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Should You Have Your Old Metal Fillings Replaced?

Should You Have Your Old Metal Fillings Replaced?

If you’ve been visiting your dentist regularly, your older fillings should still be in good order because your dentist would have checked them at every appointment. However, there have been some concerns recently about toxic mercury, which is a component of older fillings, and whether you should have your fillings replaced with newer and safer materials such as composite resin. Small amounts of mercury are harmless; it’s only when we’re continually exposed to large amounts that problems can occur. 

Let’s take a look at what’s in your old fillings and whether they’re still safe. 

Amalgam Fillings

Older fillings, known as amalgam fillings, have been used for over 150 years and are still being used today. They’re made from a blend of metals including silver, copper, zinc, tin and mercury, and it’s the mercury content that’s been thought to pose a possible health risk. 

Concerns About Toxic Mercury

Mercury was added to the metal combination because it makes the mixture pliable and easy to press into the cavity, and once it hardens, the filling becomes very durable and long-lasting. Exposure to large amounts of mercury can cause debilitating symptoms and mercury poisoning, but when amalgam fillings were first developed, it was thought that once the filling was placed in the tooth no mercury was released. It’s since been found that small amounts of mercury vapour are released as the fillings wears down. However, the amounts are smaller than most people are exposed to in daily life so they are considered safe. 

Who Should Consider Having Fillings Replaced?

As long as your old amalgam fillings are maintained in good order and they’re still doing the job, there’s no reason to go to the trouble and expense of having them replaced with more modern materials. There are, however, some instances in which replacement is a better option. 

Anyone who has had a reaction to amalgam fillings should consider using an alternative such as resin. Pregnant women should limit their exposure to heavy metals such as mercury, and should also try to avoid excess dental treatments as a precaution. Existing amalgam fillings should be checked by a dentist. Also, anyone who is exposed to more mercury than usual through their job or lifestyle should see their dentist about a possible replacement.  

Composite Fillings

Many modern fillings use a tooth-coloured composite resin which blends with your existing teeth. Composite fillings are slightly more expensive and may not be suitable for all situations. Amalgam fillings are best for filling large areas in the back teeth and can withstand pressure from chewing better than other types of fillings. If you have older amalgam fillings and have any concerns about them, get professional advice from your dentist.  

Dental Care – West Auckland

At Titirangi Dental, we provide caring, professional dental services for the whole family using the latest in dental equipment and technology. We’re dedicated to helping you maintain and improve your smile with a full range of general and cosmetic dentistry. 

Call us on 09 817 6057,  or contact us online for enquiries and expert advice about replacing your old fillings, or any other dental concerns you have.

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When you ask your dental professionals the right toothpastes to use routinely?  We always recommend fluoride toothpastes. Because: 

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  • Fluoride toothpaste works into tooth enamel, it can make enamel harder and more resistant to acid, attacks from bacteria and sugary foods. 
  • Fluoride toothpaste can remineralize your teeth, it helps to reverse early tooth decay by replacing lost minerals and repairing damage. 
  • Fluoride toothpaste has been proven to significantly reduce the risk of getting cavities.  
  • Using fluoride toothpaste is the most cost-effective way to contribute to better oral health 

Standard adult and children’s fluoride toothpastes contain 1,000-1,500ppm of fluoride.  However, dental professionals may prescribe high concentration fluoride toothpaste for individuals with high risk of tooth decay, it usually contains 5,000ppm fluoride. 

Speak to Titirangi Dental to Find Your Perfect Treatment

Make an appointment with the team at Titirangi Dental to solve any oral health issuing you’re currently suffering from. We offer the highest quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry techniques in West Auckland. Call us on 09 817 6057 or contact us online.

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Is it normal to feel sensitive after teeth whitening?

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Is it normal to feel sensitive after teeth whitening?

Yes, most people will feel sensitive after teeth whitening. It is normal because whitening agent make your tooth enamel more porous and permeable. It causes your teeth are easily penetrate to hot, cold, sweet, or sour substances to the nerves.

The sensitivity is usually lasting 24-48 hours, but for people, it can persist for few days.

How to manage sensitivity

  • Use sensitive toothpaste: Apply sensitive toothpastes on the surfaces after you brush your teeth and do not rinse out, leave it overnight.
  • Avoid extremely cold or hot foods and drinks, avoid sweet or acidic foods or drinks for few days after treatment.
  • Be gentle when brushing.
  • Take pain killer like ibuprofen to relieve pain and discomfort.
  • If you experience severe pain and do not improve within 48 hours, contact your dental professional for help.
Speak to Titirangi Dental to Find Your Perfect Treatment

Make an appointment with the team at Titirangi Dental to solve any oral health issuing you’re currently suffering from. We offer the highest quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry techniques in West Auckland. Call us on 09 817 6057 or contact us online.

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Dental Implants

Understanding Dental Implants and Their Importance

Dental health is an integral part of overall well-being, yet it’s often overlooked until a problem arises. Among the most common issues are tooth loss, which can occur due to decay, injury, or disease. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers several solutions to restore your smile, and one of the most effective and lasting options is dental implants.

 What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, typically made of titanium, that are surgically embedded into the jawbone. Once in place, they provide a sturdy foundation for a replacement tooth, bridge, or even full dentures. The process involves three main stages: the placement of the implant, the healing period during which the implant fuses with the bone (a process known as osseointegration), and finally, the attachment of the prosthetic tooth or teeth.

 The Importance of Dental Implants

1. Restoring Functionality: One of the primary reasons people opt for dental implants is the restoration of normal chewing and speaking abilities. Unlike traditional dentures, which can slip or cause discomfort, implants function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without worry.

2. Preserving Jawbone Health: When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in the empty space can deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. Implants help maintain the bone by mimicking the function of natural tooth roots, which stimulates the bone and prevents loss of volume and density. This is crucial in maintaining the facial structure and avoiding a sunken appearance over time.

3. Aesthetics and Confidence: Missing teeth can significantly affect your self-esteem and how others perceive you. Dental implants provide a natural-looking and permanent solution, allowing you to smile with confidence. The prosthetic teeth are designed to match the color and shape of your existing teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable from the real thing.

4. Longevity and Durability: Dental implants are designed to last many years, often a lifetime with proper care. Unlike bridges or dentures, which may need to be replaced or adjusted over time, implants offer a more permanent solution, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run.

5. Improved Oral Health: Unlike dental bridges, which require the alteration of adjacent teeth, implants do not affect surrounding teeth. This helps maintain the integrity of your natural teeth and promotes better long-term oral health. Additionally, implants are easier to clean and maintain, reducing the risk of gum disease and other oral health issues.

6. Convenience: Dental implants eliminate the inconveniences associated with removable dentures. There’s no need for messy adhesives, and you won’t have to worry about your teeth slipping out of place. This makes them a hassle-free option for daily life.

 Who Can Benefit from Dental Implants?

Dental implants are suitable for most adults in good health who have lost one or more teeth. However, certain conditions, such as insufficient jawbone density or chronic illnesses, may affect candidacy. A thorough evaluation by a dental professional is necessary to determine if implants are the right option for you.

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Want to know about dental services and how to keep your mouth and teeth in great condition?

Make an appointment with the team at Titirangi Dental to solve any oral health issuing you’re currently suffering from. We offer the highest quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry techniques in West Auckland.
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