As mentioned in the previous post, we will first discuss materials used for direct restorations. An amalgam is a mixture of different metals; wherein the primary one used is mercury. As of present, amalgams are 40% mercury and 60% powder of the following combined metals (Silver/Copper/Zinc).
It is truly considered as one of the excellent and versatile restorative material around. Here are the pros of amalgam:
inexpensive;
can pack any irregular volume;
water moisture tolerant;
and lasts more than any direct restorative material;
It is for these reasons that an amalgam is considered as an effective and superior direct restorative material.
We will discuss the dental amalgam controversy in the next post.
Evaluating tools when it comes to teeth diagnostics includes a composite resin mock-up as well as dental reconstruction. These types commonly make use of incise putty matrix.The American Dental Association, due to its promotion of dental surgery for aesthetic purposes, or what we know as dental cosmetology, has given led to the rise of people being self conscious with their teeth structure, The person’s set of molars for one, is largely responsible for the way his or her moth twitches every time he or she attempts to smile.
Anthropologic evidence suggests that archaic dentistry, mostly dental drilling, was practiced even 7000 BC. Of course there have been many of developments in the field of dentistry since then. It’s the 21st Century, after all! Technology has enabled us to find new techniques and materials. These include dental prosthesis, dental fillings, and even dental surgery.
How would you feel if your teeth are being dilled using crude stone implements? Ouch!
Metal implants made of titanium had their fair share of problems such as non-osseointegration wherein they failed because the bone wasn’t able to grip the implant, enough to make a firm foundation. Researchers then found that a new new generation of ceramics that were not only tougher but have a structure that is similar to real bone may provide better implants that are shorter but stronger.
On the other hand, more traditional implants were quite large and tends to result in a hole that has to be drilled quite precisely to accept it, enter mini-implants. These were quite similar to the standard implants that were previously used to provide temporary anchors for dentures and were smaller in size that made them easier to put in. Newer materials proved to strengthen them enough for permanent use and initial tests allowed them to become more cost effective in attaining that perfect smile.
Image Source: eagledentalclinic.com
Dental restorations can be classified into two kinds: direct and indirect restorations which can be categorized further by their location and size. A root canal is a restorative method done to fill the space where the dental pulp usually stays. Tooth preparation is typically needed to make way for the intended restoration procedure, to take off any dental decay and structurally unhealthy tooth. If permanent restoration is not possible even after tooth preparation, temporatry restoration is the alternative. Direct restoration is a technique that includes putting a soft and malleable filling into the prepared tooth and forming the tooth before the restorative material hardens. A good thing about it is that the restorative material used hardens fast and can be done by one operator only.
Image Source: www.algreatpics.net
Dental Implants are more than uplifting; they can help you look great. Teeth that are lost to gum disease, cavities, or ordeal from accident can be permanently replaced by Dental Implants. The dentist can place an artificial root into the gum and then put a tooth on it. Dental implants are stronger and more durable than their restorative counterparts (bridges and dentures). Implants offer a permanent solution to tooth loss.
Dental implants are among the most thriving procedures in dentistry. different studies have found the 5 year success rate of implants to be between 90-95%.Dental implants soon after tooth loss, can save bone teeth and the most important the look of your smile Dental Implants also help gums looking hale and hearty and young. For people with good health and overall good bone and gums Dental Implants are the attractive alternative to dentures and bridges. Although you have a number of restorative options for the dealing of missing teeth, none have proven to be as functionally successful and durable as Dental Implants. In many cases, dental implants may be the only logical choice for the restoration of all necessary functionality of the teeth and supporting structures. The cost to place and restore a dental implant typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 per tooth, including the services of the Cosmetic Dentist, though the price of dental implants varies greatly between countries.
Cone beam volumetric tomography or CBVT is fast becoming the norm in 3D imaging. CBVT supports treatments for implant placement, craniofacial surgery and TMJD. It combines stereophotography and imaging software applications to plan for dental treatment. It is considerably more accurate than CT scans and has 200 times less radiation, making it much safer. The scatter caused by metal in amalgams or metal crown is also minimized, and head posture is not as important a factor in scanning as in CT scans. Quality control is strict and often, diseases that were not initially part of the treatment are detected. Costs for a scan range from $350 to $425.
Toothlessness is also known by its medical term, edentulism. The main reason for tooth loss is periodontal disease. Researchers from Kuwait found that risk factors for periodontal disease are age, gender, smoking, lack of professional attention, inadequateoral hygiene, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis and anterior tooth type. Tooth loss was due mainly to periodontal disease, especially in patients over 35. Men, diabetics and smokers were more likely to have tooth loss. As expected, those who never had dental prophylaxis and seldom brushed their teeth have a greater lisk of tooth loss than those who brushed their teeth at least twice a day.
Leong’s premolar (www.toothclub.gov.hk)
Dens evaginatus is the dental term for the condition where the surface of the teeth has a protruding bump or cusp. It is said that this is more common in Asians and occurs more frequently on premolars than on any other types of teeth. On premolars, it is also known as Leong’s premolar. In some cases, it also happens to anterior teeth and is known as a talon cusp or eagle’s talon. The outcropping can break and might lead to infection and abscess. To prevent this, two things may be done: either the cusp can is reinforced with composite or removed and then restored using composite.
Grinding, gnashing or clenching your teeth is called bruxism. It can lead to headaches, teeth damage and jaw disorders. Some people with sleep bruxism aren’t aware of it. Symptoms include worn down or chipped teeth, tooth sensitivity, jaw or jaw muscle pain, earache, facial pain. The causes of bruxism are not always clear. In adults, anxiety, stress or anger may be some factors; for children, it may be the growth of the teeth and jaws. Some cases are caused by Huntington’s disease or Parkinson’s disease, or a side effect of drugs such as antidepressants. In severe cases, bruxism could damage to the jaw, teeth, restorations and crowns, and cause temporomandibular disorders in the joints in front of your ears. Treatment for this may be in the form of stress management, behavior therapy, medications like botox, and dental approaches like a mouth guards. Crowns or overlays may be needed to reshape chewing surfaces.