The Problem With Amalgam (Silver) Fillings

The mouth in its ideal form is free of signs of decay and disease.  Unfortunately, often our mouths can appear less than ideal with unsightly dark silver fillings.  Now, there is a new kind of restoration available called composite fillings that replace dark silver fillings to make your mouth look natural and beautiful again.

In the past, when an old filling wore out or failed with new decay, the only option was to have another silver filling.  Unfortunately, silver fillings have several disadvantages.  First, with time, the edges of the fillings deteriorate and break through a process called metal fatigue.  When a filling breaks, it no longer seals the tooth and tooth decay begins again.  Second, silver fillings just fill holes.  They don't add strength to decayed teeth.  And, when they age, they expand which can further weaken and crack the remaining tooth structure.  The result is tooth fracture which can result in the need  for a crown to seal and protect the tooth.  Finally, silver fillings cause unsightly metal stains of the teeth and gums.

With advances in materials and techniques, we now have a material that avoids these problems - composite fillings.  Composite fillings are tooth colored acrylics that are adhesively applied to the teeth in a process called bonding.  Composites not only look natural, they actually restore strength to the tooth while sealing and protecting the tooth.  For strong and natural looking teeth, Dr. Dulski uses composites exclusively as filling material at Adult Dentistry of Rochester.  For a free exam and consultation to discuss your alternative to silver fillings, visit http://www.dulski.com/.

Tags: Amalgam Fillings, Silver Fillings, Composite Fillings, Crowns

Common Questions About Porcelain Veneers

In an interview with Dr. Dulski about porcelain veneers, Ms. Deborah Jeanne Sergeant of In Good Health asks:

Ms. Sergeant:  What are the benefits that porcelain veneers offer?
Dr. Dulski:  How we perceive our smile and appearance affects our self-esteem, our moods and how we function in social and business relationships.  Common conditions that impact negatively on your smile include broken, cracked or worn teeth, discolored teeth, missing teth, crooked teeth, gaps between your teeth and/or "gummy smiles."  Ceramic restoration is the most durable and life-like way to replace damaged or lost enamel.  Veneers are more conservative of healthy tooth structure than full-coverage ceramic crowns.

Ms. Sergeant:  What are the risks involved?
Dr. Dulski:  As with any dental material that is used to restore teeth, there is limited useful life of the material.  Worn material requires replacement over time.  Consider a non-invasive procedure like orthodontics to close gaps to straighten teeth if the enamel is healthy and attractive.

Ms. Sergeant:  I've read that sometimes part of the tooth is ground off before a veneer is applied.  Wouldn't that harm the enamel?
Dr. Dulski:  The tooth is only as strong as the original tooth structure.  Healthy, intact enamel is necessary for a strong tooth that can chew comfortably and resist fracture.  Veneers are the most conservative replacement for damaged or lost enamel.  Thin veneers are the most conservative enhancement for unattractive enamel.

Ms. Sergeant:  Can debris get trapped between tooth and veneer thus endangering the tooth?
Dr. Dulski:  Porcelain veneers are bonded to the tooth using adhesive resins that seal out decay.  Daily brushing and flossing are necessary  to remove plaque, a film of bacteria that can build up on both natural and veneered teeth along the gum line.

Ms. Sergeant:  How long do veneers last?
Dr. Dulski:  Veneers, like crowns, last an average of 8 - 12 years.  Frequent visits with your dental hygiene coach, the hygienist, can help you prolong the life of your porcelain restorations.

Ms. Sergeant:  Once a veneer is applied, must the person have veneers for life?
Dr. Dulski:  Once enamel is removed, it cannot be replaced with anything as long-lasting.  Bonding damaged, lost or unattractive enamel with porcelain with the goal of preserving tooth structure is a reality today.

At Adult Dentistry of Rochester, Dr. Dulski supports the desirability of placing more conservative restorations to realize the financial and longevity benefits offered by more conservative restorative dentistry. Visit www.dulski.com to learn how contemporary methods give us the tools to give you a gorgeous, bright smile with minimally invasive treatments and fewer repeat visits.

Tags: Porcelain Veneers, Conservative Restorative Dentistry, Dental Bonding

Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry is a philosophy that takes advantage of the latest technology and techniques to help keep your teeth healthy and beautiful.  The principles of  preventive dentistry are to prevent tooth decay, detect and treat decay as early as possible, preserve the maximum amount of tooth structure, and restore your teeth comfortably with tooth-colored materials.  These same principles of early detection and treatment to preserve supporting tissue also apply to gum disease to prevent tooth loss.

As a first step, we'll talk with you about your diet, home care routine, and health history to help you lower your risk for tooth decay.  If you are at high risk, we may recommend special fluoride tooth paste, mouth rinses, sealants, or other treatments to help prevent decay.  We'll also perform a thorough examination.  And, if we suspect that the decay has already begun, we will use extremely small instruments to remove the decay in the pits and grooves or in-between areas of teeth where decay begins.  Fortunately, these methods are gentle on teeth.

If teeth are at risk of decay, we may place sealants on the biting surfaces of teeth to prevent future damage.  If teeth are already decayed, then we will remove the decay and bond in a small tooth-colored filling to protect and restore the tooth.  At Adult Dentistry of Rochester, preventive dentistry techniques allow us to detect problems early and help you keep your healthy, beautiful smile.  We invite you to visit http://www.dulski.com/ for a free comprehensive exam. We think this is the best way for you to get acquainted with our advanced, comfort-conscience,

Tags: Preventive Dentistry, Dental Sealants, Tooth-Colored Fillings, Dental Bonding, Diet and Risk of Tooth Decay

Seven Factors You Can't Ignore

Gum disease is a chronic bacterial infection that triggers an inflammatory response in your body and can lead to tooth loss.  Scientists believe that this inflammatory process my be linked to other inflammatory diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease.  The incidence of gum disease effects over 50% of the adult population. There are seven factors that could make you vulnerable to developing gum disease:

1)  Tobacco and Alcohol.  Smoking or chewing tobacco and drinking alcohol are leading causes of gum disease and can lead to oral cancer.  Doing both could put you at 15 times greater risk that others.
2)  Genetic Susceptibility.  About 30% of the population inherits the tendency to be six times more at risk for gum disease.
3)  Hormonal Changes.  Life stages that bring natural changes in hormone levels include puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and andropause.
4)  Stress.  Stress can make it more difficult for you to fight off oral and other infections.
5)  Diabetes.  Diabetics are at higher risk for infections including gum diseases which can make it more difficult to control blood sugar.
6)  Clenching or Grinding Teeth.  Excess force on the supporting tissues of your teeth could speed their deterioration.
7)  Avoiding Dental Visits.  Regular exams and confirmation of proper home care techniques can help you prevent gum disease.  At Adult Dentistry of Rochester, we can identify gum disease before you can and help you to halt its progression.  It's critical to your health, and the health of your family, to have the condition of  your teeth and gums checked now.  Please visit us at http://www.dulski.com/ for your free exam and consultation.

Tags: Gum Disease, TMD, Preventive Dentistry, Periodontal Disease

Best Teeth Whitening

There is a disagreement within dentistry about the effectiveness of bleaching lights and lasers to increase the effectiveness of dentist in-office bleaching solutions.  Some dentists believe that teeth whitening is more effective with the use of light or lasers.  While other dentists believe that the effectiveness of the bleaching solution is not increased by using lights or lasers.

Different manufacturers, all promoting their own light source, claim that their light used with their bleaching solution increases the effectiveness of teeth whitening.  Bleaching lights look impressive and cost a few thousand dollars, making the set-up of a dentist in-office whitening system expensive to own and operate, increasing the cost of teeth whitening in the dentist office for the consumer.

Many recent studies show that the active ingredient in these teeth whitening solutions, peroxide, is effective without the use of a light.  These studies were done by whitening the teeth on one side of the mouth with the light, and the other side of the mouth without the light using the same whitening solution on both sides of the mouth.  The studies show that both sides of the mouth whitened equally well.  Could the promotion of bleaching lights simply be a marketing gimmick?

At Adult Dentistry of Rochester, Dr. Dulski uses a leading professional in-office teeth whitening brand that does not use a light or laser.  For the best value for your teeth whitening dollar, visit http://www.dulski.com/whiten.html.

Tags: Teeth Whitening, Dentist In-Office Teeth Bleaching, Professional Teeth Whitening, Cosmetic Dentistry

Initial Dental Exam

During your initial visit to Adult Dentistry of Rochester, Dr. Dulski wants you to understand what's included in a thorough dental examination because we believe that it is vital to be an active participant in your dental care.  When we examine your mouth, we look for signs of periodontal disease, tooth decay, and bite problems.

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum and bone supporting the teeth causing loss of support and cavities or pockets between the gum, bone and tooth.  Since you may have no symptoms with periodontal disease, we use visual examination, a periodontal probe and X-rays to look for it.  During your exam, we look for red and swollen gums as in this example of early periodontal disease.

We also use a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the pocket from where the gums are attached to the tooth to the top of the gums.  A probe reading of more that 3 mm is a sign of periodontal disease.  And, the deeper the pocket, the greater the spread of the disease.  Sometimes gums bleed when we probe.  Bleeding is a sign of infection.  Healthy gums don't bleed.

 

X-rays also show us allot about periodontal disease.  In a healthy mouth, the bone completely covers the roots of the teeth and is even throughout the mouth.  In advanced periodontal disease, the bone level is much lower and uneven.

 During an exam, we also look for tooth decay.  Tooth decay is produced by acids which is caused by certain types of bacteria in the mouth.  The acids dissolve tooth structure and cause cavities in the tooth.  Some cavities are easy to see, but for hard to see cavities, we may use a dental explorer and X-rays.  A dental explorer sticks slightly when it contacts decayed surfaces on the top and sides of teeth.  We also use X-rays to look for cavities.  Cavities between the teeth show up as dark spots.

During your check-up, we also inspect your bite.  When you chew, a healthy mouth allows all of your teeth to  hit simultaneously, chewing muscles to contract evenly, and your jaw joint to be seated in it's proper position.  However, misaligned teeth can trap bacteria leading to periodontal disease and tooth decay.  Bite problems can also contribute to difficulties with your jaw joint, the TMJ.  It can also cause tooth grinding and clenching, resulting in the loss of enamel near the gum line.

At Adult Dentistry of Rochester, we believe that it is important to monitor the health of your mouth regularly because dental problems can grow quickly and lead to worsening infections, tooth loss, and an unattractive appearance.  For a free smile saving exam with Dr. Dulski, visit http://www.dulski.com/.

Tags: Dental Examination, Gum Disease, Periodontal Disease, Tooth Decay, TMJ Disorder, Dental X-rays

Root Canal Treatment

When tooth decay progresses beyond simple restoration with a filling, to infect the nerve of the tooth, root canal treatment is necessary to save the tooth.  The infected nerve is removed and replaced with a root canal filling, likely a rubber material gutta-percha cemented in place.

The procedure usually requires one or two appointments and is not painful once the tooth is thoroughly numbed.  After completion of the root canal, the tooth is weak and brittle, requiring a crown to restore the natural strength and beauty of the tooth.

The alternatives to root canal treatment are not favorable.  Delay in treatment often means increasing pain and swelling as the infected nerve deteriorates into a dental abscess infecting the surrounding jaw bone and face.  The tooth can be extracted and replaced with an implant crown.  This alternative is twice as expensive and time consuming than simply saving the tooth with root canal treatment.

At Adult Dentistry of Rochester, Dr. Dulski believes that the best root canal treatment is one that never need be done.  With routine X-rays and examination, tooth decay can be restored with a simple composite filling for one-tenth the cost of a root canal and crown.  To learn how Dr. Dulski can help you avoid the time and expense of complex restorative care, visit http://www.dulski.com/rootcanals.html.

Tags: Root Canals, Tooth Pain, Root Canal Treatment, Crown