Dental amalgam is a blend of metals such as silver, copper and tin. Mercury binds these metals together, providing a strong, hard, durable 'silver' filling for your teeth. Dental amalgam is less expensive than other materials.
A bridge is an artificial tooth supported by the teeth on either side of the space.
Crowns for front teeth are natural looking porcelain caps, which fit over teeth that have been specially shaped by your dentist. They are usually made of porcelain, and may have a gold or metal core for added strength.
Dental implants are used to replace a missing tooth or teeth. An implant is like an artificial tooth root, and is placed into the jawbone where a tooth has been lost. One or more implants can be used, depending on how many teeth have been lost and the size of the space.
There are several types of partial dentures suitable as a short or medium term tooth replacement. The plastic partial denture fits on the gum and sometimes has wire clasps to hold it in place.
Fissure sealants are a protective plastic coating, which your dentist applies to the chewing surfaces and sides of teeth at risk of decay. The chewing surfaces of back teeth have small grooves or fissures, which often extend right down into the tooth itself.
Gum or periodontal disease affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Gingivitis is an early stage of periodontal disease, where the gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. It may begin in early childhood and increases in prevalence and severity in the early teenage years. In New Zealand, approximately 80% of those over the age of 15 have this disease.
A new artificial tooth can be attached to an implant. This can be an excellent way of replacing a missing tooth or teeth, because other teeth are not involved. An implant is like an artificial tooth root, and is placed into the jaw bone where a tooth has been lost. One or more implants can be used, depending on the size of the space. After a time of healing (usually a few months) an artificial tooth is attached to the implant. Treatment takes between six to twelve months to complete. Not everyone has the right jaw structure for this treatment, and you will need to be checked by your dentist to see if an implant is the right option for you.
A missing tooth or teeth can spoil your smile, and make eating and speaking difficult. Teeth on eiher side of the space and the tooth that used to bite on the missing toothcan move resulting in tipping teeth and the creation of spaces that are difficult to clean. This may lead to decay or gum problems. Today there are many options available to help you fill the gap.
Inside a tooth is a fine space called the root canal. This contains the dental pulp, which consists of nerves and blood vessels. If the dental pulp becomes diseased,infected or dies, a toothache or an abscess may occur. In the past these problem teeth were extracted but now your dentist can offer you root canal treatment to care for these teeth.
People whose teeth are sensitive feel pain when they eat or drink things which are very cold ( most usually), hot or sweet and when brushing. The classic example is eating ice cream, but simply being out in the cold weather breathing on a frosty morning can be enough to set off the probloem.Sensitive teeth are a common complaint, mainly in the winter.