Plastic fillings

In the course of life, it is almost unavoidable that damage to a tooth will occur at some point. It behaves similarly to a rust spot on the car. Prompt treatment is needed to avoid further problems.

A variety of different materials are available to repair the tooth:

• Precious metal alloys with different gold content
• Plastics in a wide variety of compositions
• Ceramics with different degrees of hardness
• mercury-containing amalgam.

Basically, the patient has the choice of which tooth filling material is used. This depends on various factors. For example, the condition of your tooth, the desired time and costs, the longevity and the aesthetic perception or demand.

Exemplary sequence of a plastic filling (also called composite filling)

At the beginning, the carious tooth substance and any remaining remnants of a previous filling are thoroughly removed. In order for the plastic and the tooth surface to form a good adhesive bond, the tooth must be absolutely dry. Any form of saliva would drastically reduce shelf life.

Therefore, the region to be filled is thoroughly dried by means of air and then usually protected with a rubber blanket (the so-called rubber dam) against the oral cavity.

The filling materials, which are still soft when inserted, are cured after application with a special ultraviolet light. Since the filling materials have the property of shrinking during curing, the entire procedure must be carried out in many small steps. Each time, a small portion of filling material is applied and cured immediately.

This process is repeated until the entire depression is filled. Finally, the bite is checked and the chewing surface is polished.

While plastic is an excellent material in the anterior region and for minor defects, its use can be problematic for large fillings in the posterior region that reach deep into the interdental spaces. Occasionally, there may be sensitivity when biting. Another unsolved problem is the shrinkage of the plastic during curing. For large areas, this effect can lead to microscopically small edge gaps. These can increase in size after a few years and thus open up a chance for new bacteria or caries to penetrate. Another effect is that many plastics can discolor over the years or wear out mechanically when chewing (so-called abrasion).

Advantages of plastic fillings:

• good aesthetics because good color matching
• Care in one session possible
• Relatively inexpensive

Disadvantages of plastic fillings:

• Not long-term resistant for large fillings
• Microcracks may form
• Discoloration and abrasion possible

Alternatively, in the case of larger defects, a restoration by means of ceramic inlay or gold inlay comes into question. We can give you the best decision-making support in an individual consultation.

further information about plastic fillings

Temporomandibular joint pain

In order to be able to detect a malposition in the jaw area, an examination by a dentist is essential. This can determine the causes of pain in the jaw. If a jaw misalignment is detected during an examination, different diseases may have occurred.

• Tension of the masticatory and facial muscles
• Chronic neck, back or joint pain
• Maxillary misalignments
• Sounds in the ear
• Indigestions

Therapy

Depending on which diagnosis your dentist makes, there are different therapy options. If worn or incorrectly inserted dentures are responsible, they must be repaired. However, if other causes such as teeth grinding (bruxism), malocclusion or mental tension are to blame, your dentist will treat you differently depending on the cause.

A few things such as muscle exercises, autogenic training and yoga can be done yourself to relieve blockages in the muscles, but these measures do not replace going to the specialist.

further information about temporomandibular joint pain

Gingivitis

Gingvitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the gums, usually caused by bacteria. It is usually caused by bacterial deposits (plaque) that accumulate in the spaces between the teeth and the gums. The following symptoms may occur: swollen gums that bleed quickly (even with gentle brushing) bright red or purple gums itchy gums otherwise painless gums react painfully to pressure Reduction of gums

Acute gingivitis

Acute inflammatory gingivitis is characterized by slight reddening of the gums, increased bleeding tendency and a slight swelling. Pain is either not, or only slightly present. It is triggered by bacterial deposits.

Chronic gingivitis

Chronic gingivitis usually arises from acute gingivitis. Chronic gingivitis often appears along with a large amount of tartar. Not only the bacterial component plays a role here. Due to the calcified, hard and sharp-edged coating, there is a constant irritation of the gums (gingiva).

Course of treatment

The dentist will perform a thorough cleaning of the teeth, gums, and especially the area between the teeth. The bacterial plaque and thus the trigger for this clinical picture are removed. Gingivitis can best be prevented by thorough dental prophylaxis. In most cases, a change in oral hygiene, i.e. regular and thorough tooth brushing, creates the desired precaution. In addition, you should have a professional tooth cleaning carried out in our practice every 6 months.

What is a crown?

Crowns are ideal for rebuilding teeth that have been damaged by caries or large fillings. The crown is adjusted over the rest of the tooth and the crown gives the tooth back support and the shape of the natural tooth. Crowns are often referred to as caps.

Why do I need a crown?

There are a number of reasons such as:

1. The condition of the teeth was weakened by a large filling
2. The fillings have discolored and the appearance of the tooth should be improved.
3. To protect a root filling
4. An accident damaged a tooth
5. It can provide a support for a bridge or dentures

What are  crowns made of?

  Crowns are made from its range of materials and new materials are constantly being introduced.   Here are a few examples of which materials are currently used:

1. Porcelain in combination with a precious metal: this compound is used for most crowns. The basic structure is made of metal which is then covered with porcelain. 
2. Porcelain: these crowns are not as resistant as the metal-based crowns, but they look the most natural and are mostly used for the front teeth.
3. Porcelain with composite: Porcelain and resin composite often look the most natural. However, these crowns are not as resilient as the crowns of porcelain and metal. 
4. Glass: these crowns look very natural, they are used for both the front teeth and molars.
5. Valuable metal (gold or palladium): these crowns are highly resilient and resistant, but are usually not used for the anterior region where they are visually perceived.

How is a tooth prepared?

The dentist will prepare the tooth for the ideal form of adaptation to the crown. This means the removal of a large part of the outer tooth until only a strong tooth core remains. The amount of tooth removed corresponds to the inner surface of the crown.   After the tooth has been prepared and shaped, the dentist will take an impression of the tooth,  an impression of the opposite jaw and an impression when the teeth meet to determine the "bite". The impressions are handed over to a technician who then makes the crown

Who creates the crown?

  The impressions and other information such as the coloration of the teeth are handed over to a technician who is able to create such crowns. This will cast  a model from the impression and the crown will be built on the model so that the crown fits perfectly.

Will you notice the crown?

No. The crown is fitted exactly to the teeth.  The coloration of the adjacent teeth is determined so that the crown also gets a natural coloration. A temporary crown is usually made of plastic so that it lasts from the beginning to the end of the treatment.  These temporary crowns are more likely to be noticed, but they do not remain in the patient's mouth for more than 1 – 2 weeks.

How long does the treatment take?

At least two visits are necessary: the first visit is for preparations such as impression, color determination and adjustment of the temporary crown and the second session to adjust the final crown.

Does preparing for a crown cause pain?

  No, it is not. Local anesthesia will be used and it will feel like getting a filling. If the tooth no longer has a nerve, anesthesia may be dispensed with.  

How long will the crown last?

The durability depends on the care. The crown itself may not decay, but tooth decay can cause damage between the tooth and the crown.  It is therefore very important to take good care of these areas, otherwise caries endangers the hold of the crown. Well-maintained  crowns will last for many years – your dentist will be able to tell you how long the crowns will last.

How are  crowns attached to the teeth?

  When the appearance and fit has been checked and they have given their consent, it is fastened with dental cement. The cement will seal the tooth and provide a firm hold.

Will the crown feel different?

The  shape of a crown will be a little different from the original shape but you probably won't notice it. After a few days, everything will feel normal and nothing will feel foreign anymore.  The crown may need to be adjusted a little if the tooth feels a little higher than the adjacent teeth. If it feels somehow uncomfortable, consult your dentist so that he can make the adjustments. 

Are there alternatives to a crown?

A so-called veneer is an alternative for the front teeth. A veneer is a wafer-thin, translucent ceramic shell for the teeth, which is applied to the tooth surface - especially of front teeth - with special adhesive. The adhesive shell is made of ceramic (porcelain).  Your dentist will advise you on viable alternatives