Due to numerous inquiries from many of our patients concerning the mercury in amalgam fillings, we shall try to clear any questions that may be of concern to you, our patient.

The average silver filling is 50% mercury, 30% silver and a bit of copper, tin and zinc. That is why it is called an amalgam. While we question that it is toxic to our patients, it just does not offer the benefits of a composite restoration and the disposal of this material is not safe for our environment. According to the American Dental Association there is no scientific evidence proving that mercury is toxic to patients.

1. A composite filling actually bonds to your tooth. The composite bonds all the remaining walls of the tooth together. Amalgams do not bond to tooth structure there is a gap between the filling and the tooth that significantly decreases the strength of the tooth. This gap can provide a pathway for bacteria and acid to get into and cause further decay. 
2. Amalgam fillings expand and contract so much they create a wedge in the tooth leading to a weakened tooth. The tooth over time will eventually break apart and the only thing remaining in your mouth will be the filling. 

Veneers
Teeth that are uneven and highly discolored give an unaesthetic appearance.

Porcelain veneers placed on teeth create a beautiful natural smile.  Since porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain requiring minimal tooth reduction, the integrity of the natural tooth is maintained, yet the shape and color of teeth can be easily altered.  Veneers can transform an aging, discolored smile to a beautiful youthful smile.

Crown Procedure
Teeth can require crowns for a variety of reasons:  fracture, decay, weak large fillings, discoloration, esthetics, and some teeth with root canals.  A crown is placed over a tooth and large fillings, discoloration, esthetics, and some teeth with root canals.  A crown is placed over a tooth and therefore, a certain amount of the original tooth must be removed to provide space for the crown to restore the tooth to its proper size and shape.  Placement of a crown generally requires 2 appointments.  During the first treatment appointment, the tooth is shaved down to create the ideal space for the new crown (cap).  A mold is made of this prepared tooth and a plastic temporary crown is placed until the next appointment.

Using the mold, a dental laboratory will fabricate the final crown to the proper size, shape and color.  During the second treatment appointment, the crown is fitted on the tooth, the color is verified and the bite is adjusted.  Once these steps have been completed, the crown is cemented over the prepared tooth.

Bleaching of Teeth
Over time, teeth become discolored.  This may be caused by foods we eat, and drinks such as coffee and tea.  Teeth may also become yellowed with increasing age.  If your teeth are yellow or discolored, you may be a candidate for bleaching. 

Bleaching can be done to whiten the teeth and make your smile brighter.  There are a variety of professional bleaching products that can be used, either “take home” or “in office”.  Your dentist will recommend the best treatment for your specific situation.

Bleaching your teeth can improve the appearance of your teeth and give you a more confident smile!

Natural Tooth vs. Implant
An implant is used to replace the root of a missing tooth. The root of the tooth is fixed in the jawbone and the top of the natural tooth has been prepared to receive a crown.  Similarly, the implant is fixed within the jawbone and replaces the root of the natural tooth.  The post attached to the implant is similar to the top of the prepared tooth.  It too, is ready to receive a crown.

The process of making a crown on a natural tooth and an implant is very similar.  Impressions are required of the mouth and models are made, upon which the crowns are fabricated.  Crowns on natural teeth or implants can be made of metal and/or porcelain, and are fabricated to replace the size, shape and color of natural teeth.  The crown on the natural tooth is cemented in place.  On the implant it is either screwed or cemented in place.  An implant-supported crown is almost like having your natural tooth back!

What is a Bridge?
If there is wear on the biting surface and the tissue has shifted, exposing the metal around the edges of the bridge, the bridge requires replacement.

Once the old bridge is removed, the teeth are prepared for a new bridge.  The outer layer of the teeth must be removed to accommodate the metal and porcelain used to fabricate the bridge.