Hillsboro Cosmetic Dentist and COMPOSITE VERSUS SILVER ALLOY RESTORATIONS

Our Hillsboro Cosmetic Dentist office offers a newer type of procedure for the repair of teeth with dental decay. The composite bonded tooth colored materials are far superior to the conventional silver alloy materials, which are more commonly used by the majority of practitioners today.

This newer type of preparation to remove decay allows us to save much more healthy tooth structure that before was traditionally cut away to provide adequate retention for a silver-mercury restoration. Both the glass ionomer and the composite restoration materials bond to the existing tooth structure, and the tooth is restored close to its original strength. Conventional silver-mercury restorations do not bond to the tooth structure, and therefore result in a greater loss of tooth strength, which may result in fracture. It is also important to note that the glass ionomer material continuously releases fluoride in very small amounts, which prevents decay from recurring anywhere near where the material is placed.

Due to the nature of these new materials, the bonded tooth colored restorations are more time-consuming to place, and it is a more costly procedure than a conventional filling. From a conservative standpoint, these composite fillings save healthy tooth structure and provide strength and greater longevity. In consideration of these factors, along with the esthetic considerations, we are proud to offer this fine service to our patients.

Hillsboro Cosmetic Dentist Treatment of Cracked Teeth

One common occurrence to teeth that causes pain for many people is a cracked tooth. Teeth that have large existing amalgam fillings combined with a malocclusion (bad bite), often result in one or more teeth absorbing more than their normal loading forces. The outcome of these conditions is often a cracked tooth.

SYMPTOMS

Cracked teeth, and the often accompanying cracked-tooth syndrome, are difficult to diagnose and treat because symptoms are often confused with other pathology. Many cracked teeth go undetected until tooth loss is inevitable. The most common symptom to occur with a cracked tooth is sporadic sensitivity to cold and biting.

Generally, the intensity and frequency of these symptoms increase over time.

INCIDENCE OF CRACKED TEETH

Four percent of teeth eventually crack
They occur most commonly in the lower second molars and in the upper molars or the most distal tooth in the lower arch.
They occur more commonly along the inside cusps (the points of the teeth)
They usually occur in the front to back plane.
Most are vertical
Many extend the full length of the root.
They most commonly occur between the ages of 40 and 49.

SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH CRACKED TEETH

Sharp pain of a few second duration only while chewing.
Dull pain which comes and goes on its own.
Pain on chewing which does not occur every time the patient eats but increases in frequency with time.
Hypersensitivity to cold.
No symptoms 35% of the time.

CLINICAL FINDINGS ASSOCIATED WITH CRACKED TEETH

Periodontal packets are frequently associated with a cracked tooth. Overall, 66% of cracked teeth are associated with bony defects. When a deep pocket is seen in an otherwise healthy mouth (with no other such pockets) and the patient has symptoms of the cracked tooth syndrome, the likelihood of that tooth being cracked is high.

Frequently by the time a patient has distinct and persistent symptoms, more than one crack is present and more than one tooth may be involved.

COSMETIC DENTISTRY'S SOLUTION TO CRACKED TEETH.

If the tooth is not fractured beyond repair, then it will need a full coverage restoration, usually a Porcelain Crown. This will enclose the crack, much like a cast on a broken leg, but the cast becomes a permanent part of you since cracked teeth don't heal like bones do. Often times this will solve the problem and all of the patient's symptoms will disappear. If some symptoms continue the tooth may require a root canal. Cracked teeth experience a higher incidence of needing root canals than other teeth.

Return to HTML Home Page

Dr James A Miller, Aesthetic Dentist - Providing cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers and dental implants to the areas of Hillsboro and Portland, Oregon.