White Fillings
White Dental Fillings, also called resin composite filings, are the most accepted form of dental filling treatments in dentistry. Over many decades of research and development to improve the quality, durability, and bio-compatibility of dental filling material, white fillings have become one of the best form types of dental restorative material. dental caries is the most prevalent dental diseases, that affects most people. So in order to understand white dental fillings, you as a patient must first understand dental caries, or dental cavities.
Dental Cavities
Dental Cavities occur as a result of metabolism of food remains, and small particles in and around our teeth by bacteria that normally reside within out oral cavity. These bacterial are often harmless unless conditions are met for their rapid multiplication and growth. In an unhealthy mouth, bacterial balance is tipped toward these bacteria that can become harmful. Streptococcus mutans is the bacteria involved with initiation of dental cavities. There are few factors that determine the activity and growth level of this bacteria in the mouth which in turn determines the amount of cavity present in a patient mouth. Diet is one of the most important factors.
How do dental caries form?
Dental caries form when the carbohydrates from our diet, most notable simple sugars, are consumed by Streptococcus Mutan, and as result of digestion of sugar, Streptococcus Mutans produce lactic acid. The issue with lactic acid, and any other acids for that matter, is that they will denature, or dissolve the crystalline structure of the tooth, which if goes unchecked will grow significant in size. Destruction of tooth crystalline structure by bacterial produces acid is the cause of dental caries.
Role of Diet
Human diet is comprised primarily of carbohydrates and had been the same for centuries. Simple carbs provide a good source of nutrients to our body, that are readily available to be turned into energy and other important molecules such as amino acids. Additionally, carbohydrates provide a constant supply of food to bacteria that reside in the mouth. Yes, our mouth is infested with hundreds of different pathogens, most of which live in harmony with us and are in fact necessary for maintenance of a healthy digestive tract. Streptococcus Mutants, is the bacteria identified to be associated with formation of dental caries.
Preventing dental caries
The most effective way to prevent dental caries involves good oral hygiene, and maintaining a low carbohydrate diet. Effective oral hygiene starts at home. It is recommended to brush teeth at least twice a day, and floss every time we eat something. This is because, teeth brushing removed plaque and food particles from around the teeth, except the contact sites between teeth. This area is the most common location for development of dental caries. Using Dental Floss has been shown to be the most effective way to clean in between the teeth. other products such as inter-proximal brushes, tooth picks, and tooth wedges also provide adequate cleaning between the teeth. Modern inventions such as electric water flossers have shown to be slightly inferior in term of cleaning effect between teeth and prevention of dental caries. This is unlike electric tooth brushes that provide a much more adequate cleaning of teeth surfaces vs manual brushing.
When do I need a filling?
The need for dental fillings is directly associated with the size and extent of dental caries present. As Streptococcus Mutans eats away the left over carbs and dissolves enamel, it burros into the microscopic pores of the tooth, replicates in large numbers, and further extends the spread of dental caries. For example, small lesions of dental caries that penetrate dentin and not beyond and are called incipient lesions and do not necessarily require treatment with dental fillings. That means with proper oral hygiene and care they can be remain at the same size. In very few cases Incipient lesions can reverse to healthy state. Once dental caries extends beyond the enamel of the tooth and into the underlying dentin, it is no longer possible to be contained. In a short period of time, caries can extend into dentin and cause sever destruction of the tooth and ultimately killing the tooth. Therefore, any dental cavity that extends beyond enamel must be treated as soon as possible. Your dental provider at Dental Atelier can determine the location, and extent of dental caries during radiographic examination.
What to expect at your filling appointment
At Dental atelier, we use digital radiography with ability to enhance an image digitally, allowing us to find the exact location and extent of the dental caries and eliminates the guesswork and whether dental fillings are needed or not. Additionally, we only use teeth colored white filling material. By doing this, we eliminate the need to use unattractive metal fillings. Additionally, we use desensitizing material to reduce, or eliminate the possibility of dental sensitivity after placing a filling, as it is one of most common post operative complications of dental fillings. Lately to reduce the possibility of mercury exposure. Although we do not recommend replacing metal fillings without any associated symptoms, but on occasions we may recommend to achieve cosmetic appeal.