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9
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Are silver fillings, fluoride or x-rays, a danger to my health? What are the alternatives?
Dental amalgam, or silver filling material, is a mixture of mercury,
and an alloy of silver, tin and copper. The release of mercury in
silver fillings is so small that it is much less than what patients are
exposed to in food, air and water. There are, however, other materials
that can be used for restorations. These include gold, porcelain, and
composite resins.
Fluoride is a compound of the element fluorine, which is found
universally throughout nature in water, soil, air and in most foods.
Fluoride is absorbed easily into the tooth enamel, especially in
children's growing teeth. Once teeth are developed, fluoride makes the
entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes
remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage
is visible.
Radiographs, or x-rays, help your dentist determine the
presence or degree of periodontal disease, abscesses, and many abnormal
growths such as cysts and tumors. They can help pinpoint the location
of cavities and other signs of disease that may not be possible to
detect through a visual examination. All health care providers are
sensitive to patients' concerns about exposure to radiation. Your
dentist has been trained to prescribe radiographs when they are
appropriate and to tailor the radiograph schedule to your individual
needs. By using state-of-the-art technology, such as digital
radiography, and by staying knowledgeable about recent advances, your
dentist knows which techniques, procedures and X-ray films can minimize
your exposure to radiation.
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10
.
What are dental implants and how do they work?
Dental implants are substitutes for natural tooth roots and rely on the
jawbone for support. Strategically placed, implants can now be used to
support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a
denture. The cost tends to be greater, but the implants and bridges
more closely resemble real teeth.
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11
.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a procedure done to save the damaged or dead pulp in
the root canal of the tooth by cleaning out the diseased pulp and
reshaping the canal. The canal is filled with gutta percha, a
rubberlike material, to prevent recontamination of the tooth. The tooth
is then permanently sealed with possibly a post and/or a gold or
porcelain crown. This enables patients to keep the original tooth.
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12
.
When is the best time to remove wisdom teeth?
When the removal of wisdom teeth is determined necessary, it is best
done when the roots are approximately 2/3rds formed, usually in the
adolescent years. Removal at this time allows for an easier procedure
and decreases the risk of damage to the nerves in that area.
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