Does an amalgam filling or tooth-colored filling last indefinitely? You must know from experience that these dental restorations have a certain lifespan--typically seven to ten years, says the American Dental Association. That's why you need to see your dentists in Cheshire, CT, Dr. Larry Erwich and Dr. Elana Celliers, regularly to have your existing fillings inspected and replaced as needed. That way, your smile stays as healthy and attractive as possible.
Your dentist in Cheshire wants you aware of what's going on in your mouth. So besides flossing daily, brushing twice a day and eating a tooth-friendly diet, you should actually look at your teeth and note any changes in how they feel or function.
You sustain a blow to the mouth. Besides tooth avulsion, tooth fracture results from oral trauma. Restorations such as porcelain crowns and dental fillings may be chipped, cracked, loosened or completely dislodged. So if you get hurt, see your dentist as soon as possible.
Your tooth is highly sensitive to heat, cold or sugary foods. Although you may not see it, a crack in or around a filling may be developing, allowing bacteria to invade the space and exposing sensitive inner pulp.
You have a throbbing toothache. Why would a filled tooth hurt? Possibly, the filling has deteriorated and a deep cavity has developed. Left untreated, it could become infected and need root canal therapy or even extraction.
You have a very large, old filling. Your tooth is at risk for fracture and for decay occurring at the juncture between tooth enamel and the existing restoration. Your dentist may wish to replace it with composite resin or a full or partial crown to avoid further damage.
Bruxism is a continual problem. You habitually grind and clench your teeth, putting pressure on your fillings. Your dentist will determine if a mouth guard would alleviate the stresses and if any fillings were compromised.
You have metal fillings that show when you smile. Your dentist may replace them with composite resin.
Also, the team encourages diligent oral hygiene at home, smoking cessation, mouth guards for sports and a low-sugar/carbohydrate diet.
If you question the integrity of any of your restorations, contact Dr. Erwich or Dr. Celliers for an appointment in Cheshire, CT. Call (203) 272-7044.
Professional teeth cleanings are the mainstay of good oral hygiene and dental health. It's not only that this preventive service removes harmful plaque and tartar, but teeth cleanings also allow your dentist, Dr. Larry Erwich or Dr. Elana Celliers, to stay abreast of how your teeth and gums are functioning. So you're wise to get your teeth cleaning regularly. Learn more about the benefits of semi-annual cleanings with your family dentist in Cheshire, CT.
This sounds a bit too strong, but research proves it. Your mouth contains bacteria, and a lot of them live in the residues that collect between your teeth and under your gums.
What's the big deal about some germs? Well, unfortunately, oral bacteria called Streptococcus mutans leads to tooth decay and gum disease--major causes of tooth loss among Americans of all ages. High levels of the strep germ are found in soft plaque which your toothbrush can miss. Hard tartar forms from neglected tartar, and it's so stubborn that only your hygienist can remove it with specialized hand tools.
What happens at a cleaning?
When you come to the dental office in Cheshire for teeth cleaning, your hygienist scrapes away the build-up of tartar and plaque. Also, using a small probe, she checks your gingival health by measuring your gum pockets, or spaces between the gums and tooth surfaces. Healthy pockets measure no deeper than three millimeters.
In addition, the hygienist takes digital X-rays as needed so the doctor can assess root and bone structure and see areas of hidden decay. Finally, she polishes your teeth with a rotary brush and mildly abrasive toothpaste. Your teeth will never feel cleaner!
After the teeth cleaning, your Cheshire dentist inspects your teeth and gums for signs of decay or gum disease. He or she also looks at tooth alignment and bite, assesses the condition of fillings and crowns and does a oral cancer screening. This simple visual inspection takes just a couple of minutes, but it is so important. There are almost 54,000 new cases of this deadly cancer diagnosed annually in the US, and early detection is key to cure.
Finally, Dr. Erwich or Dr. Celliers will present you with exam findings and a treatment plan appropriate to your needs. They even discuss your cosmetic dentistry needs, too--things such as tooth color, small enamel defects and more. Your smile goals are a vital part of your individualized treatment plan.
The old adage rings true when applied to your dental health. Please contact Dr. Erwich's team today to book your routine oral exam and teeth cleaning at his Cheshire, CT office. Phone (203) 272-7044.