Did You Know There's More Than One Way to Fill a Cavity?

Tooth decay can lead to painful cavities, but you don’t always have to take it out. Instead, you can restore the damaged tooth with a dental filling. Once it is determined that your tooth can be saved via filling, your dentist will first remove the decayed tooth substance, clean the affected area, and then fill out the cavity with a dental filling material. There are different ways to fill a cavity, including:

1. Temporary filling

The most common type of temporary filling is cement filling, which is intended to last for only a few months. The duration that a temporary filling can remain in place depends on the type of material used, since some are made to be semi-permanent, such as glass ionomer cements. Typical temporary fillings include PolyF, Cavit, Fugi GIC cement, and Zinc Oxide Eugenol.

Pros

• Helps you feel more comfortable until you’re able to get a permanent filling – such as when you have a hyper-sensitive tooth
• Quick and easy to install – for emergency appointments

Cons

• Wear very quickly as they are not meant to last
• If left for prolonged periods, they can fracture and fall out

2. Permanent filling using Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART)

This is one way to remove demineralized outer caries dentin and place permanent filling using only hand instruments, without the dentist being required to use an expensive drill.

Pros

• Simple method used where conventional cavity preparation is not feasible
• Cost-effective as it does not require any anesthesia, electricity, or running water
• Minimal pain during cavity preparation – due to creation of smaller cavities
• Conserves tooth structure and minimizes trauma

Cons

• Mostly used in the developing rural countries though it is now found in developed countries
• Not ideal for multi-surface restorations compared to single surface restorations

3. Permanent filling using a dental drill

Unlike in ART, the dentist uses a dental drill to extract all decay from a cavity and change the shape of the cavity so it can hold the permanent filling material firmly. Different filling materials require different shaping procedures. For instance, if bonded filling is being used, your dentist will etch your tooth with an acid gel before the filling is placed.

Pros

• Last an average of 12 years

Cons

• Cases of sensitivity to air pressure, cold, or sweet foods after composite fillings – amalgam is stronger
• Pain after the anesthetic wears off – if the filling is too high
• Galvanic shock discomfort when two metals touch (top and bottom)

You may also consider getting custom-made restorations, made from a special mold of your tooth in the lab. The restoration usually takes 2 or more visits, and can be made from gold, metal alloys, porcelain, and/or composite materials.  

Ask us about the dental fillings we offer @ Floss Dental & Orthodontics!

What You Should Know About Root Canal

When the pulp is damaged or inflamed, there’s a possibility of losing that tooth. A root canal is a solution for treating teeth that have been decayed all the way to the tooth’s pulp.

Causes of pulp inflammation or infection:

• Faulty dental procedures (i.e. dental fillings or crowns)
• Cracks or chips in your teeth, which allow bacteria to grow and flourish.
• Trauma to a tooth.

Root Canal Signs:

• Pain from applied pressure to your tooth (i.e. chewing).
• Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
• Swollen gums near the infected tooth.
• Any sign of pus.
• Dark discoloration.

Does a Root Canal procedure hurt?
Many people believe root canals are painful procedures. Root canals are no more painful than a dental filling. Once the anesthesia kicks in, pain should not be felt for the duration of the procedure. It’s much better to experience the minimal pain with a root canal than endure severe pain from a badly infected tooth.

Root Canal Benefits:

• Restores and maintains your bite for efficient chewing
• Protects your other teeth from strain
• Saves your natural tooth
• Maintains your natural smile

For more detailed information on root canals, please visit our website or give us a call @ 702-997-770.

Sweet Holiday Dental Tips

The holidays are drawing closer, but don’t let tooth decay get in your way this holiday season. 

Holiday sweets such as gummy bears, candy canes, and mints can stick to your teeth for hours. The longer they remain stuck, the more likely your chance of developing a cavity since bacteria thrives on sugary foods.

Here are some helpful tips that will keep your teeth jolly this season:

·      Restrict the amount of snacks you consume before and after meals. Sugar free gum can be a healthy alternative.

·      Consume more water. Water helps wash out the sugars.

·      Floss after every meal and brush your teeth in the morning and night. We can’t stress this enough. You don’t want to go to bed with sugary foods stuck between your teeth!

Also, visit your dentist for a regular check-up. Check-ups are a crucial part to maintaining a healthy mouth.

Be sure to take advantage of our special offers!

If you have any questions please call us at 702-997-7707 or contact us here.

Happy Holidays from Floss Dental & Orthodontics!

Dental Bonding

Have you ever had minor problems like small chips in your teeth or gaps in between them that you left untreated because they felt to "small" to be worth the trouble or price of treatment? Many people avoid going to the dentist because they are afraid of cost and only go in when things start to hurt. What some may not realize is that treatment is necessary for small problems to prevent them from getting bigger.

A great solution for small chips or gaps that need to be filled is dental bonding. Bonding is a fast procedure good for filling in tight spaces that will not be put under high pressure. It is also a much more affordable treatment than you might think. It requires very little prep and results last a long time. Visit our website for more information about the treatment process and when dental bonding is the best option for minor dental issues.

No matter how "small" you problem is, you shouldn't wait to have dental treatment. If you are the type of person who waits until they cannot avoid treatment, you may end up spending much more later than if you focus first on preventative measures. Many times there are affordable options out there, and all you need is the information to make a better decisions for your health and your wallet.