Dental Restoration 101

Dental amalgam has been used for over 150 years for the treatment of dental cavities and is
still used, in particular in large cavities due to its excellent mechanical properties and
durability. Dental amalgam is a combination of alloy particles and mercury that contains
about 50% of mercury in the elemental form.

Overall, the use of alternative materials such as composite resins, glass ionomer cements,
ceramics, and gold alloys, is increasing, either due to their aesthetic properties or alleged
health concerns related to the use of dental amalgam.

Whereas the toxicity of mercury has been extensively researched, relatively little is known
about the safety of alternative materials, possibly because some alternatives are relatively new
materials.

Image Source: Theodoregrey

Yep, apparently the debate on the safety of dental amalgam is still ongoing. This time, it is The European Commission that has launched a consultation process which will run until February 22, 2008 that will focus on two scientific opinions regarding dental amalgam and its alternatives.

Presenting the two views:

Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) made a preliminary report attempting to answer the question, �Are dental amalgam and alternative dental restoration materials safe for patients and users?� The results of the study were released on November 29, 2007. The conclusion is that amalgam is an effective restorative material and is deemed quite safe to be considered as the material of choice for some restorations. Incidences of adverse effects of amalgam and its materials are low and readily managed. Amalgam does not pose a risk to health apart from allergic reactions.

The Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks (SCHER) also made a preliminary report released on November 29, 2007. This study however focuses more on the environmental risks and indirect health effects of mercury in dental amalgam. The committee concludes that certain environmental risks exist in the involvement of the use of amalgam. Most of these are related to indirect exposure of humans to methylmercury. Although said risks are lower than tolerable limits, and therefore making them a low risk for more serious health effects, the issue of safety is still a matter of debate. Existing information is too limited to assess the environmental risks and indirect health effects. After all, Methylmercury is the most toxic type of mercury. Further study is still needed on this as available information on toxic effects of alternatives is still very limited to hold a proper comparative assessment.

Source: Cybermed

There are different materials used in dental restoration, which are the following:

1. Amalgam
Amalgam is one of the strongest materials used in dental restoration, which is basically a mix of several metals, among them silver, tin, mercury, and copper. There has been some controversy over the safety of amalgam, but it is only purely speculation and has not been supported by any kind of scientific background.

2. Porcelain
This is a more expensive material, which is chosen because of it’s similar hue to the teeth. However, under certain circumstances, it may break.

3. Composite resin
Made out of acrylic plastic material combined with glass or quartz fillers, composite resin is relatively sturdy, but it’s greatest weakness is its propensity to discolor faster.

4. Gold and base metal alloys.
These are very sturdy, but the downside is a metallic sheen that might serve as an aesthetic deterrent to patients.

Having a complete set of teeth is truly something to proud of but this doesn’t mean your teeth are sparkling white. Many factors can influence the overall look and appearance of teeth such as color, alignment and even the overall bite that can be influenced by disease or trauma. A sudden blow to your jaw can knock a tooth loose or several of them in more extreme cases along with certain diseases young in life that can leave your pearly whites not as white as you would want them to be.
Badly decayed teeth can be fixed with a root canal and depending on the stability of the offending tooth, either be pulled out and replaced by implants or repaired with a jacket or crown. Discolored teeth can be made white by applying veneers that are ceramic compounds stuck onto the teeth that can be made to look whiter that your original teeth. Bleaching is said to be more of a continuing process if one wants to maintain the whiteness of their teeth so veneers and sealants do a better job. One simply has to get in touch with a dental restoration specialist(a fancy name for a cosmetic dentist) so you can get the full picture on how to bring the smile back to those pearly whites you so need everyday.

Image Source: www.dentistsredmond.com

It is true that a variety of over the counter teeth whitening products are now out in the market. But which should you prefer? Is it the one that is supervised and administered by a professional or the use of the product which you could apply by yourself?

Here are a couple of factors that distinguish the teeth whitening procedure as done at home and as supervised by a dentist.

The strength of the bleaching agent. The over the counter teeth whitening products contain either 10% or 22% of carbamide peroxide or sometimes only 3% hydrogen peroxide. This is to compare with the 43% carbamide peroxide which the professional teeth whitening product encloses.

The right amount of protective measures and precautions. The professional dentist applies another type of gel that protects your teeth from other bleaching means whereas those products which are sold in the market could not assure you of this.

in general teeth whitening does not in any way create damage on your tooth structure, enamel, restoration, or bonding. The process is mainly geared towards arresting the molecules which cause the discoloration on the teeth. Therefore, be sure to have a dentist help you out.

Will have to update this post soon.

According to Dentalblogs , the Philadelphia City Council is set to vote on the Mercury in Dentistry Bill which (if it passes) will require dentists to inform patients about the mercury content (50%) of amalgam fillings and that it could be hazardous to their health.

Some research indicates that amalgams with mercury (in excess, probably) can cause hair discoloration, hair loss, gum disease, migraines, memory loss, anxiety, mental lethargy, chronic fatigue, eczema, asthma, kidney disease, backaches, arthritis, and hormone problems. Not to mention Alzheimer�s disease, Parkinson�s disease, MS, ad other neurological disorders, DNA damage, and many others.

So why still use amalgam? It�s less expensive compared to aesthetic restorations. The ADA has already deemed amalgams as safe. But to be on the safe side, many dentists have voluntarily chosen to place only composite resin fillings because of their aesthetic appearance and safety issues.

Governments in Maine, New Hampshire, and California are also considering similar laws.