Where can I get more information?

Your dental team will advise you on what kind of filling material is suited to your situation. Talk to them if you would like a particular type of filling material such as tooth-coloured fillings. Always ask for a treatment plan and a written estimate before starting any treatment.

What are porcelain inlays?

Your dental team can now use digital technology (called CADCAM) to design and prepare perfectly fitted porcelain inlays in just one or two visits. Porcelain inlays can also be made in a laboratory but this will need at least two visits to your dentist. Porcelain can be hard wearing and long lasting. It can also be coloured to match your natural tooth. Again, this type of filling can be quite expensive.

What are gold inlays and onlays?

These can be used in most areas of the mouth. An inlay is small and placed within the biting surface of the tooth. An onlay can cover a larger area of the tooth. Gold is the most long-lasting and hard-wearing filling material and will last for many years. An advantage of gold is that it does not tarnish and has great strength. One of the differences between gold and other filling materials is that the gold filling is made in a laboratory. Your dental team will usually take an impression of the prepared cavity and send it to the laboratory for the technician to make the inlay or onlay. In the meantime, a temporary filling will be placed in the cavity. After the gold inlay or onlay has been made, your dentist will fix it in place with dental cement. This type of filling is more expensive.

What are glass ionomer fillings?

Glass ionomer fillings form a chemical link with the tooth. They may also release fluoride, which helps to prevent further tooth decay. This type of filling is fairly weak. Because of this, they are usually only used on baby teeth and ‘non-biting' surfaces such as around the ‘necks' of the teeth. Little preparation is needed as the filling bonds directly to the tooth.

What are composite fillings?

Composite fillings are strong, but may not be as hard wearing as amalgam fillings. Composite fillings are tooth coloured and are made from powdered glass quartz, silica or other ceramic particles added to a resin base. After the tooth is prepared, the filling is bonded onto the area and a light shone onto it to set it. The dentist will choose a shade to match your own teeth, although over time staining can happen.

Are there any risks from amalgam fillings?

The mercury in dental amalgam is not poisonous once it is combined with the other materials in the filling. Its chemical nature changes so that it is harmless. Research into the safety of dental amalgam has been carried out for over 100 years. So far, no reputable ‘controlled' studies have found a connection between amalgam fillings and any medical problem.

What are amalgam fillings?

Amalgam fillings are silver coloured. They are made by combining mercury and a silver alloy (50% mercury, 35% silver, and 15% tin, copper and other metals). Amalgam is long lasting and hard wearing and has been used in fillings for at least 150 years. It is economical to use and it is not unusual for an amalgam filling to last 15 to 20 years. This kind of filling is usually used on the back 'chewing' teeth. Before the filling can be placed, the dentist must prepare the area by removing all the decay and shaping the cavity to hold the filling in place. If the tooth is badly broken, your dentist may need to place a small stainless steel pin to help secure the filling.

How do I choose a dentist that is right for me?

It is important that you feel comfortable with the person who is treating you. To put your mind at ease, it is a good idea to ask your dental practice questions about their awareness of LGBT patients’ needs. At first you can do this by telephone and you won’t have to give any details that you don’t feel happy giving. You can use this as an opportunity to discuss any health conditions you may have. This will allow the dental team to share their knowledge and tell you how they can help you. When you’re choosing the right practice to visit, it is important to feel confident that the dentist understands your needs. Whatever dentist you choose, you can be sure: You are in a safe place where, if you choose, you can disclose information about your trans status, gender history and sexual orientation. No-one there will make assumptions about you simply because you are LGBT. Information about you will be treated confidentially and you will not lose control over what other people know about you. You will be treated with respect and without discrimination or judgement.

As an LGBT person am I more at risk of problems with my teeth and gums?

Looking after your teeth and gums is important for everyone. As an LGBT patient there may be some specific health details that your dental team need to know about. Data shows LGBT people are more likely to smoke than straight and cisgender people. If you do use tobacco you are more likely to have problems in your mouth. Gum disease and tooth loss are just some of the problems that can happen. Smoking and alcohol also increase the risk of mouth cancer – something your dentist will check for at every examination. Other personal issues like mental health, substance use and eating disorders can also affect your oral health. LGBT people are also affected by higher rates of HIV and hepatitis. HIV can lower the body's ability to fight infection, and the side effects of some HIV medications can cause problems in the mouth. Some transgender people may take hormones they have bought online, and some HRT medication can cause oral health problems. Because of this, it is important that trans patients feel able to discuss any possible oral health issues with their dentist. Sometimes LGBT people experience unique stresses, and these can contribute to poor mental health. Poor mental health can also have a knock-on effect for oral health. People who suffer from anxiety or depression are less likely to keep to a daily oral health routine and are less likely to visit a dental practice regularly. This can lead to oral health problems.

How much of my medical history do the dental team need to know?

The dental team will need to know your medical history and about any medicines that you are taking. This includes any regularly prescribed medicines from your doctor or another health provider (such as HIV medications and Hormone Replacement Therapy). To treat you properly, they also need to know your HIV status and whether you have had hepatitis. Dentists will not judge or criticise you. They are there to help improve your oral health and answer any questions or concerns you may have about your mouth, teeth and gums.

FAQs Archive - 24 Hours Dental Hospital Antalya - Highly qualified dentist, VIP dental clinic

Where can I get more information?
Your dental team will advise you on what kind of
Learn More
What are porcelain inlays?
Your dental team can now use digital technology (called CADCAM)
Learn More
What are gold inlays and onlays?
These can be used in most areas of the mouth.
Learn More
What are glass ionomer fillings?
Glass ionomer fillings form a chemical link with the tooth.
Learn More
What are composite fillings?
Composite fillings are strong, but may not be as hard
Learn More
Are there any risks from amalgam fillings?
The mercury in dental amalgam is not poisonous once it
Learn More
What are amalgam fillings?
Amalgam fillings are silver coloured. They are made by combining
Learn More
How do I choose a dentist that is right for me?
It is important that you feel comfortable with the person
Learn More
As an LGBT person am I more at risk of problems with my teeth and gums?
Looking after your teeth and gums is important for everyone.
Learn More
How much of my medical history do the dental team need to know?
The dental team will need to know your medical history
Learn More

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