about sore tonsils, don't hesitate to consult with your doctor. Getting the right treatment as soon as possible is key to ensuring you are healthy and pain-free!

The above article is from colgate.com

Lim and Yabu  
Geraldine Lim, DDS & Eric Yabu, DDS   
4174 Park Boulevard, Suite A  
Oakland, CA 94602  
(510) 530-7000  
OaklandLaserDentist.com