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9. Are silver
fillings, fluoride or x-rays, a danger to my health? What are the
alternatives?
Dental amalgam, or silver filling material, is a mixture of mercury, and an
alloy of silver, tin and copper. The release of mercury in silver fillings
is so small that it is much less than what patients are exposed to in food,
air and water. There are, however, other materials that can be used for
restorations. These include gold, porcelain, and composite resins.
Fluoride is a compound of the element fluorine, which is found universally
throughout nature in water, soil, air and in most foods. Fluoride is
absorbed easily into the tooth enamel, especially in children's growing
teeth. Once teeth are developed, fluoride makes the entire tooth structure
more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in
repairing early decay before the damage is visible.
Radiographs, or x-rays, help your dentist determine the presence or degree
of periodontal disease, abscesses, and many abnormal growths such as cysts
and tumors. They can help pinpoint the location of cavities and other signs
of disease that may not be possible to detect through a visual examination.
All health care providers are sensitive to patients' concerns about exposure
to radiation. Your dentist has been trained to prescribe radiographs when
they are appropriate and to tailor the radiograph schedule to your
individual needs. By using state-of-the-art technology, such as digital
radiography, and by staying knowledgeable about recent advances, your
dentist knows which techniques, procedures and X-ray films can minimize your
exposure to radiation.
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10 . What are
dental implants and how do they work?
Dental implants are substitutes for natural tooth roots and rely on the
jawbone for support. Strategically placed, implants can now be used to
support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture.
The cost tends to be greater, but the implants and bridges more closely
resemble real teeth. |
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11 . What is a
root canal?
A root canal is a procedure done to save the damaged or dead pulp in the
root canal of the tooth by cleaning out the diseased pulp and reshaping the
canal. The canal is filled with gutta percha, a rubberlike material, to
prevent recontamination of the tooth. The tooth is then permanently sealed
with possibly a post and/or a gold or porcelain crown. This enables patients
to keep the original tooth. |
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12 . When is the
best time to remove wisdom teeth?
When the removal of wisdom teeth is determined necessary, it is best done
when the roots are approximately 2/3rds formed, usually in the adolescent
years. Removal at this time allows for an easier procedure and decreases the
risk of damage to the nerves in that area. |
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