fillings Archives | Dr. Bruce Silva D.D.S.

June 14, 2017

What is a filling? A filling helps to restore a damaged tooth back to normal. When a dentist gives you a filling, the dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth, cleans it, and then fills that space with filling material. Fillings assist in preventing further decay to the tooth.

Figuring out what kind of filling you need is determined by the extent of the damage to the tooth, allergens, location of the tooth that must be filled, and cost. There are three types of fillings, including gold fillings, composite (or plastic) resins, and porcelain fillings.

Gold fillings are made to order and then cemented in place. They may last over 20 years and are well tolerated by gum tissues. This is considered to be the best filling material, although it is the most expensive and requires more than one visit.
Porcelain fillings cover most of the tooth are can be matched to the color of the tooth. They are also on the expensive side.
Composite resins are used where natural appearance is requested and is also matched to the same color of your teeth. However, they last the least amount of time, may wear over time, and become stained from coffee or tobacco products.

During your next dental visit, Dr. Silva can carefully check to see if you need a dental filling. Only your dentist can decide if you have a cavity that needs to be filled. Sometimes, the damage caused to your teeth is too extreme for a filling and other measures have to be taken. If the decay or a fracture has damaged a large portion, a crown or cap will be recommended. If the decay has reached the nerve, a root canal may be needed.

Call Dr. Bruce Silva for your next dental checkup.

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January 4, 2017

There’s nothing stopping you from having a beautiful smile in 2017. Call Dr. Bruce Silva to find out how veneers can make it happen. Veneers are a quick way to attaining a healthy, bright smile. They are a perfect, permanent solution for people with teeth that are stained, chipped, or gapped. Veneers have a lot of benefits, but before deciding they’re for you, make sure you have all the facts and are well-acquainted with the procedure.

What are Veneers?

Composite or dental porcelain veneers are the ultimate tools of cosmetic dentistry. Veneers are thin, sculpted layers of porcelain that are applied to the front of your teeth. They improve the position, size, color, and shape of teeth, while maintaining a natural sheen and translucency. They are also a less intrusive option than crowns or braces, are custom made to the contour of your teeth, and are bonded to the tooth’s original enamel during a series of in-office procedures.

What are the Benefits of Veneers?

The ‘before and after’ effect of veneers can be positively surprising, and because veneers are made from high-tech materials and are therefore harder than tooth enamel, they resist wear and staining (from coffee and tea drinking or cigarette smoking) and do not discolor with age like natural teeth. There are also other benefits to veneers. Since veneers are uniquely sculpted for each individual, it’s difficult to tell the difference between a veneer and a natural tooth. With veneers, your natural teeth remain largely intact with only a minimal amount being altered to fit the veneer. Finally, for teeth that resist whitening, veneers can make off-color teeth appear bright white.

At Austin Premier Dental, our veneers are custom-fabricated and provide permanent aesthetic results. Dr. Silva is an expert in the placement, design, and coloration of veneers, so your veneers before and after will look even better than your natural teeth. To find out if veneers are right for you, make an appointment to see Dr. Bruce Silva. During the consultation, Dr. Silva will discuss the procedure with you, the cost, and the best way to care for them on your own. Schedule an appointment today by phone or online!

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May 23, 2016

A study conducted in 2013 stated that 63% of Americans are actively avoiding the consumption of soda on a regular basis. That’s a major increase from 2002, where only 41% of Americans were avoiding soda. Still, that leaves a lot of people consuming high-sugar soft drinks, which are closely associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and tooth decay. Soft drinks can have some negative effects on your teeth and here’s what you can do to prevent damage to your healthy smile.

There are two main effects of drinking soda: erosion and cavities. If you drink soda or other sugary drinks all day, your teeth are always under attack by the acids created by the sugars and the bacteria in your mouth. Erosion begins when the acids in soft drinks encounter the tooth enamel (the outermost protective layer on your teeth) and they begin to reduce the surface hardness of the enamel. Unlike sports drinks and fruit juices, sodas also affect the next layer, dentin, and even composite fillings. The damage done can invite cavities, which develop over time in people who drink soft drinks regularly. When combined with poor oral care, the results can be dreadful.

If you’re attempting to find a solution to prevent cavities, then stop drinking soda altogether. If you’re unable to quit soft drinks cold-turkey, then you do have other options. Drink in moderation. Don’t have more than one soft drink each day. Drink soda faster. The faster you drink, the less time the sugars and acids have to damage your teeth. If you use a straw, this will keep the acids and sugars away from your teeth. Rinse your mouth with water after drinking a soda but don’t brush your teeth. The friction against your sugar-coated teeth can do more harm than good. Instead, wait 30 to 60 minutes to brush. Don’t drink sodas at bedtime because this will keep the sugar and acids attacking your teeth all night. And finally, visit the dentist regularly.

If you feel your teeth have suffered due to sugary drinks, schedule an appointment HERE or call Dr. Bruce Silva today at (512) 605-0860 for more information on tooth decay.

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July 26, 2015

Dental sealants are plastic coatings that are basically painted on the tooth. These coatings protect the hard to reach pits and grooves on the chewing surfaces of the tooth. This prevents bacteria from forming and ultimately, tooth decay. The procedure takes minimal time and has causes no pain though some patients may not like the taste of it. Sealants are mostly used on children’s new molars and we like to catch them as soon as they erupt so that we can protect them from the start. The first molars appear between the ages of six and eight and the second set show up when the child is around ten to twelve years old.

Sealants are not necessary, but they are very beneficial, especially for children who run a high risk of cavities. This risk is determined by genetics, dental habits, diet and oral history. If your child has had a cavity in the past three years, they are at high risk for more. You can prevent this from happening by having those sealants applied.

The only bad news is from the kids’ points of view. Sealants don’t wear well with sticky, crunchy candy-like substances. If the sealants get worn down due to the diet of the child, the risk for a cavity is increased and sealants may have to be reapplied.

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June 3, 2015

If you believe you may have lost a filling, the first thing you should do is try to remove it from your mouth so that you don’t accidentally swallow it or inhale it. Don’t worry if you do swallow it, as they usually pass without a problem. However inhaling it into your lungs could major problems, including infection.

Next, you should call us immediately, let us know of your problem and make an appointment as soon as possible to replace the filling. Before you arrive, keep the area as clean as possible as the gap from a lost filling can be a trap for food, causing unwanted bacteria. Brush gently and remove all debris. You can also try a warm salt water rinse after eating.

Losing a filling can be a frightening event and quite painful if you bite down on it accidentally. Just remember, there’s no cause for alarm because it is pretty simple to fix. Just remember you are in good hands with Dr. Silva. We are here for you!

(source: www.oralanswers.com)

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