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Cleaning or Filling First: What’s the Right Order?

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What's the right order for filling or cleaning?

Deciding whether to get a filling before or after a teeth cleaning can be compared to selecting the initial piece of a puzzle; it lays the groundwork for the overall image of dental health.

Our extensive knowledge in various dental services allows us to comprehend how the order of these procedures can greatly affect the success of the treatment and the durability of the dental work.

We will investigate the factors that influence this decision, which will empower you to make a well-informed decision regarding your dental care journey.

Understanding Dental Fillings

Dental fillings play a pivotal role in combating tooth decay; they mend cavities and restore the tooth’s structural integrity. The selection of filling material, such as amalgam, composite resin, gold, or ceramic, is influenced by factors such as the tooth’s location, the extent of decay, and economic factors.

The procedure entails the removal of decayed material, thorough cleaning of the affected area, and subsequently filling the cavity to stop further decay. The importance of thorough teeth cleaning before a filling can’t be overstated. Despite variations in teeth cleaning products and costs, maintaining a clean environment before placing a filling is essential.

This measure drastically reduces the chance of bacteria entrapment and contributes to the durability of the dental filling.

The Importance of Teeth Cleaning

Appreciating the fundamental role of dental fillings in fighting tooth decay underscores the importance of regular teeth cleaning. It’s necessary to realize that professional teeth cleaning, executed by experts with sophisticated teeth cleaning machines, exceeds what normal brushing can achieve.

This process successfully eradicates plaque and tartar accumulation, both of which are essential to ward off gum disease and tooth decay. Regular professional cleanings are thus crucial for ensuring excellent oral health and boosting the effectiveness of dental fillings.

Factors to Consider

When deciding whether to have a filling before or after a dental cleaning, several key factors must be taken into account.

The intensity of tooth decay, the potential for infection, and the patient’s overall dental health are all vital considerations.

These elements significantly influence the decision-making process for the most effective and advantageous dental care.

Severity of Tooth Decay

The severity of tooth decay is a critical factor in deciding whether a dental cleaning should come before or after a filling. It’s vital to assess the level of decay, as it impacts the order of treatment.

If the decay is extensive, immediate fillings might be necessary to prevent further damage, emphasizing the need for quick action in severe cases. On the other hand, for minor decay, a cleaning may be conducted prior to any evaluations, possibly avoiding the need for fillings if preventive actions prove adequate.

Risk of Infection

The importance of **cleaning** teeth before **filling** can't be overstated.

Understanding the magnitude of tooth decay is vital, and the potential for infection should also be considered when determining the sequence of dental procedures. Infections can develop from untreated cavities, and delaying fillings can foster bacterial growth, resulting in more complex issues.

Dental cleanings are instrumental in eliminating bacteria, thus decreasing the infection risk during the filling operation. If bacteria persist in the cavity, it may undermine the success of a filling and adversely affect oral health. By arranging fillings promptly after cleanings, the infection risk can be minimized, and a higher level of oral hygiene can be ensured.

Overall Oral Health

We need to consider the existence of gum disease or tooth decay when deciding whether to prioritize a filling or cleaning for the best oral health.

The eradication of tartar and plaque via teeth cleaning can significantly boost the effectiveness of fillings that follow. Specifically, deep cleaning is pivotal in averting any issues that may occur during the filling process.

On the other hand, tackling urgent dental issues such as fillings before a cleaning may be suggested by dentists to halt further decay. It’s critical to comprehend that the correct order of these procedures is vital to achieving improved results for overall oral health.

Reasons for Filling Before Cleaning

Several reasons validate the choice of having fillings prior to a dental cleaning. Handling cavities and boosting the efficiency of following cleanings are among the key benefits. Attacking cavities with dental fillings right away can halt the advance of decay and limit the damage. This proactive strategy enables us to efficiently extract any remaining plaque or tartar during the cleaning process, guaranteeing a comprehensive cleanse.

While gum disease may pose challenges to the placement of fillings, our proficiency allows us to effectively manage these difficulties. Prioritizing fillings ensures excellent isolation of the treatment area, which is vital for the procedure’s success. Ultimately, opting for fillings before cleaning promptly addresses major dental issues and prepares for a more effective cleaning session.

Benefits of Cleaning Before Filling

Addressing urgent dental issues may seem important, but opting for a teeth cleaning before a filling can greatly enhance the efficiency and durability of the fillings.

It’s essential to understand that the depth of cleaning achieved professionally isn’t attainable at home, particularly prior to a dental filling procedure. The removal of plaque and tartar ensures a pristine surface, vital for the adhesion of long-lasting tooth-filling material.

This process significantly diminishes the risk of contamination and infection, which impacts the tooth filling cost and variations of dental fillings and expenses in the future.

Importantly, a hygienic oral environment bolsters the success and longevity of the filling, providing a strong base for any restorative treatment.

Professional Recommendations

Dentists frequently advise that fillings should be given precedence over cleanings to deal with severe decay and avert additional dental problems. This strategy enables us to confront tooth decay head-on, ensuring no further spread or deterioration. Concentrating on fillings allows for enhanced isolation of the impacted area, vital for a successful treatment outcome.

After the decay has been managed with fillings, any remaining plaque or tartar can be removed more effectively through a dental cleaning.

Even in the presence of gum disease, these challenges can be managed to ensure the successful placement of fillings. Our primary objective is always tooth preservation and addressing any patient concerns about the procedure. This approach aims to provide comprehensive care that effectively manages tooth decay and gum disease.

Making the Right Choice for Your Oral Health

Regular professional cleaning is crucial for ensuring oral health.

One must think thoroughly about whether to prioritize fillings or cleanings for optimal oral health outcomes. Resolving cavities with fillings is important as neglecting decay can result in severe complications.

Nevertheless, performing an exhaustive cleaning before fillings helps in removing tartar and plaque, which provides a conducive environment for the filling procedure. It’s crucial to balance the urgent requirement for fillings with the advantages offered by a comprehensive cleaning.

Dentists usually customize their strategy based on individual oral health status, acknowledging the importance of proper isolation during fillings to avert contamination. In the end, an optimal blend of well-placed fillings and deep cleaning proves to be the most effective approach to sustaining oral health and averting future complications, confirming we’re making the best choice for our oral health.

Conclusion

We at Austin Dental Center in Austin TX, strongly recommend a personalized approach. Regardless of whether a filling or a cleaning is scheduled initially, your distinct dental profile is our guide. Rely on us to steer your dental care, ensuring each stage, whether it starts with a cleanse or a repair, results in a healthier grin.

Remember, it’s not solely about the sequence; it’s about selecting the best option for your dental health, with a dash of humor to keep it engaging. Don’t hesitate to contact us for your dental needs, let’s help you maintain that healthy and beautiful smile.

What Are Mercury-Free Fillings?

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mercury filled filling

For many years silver amalgam was the primary material used for dental fillings. Although it was extremely strong and durable, it did have some drawbacks. Amalgam is made from a combination of silver, copper, tin and elemental mercury. While it’s true that mercury is a toxic substance, there has never been any evidence that the tiny amount of mercury contained in silver amalgam is dangerous to a person’s health. Still, it’s understandable that many dental patients have questioned the safety of silver amalgam, which is one of the reasons why other dental materials have been created over the past several years — to give those people mercury-free alternatives.

The two most commonly used mercury-free filling materials are composite resin and glass ionomer cement. What follows is some helpful information about each of these mercury-free filling materials.

Composite Resin

The most popular alternative to silver amalgam is composite resin. Restoration made from this material are often referred to as “tooth-colored fillings” because they can be made to very closely match the color of the patient’s natural teeth. Composite resin is created from an acrylic resin plastic material that is further strengthen by a powdered glass filler. Tooth-colored fillings are not only an attractive alternative to old-fashioned silver amalgam, they are also extremely durable and won’t change color over time (as opposed to amalgam, which turns very dark after a number of years).

Glass Ionomer Cement

A less-common alternative to silver amalgam or composite resin is glass ionomer cement. Although the exact composition of glass ionomer cement varies somewhat, this material usually consists of a base (such as zinc oxide, for example), organic acids (eugenol is a common one), acrylic resin and glass filler. Fillings made from glass ionomer cement can be created to match the patient’s natural tooth color, similar to composite resin. But they differ from composite fillings in that they don’t require blue light hardening that composite fillings do. Instead, glass ionomer cement is self-curing. While it’s true that glass ionomer cement looks very much like the patient’s natural tooth surface and it is quite strong and durable, it is typically only recommended for small-sized fillings.

Although silver amalgam is still used by many dentists, more and more dental professionals are offering composite resin and/or glass ionomer cement as a filling material. If you are concerned about the mercury contained in amalgam, you should know that there are other alternatives that are not only strong, but are barely noticeable by other people. Thanks to modern dental technology, today’s dental patients can choose either of these mercury-free materials as opposed to traditional dental amalgam.

The Advantages of Porcelain Over Amalgam Fillings

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colored filling

For many, many years, getting a new dental filling meant only one thing: the dentist would use silver amalgam to fill the tooth. In fact, amalgam is still in use to this day, which means it has been consistently used in dentistry for over 100 years. Silver amalgam is an extremely durable material made from a combination of silver, zinc, tin, copper and mercury. Although studies have not shown conclusively that the amount of mercury present in this dental material is harmful to people, it is understandable that some dental patients shy away from silver amalgam for that reason. Fortunately, modern dental technology provides dentists with several other materials to use for fillings. One of the most popular is porcelain. Here are a few reasons why porcelain fillings can be a better choice than amalgam.

  • Porcelain is tooth-colored, and can be made to exactly match the shade of the patient’s natural teeth. This means that porcelain fillings are virtually invisible inside a person’s mouth. Silver amalgam starts out silver in color, but over time it turns very dark until it’s almost black in color – not exactly an attractive choice for a filling! But porcelain stays tooth-colored for the life of the filling.
  • Porcelain does not contain mercury. As we mentioned before, even though the amount of mercury in silver amalgam is quite small, many people would still prefer to avoid it altogether. Porcelain dental material contains no mercury at all.
  • Porcelain bonds to the patient’s natural tooth, as opposed to silver amalgam, which does not. This means that your dentist will have to remove a smaller amount of the healthy tooth when preparing it for a new filling.
  • Porcelain is very durable and strong. Teeth that have been filled with porcelain dental material are just as strong as natural teeth.
  • Porcelain won’t expand and contract the way silver amalgam will. Amalgam reacts much more to variations and temperature than porcelain. This means that every time you drink a hot cup of coffee, or eat ice cream, the amalgam in your fillings expands and contracts. This makes these fillings much more susceptible to cracking over time, which can also crack the surrounding natural tooth. Porcelain does not expand and contract, making them less likely to crack due to changes in temperature.

There are several good reasons why silver amalgam has been used for so many years and why it is still offered by many dentists. But there’s no doubt that porcelain offers the patient many advantages over amalgam. For more information about these two materials, and to help decide which is best for you, talk to your dentist

Is It Time to Replace Your Old Fillings?

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dental-filling
Traditional, or amalgam fillings, easily recognized by their indiscreet metallic coloring, have been the standard type of filling for over 150 years. They are unattractive and could possible cause further damage due to their instability to temperature change. What you may not realize is that amalgam fillings are no longer the only option available for filling teeth when damage caused by a cavity makes filling the tooth necessary. Newer fillings, known as composite fillings, provide many benefits to the older amalgam fillings. For starters they don’t require removing more of the tooth than necessary to properly fill and seal a cavity. Austin Dental Center is pleased to offer composite fillings for a more attractive look that can also help strengthen your teeth. If you have amalgam fillings, you may choose to look into composite replacements for the following reasons.

  • Amalgam fillings contain mercury. While the levels of mercury used in amalgam fillings is deemed safe, it isn’t unusual for patients to feel uncomfortable with any substance containing mercury to be in their mouths. Replacing old fillings can ease your mind and eliminate the presence of mercury for good.
  • Composite fillings won’t fluctuate in size. Metal fillings can expand and contract depending on hot or cold temperatures in the mouth. When the metal expands it can cause stress on the teeth and potentially lead to cracked or damaged teeth. At times the fillings can even come loose and need replaced. Composite fillings create a stronger bond to teeth than amalgam and won’t change size.
  • Metal fillings can lead to infection. Because amalgam fillings don’t create a strong bond to teeth bacteria can infect tooth and become trapped leading to an infection. Composite fillings are bonded to teeth keeping bacteria out.
  • Less drilling means less damage to teeth. Metal fillings require deep drilling for it to fit . properly in the tooth. All of this drilling requires some of the tooth that is actually still healthy to be removed. Composite doesn’t need as much room to fit and fill a tooth.
  • Composite is more attractive. Composite fillings are made from porcelain and composite resin. They are the same color as teeth and far less noticeable than older amalgam fillings

    • Replacing those old metal fillings can restore self confidence and give you a more youthful smile. Old dental work is a major culprit in aging your smile and taking advantage of composite fillings can take years off of your appearance. Austin Dental Center PC is happy to help you replace old fillings and regain a smile you can’t wait to show off.

Is There a Better Material for Cavity Fillings on the Horizon?

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For many years, dentists primarily used silver amalgam for fillings. Although this material was quite strong, it contained mercury, which was not healthy for the environment. As a result, dental technology moved away from silver amalgam, and many dentists began using a composite material to fill teeth. Although the composite material doesn’t contain mercury, it has other disadvantages: namely, that it has to be replaced more often in people who have a tendency to have more cavities, and the bonding agent used to attach the composite material to the tooth means that the filling process itself is more vulnerable.

Recently, developers in search of a better tooth filling material have focused their research efforts on glass ionomer. This material contains no mercury and also does not require adhesive to adhere it to the tooth surface. Yet another advantage of glass ionomer is that it actually releases fluoride, which can help prevent cavities. This material also does not require a heat lamp to harden like composite does. This makes glass ionomer much easier to use in more remote locations that may not have electricity, such as some third-world countries.

Although developers still have some work left to do before they come to any solid conclusions about glass ionomer, that research is well underway. It may not be too long before an even better cavity filling material is available to Austin dentists. One thing is certain – dental technology has come a long way since the days of silver amalgam fillings!

Austin Dental Center offers mercury-free, tooth colored fillings – Call for your appointment today! (512) 454-0414

Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/290685.php

Mercury-Free Dental Fillings

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If you have tooth decay or a tooth that is cracked or broken as a result of injury or grinding your teeth, chances are your dentist will recommend getting a dental filling to repair the tooth. Dental fillings are still quite common, and the procedure hasn’t changed all that much over the years:

  1. The first step your dentist will perform is to remove the tooth decay (if present), and clean the area to prepare it.
  2. Next, the dental filling material is applied in layers.
  3. After each layer of dental material is applied, a light beam is used to help the material harden.
  4. Finally, your dentist will shape and polish the dental filling material to ensure that it’s comfortable and doesn’t negatively impact how your teeth fit together when you bite down.

Although the procedure involved in creating a dental filling hasn’t changed much over the years, the type of filling material has. At one time, an amalgam was one of the most common types of material used in dental fillings. The amalgam was actually a blend of copper, silver and mercury.

Today, many patients choose the mercury-free fillings, also known as composite fillings. The benefits for these kinds of fillings are both health related and cosmetic. Mercury-free composite fillings cause fewer instances of tooth sensitivity from the temperature of food and drinks for most people.  In addition, the material used for composite fillings improves the strength of your natural tooth better than the amalgam fillings can. The most popular reason for mercury-free fillings is that the composite material is tooth-colored making your dental work unnoticeable when you smile or laugh.

The next time you or your child is due to have a dental filling, ask your dentist for more information about the filling materials available so you can make the best choice for you and your family.

Source: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/debate-over-mercury-in-dental-fillings

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Amazing New Filling Kills Bacteria and Remineralizes Tooth!

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In order to understand the pure dental-related brilliance that has sprung from a research team at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, one must first grasp the process that occurs before a cavity forms in a tooth.

Bacteria is ever present in the mouth, but when food particles are left behind in and around the teeth, harmful types of bacteria can feed on it, producing acid as a byproduct. The acid eats away at the minerals in the teeth and ultimate causes decay. Regardless of how well a dentist attacks the issue, even after drilling, the bacteria continue to exist.

Until now, dentists could only play defense, using fillings to prevent further damage from occurring. However, today, there is hope that dentists will soon have the ability to combat the bacteria more effectively. They may be able to use fillings, not just for defense, but to regenerate the lost tooth structure and to stave off any further attacks by bacteria.

The new nanocomposite that the team has developed would be good for more than ten years and contains an antibacterial primer and adhesive. These components of the filling are outfitted with high pH levels. The alkaline status helps to defend against any acid produced by bacteria. Additionally, the use of calcium phosphate allows for tooth remineralization, so the filled tooth actually grows in strength.

Testing will continue on the teeth of animals and humans in coming months and the team has submitted patent applications, so the hope is that everyday use will not be far off.

For more information on the nanocomposite and the promise it holds, continue reading the dental news article.

U.N. Continues to Push for Mercury-Free Fillings

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Could an international treaty make the dental community rethink a process that has been done for ages?

It is possible.

Anti-mercury activists are encouraging the United Nations to consider a plan of action that would make the use of mercury-based products illegal.

That would, of course, impact most United States dental practices as silver amalgam fillings are commonly used to fill holes drilled to remove tooth decay.

There are more than one hundred million Americans who already have mercury residing in their mouths.

Silver Amalgam fillings were once the best and only real option for filling a tooth after cavity.

A meeting by the UN recently involved a long talk on the topic of mercury and its potential for poisoning.

It was stated that the eventual goal was to have all dentists in every corner of the world stop using silver fillings, and to opt instead for newer alternatives.

Though the possibility of mercury poisoning as a result of silver fillings remains for minute, many believe that there is still reason for concern.

Currently, the US Food and Drug Administration holds fast to the ruling that amalgam fillings are a safe and effective dental treatment.

What will come of the proposed treaty is yet to be seen, but the debate continues to heat up.

To read more and form your own opinion, visit the full article.

ADA Approves Nonfluoride Products to Prevent Cavities

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There is good news for the orally-fixated crowd today, as it has been announced that the chewing of sugar-free gum, candy, or lozenges with xylitol or polyol could soon be part of a dentist’s prescription for better oral health.

A recent study found that the inclusion of these products in a person’s day-to-day life, in conjunction with a new non-fluoride prescription could drastically cut down on tooth decay.

Of course, the prescription varnish would not be enough to defend teeth from cavities and bacteria on its own, but when used along with a normal oral care plan that includes daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste this product could mark big improvements for many individuals.

Dentists are advised that a risk assessment test be performed to determine a person’s actual likelihood of cavity formation. In those with high risk, a prescription varnish can be applied by the dentist directly to the teeth. This would be done every three months.

In addition, it is recommended that these individuals (and children at equally high risk of decay) chew sugar-free gum for ten to twenty minutes after meals.

Together with the varnish and a healthy oral care ritual, this can significantly cut down on bacterial growth and therefore reduce the chances of cavity formation.

These proposals are based on the findings of more fifty research trials and more than seventy articles on the topic.

The ADA is confident that these additions to long standing dental practices can help to improve oral health across the country and beyond.

To keep reading on this theory, visit the full article.

New Headphones Cancel Out Dentist Drill Noise

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Commonly seen in factories, on farms, and in other noisy arenas today, noise cancelling headphones have proven very successful at protecting the hearing of the individuals who don them, while still allowing them to communicate with others.

A new device that is sure to have a dramatic effect on the dental field is using similar technology to block out the dreaded sound of the dental drill.

This tool used by dentists when removing damaged areas of tooth before filling the cavity to protect it from further decay is often the leading cause of anxiety in patients. Much of the fear stems from the high pitched squeal that the drill gives off as it is operated.

Researchers believe that if the noise was no longer an issue, patients would be better able to relax and, therefore, more likely to consent to recommended treatment.

These new, specially designed headphones will make it possible for patients to plug into their handheld devices, so they can enjoy their favorite music. In the meantime, the noise of the drill would intentionally be drowned out, but the patient would still have the ability to hear the dentist and other staff members.

Professor Brian Millar of King’s College was the first to develop this idea. Though similar to other noise-cancelling ear devices, these would require an amplified ability to address the unusually high pitch of the dental drill.

Though not currently available (the college is seeking investors), it is thought that once developed, the headphones would be very cost effective for dental offices to invest in, making it possible for patients to enjoy them without it being tacked onto their bills.

For more information, keep reading the full article.