Why would I need an x-ray?

Early tooth decay does not tend to show many physical signs. Sometimes the tooth looks healthy, but your dental team will be able to see from an x-ray whether you have any decay under the enamel, any possible infections in the root, or any bone loss around the tooth. X-rays can help the dental team to see in between your teeth or under the edge of your fillings. Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save both time and money. In children, x-rays can be used to show where the adult teeth are and when they will appear. They are also used in the same way for adults when the wisdom teeth start to come through.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Heart Patients

At times physicians and dentists recommend that a patient take antibiotics before certain dental procedures. This is called “antibiotic prophylaxis.” But why do healthcare providers suggest this extra step? We all have bacteria in our mouths, and a number of dental treatments—and even daily routines like chewing, brushing or flossing—can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream (bacteremia). For most of us, this isn’t a problem. A healthy immune system prevents these bacteria from causing any harm. There is concern, however, that for some people bacteremia can cause an infection elsewhere in the body.

Anesthesia and Sedation

Several medications are available to help create more relaxed, comfortable dental visits. Some drugs control pain, some help you relax, and others put you into a deep sleep-like state during dental treatment. You and your dentist can discuss a number of factors when deciding which drugs to use for your treatment. The type of procedure, your overall health, history of allergies and your anxiety level are considered when determining which approach is best for your particular case. Your dentist might recommend that your child be given anesthesia or sedation to relax them in order to safely complete some dental procedures. Here are some questions to ask your dentist before your child undergoes any type of anesthesia. Local anesthesia is a type of medication used to prevent pain in a specific area of your mouth during treatment by blocking the nerves that sense or transmit pain, which numbs mouth tissues. Your dentist may apply a topical anesthetic to numb an area before injecting a local anesthetic. Topical anesthetics also may be used to soothe painful mouth sores. Injectable anesthetics may be used in such procedures as filling cavities, preparing teeth for crowns or treating gum disease. Depending on the procedure, you may need a pain reliever after treatment. Medicines used to relieve pain can be broken into two groups: non-narcotic and narcotic. Non-narcotic are the most commonly used drugs for relief of toothache or pain following dental treatment. They include acetaminophen and non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and asprin. Narcotic analgesics, such as opioids, act on receptors in the brain to relieve pain. Be sure to talk with your dentist about how to properly secure and dispose of any unused, unwanted or expired medications. Also, take the time to talk with your children about the dangers of using prescription drugs for non-medical purposes. For some dental visits, your dentist may use a sedative. Sedatives can be administered before or during dental procedures. Sedation may involve gases that ar inhaled, pills that ar taken or medicine which is injected. More complex treatments may require deeper sedation to relieve both pain and anxiety. On occasion, general anesthesia may be used to cause a temporary loss of consciousness. Dentists treat millions of patients, including managing their pain and anxiety, safely every year. The ADA urges you to take an active role in your oral health care. This means understanding the risks and benefits involved in dental treatment, so that you and your dentist can make the best decisions about the treatment that is right for you. Working together, you and your dentist can choose the appropriate steps to make your dental visit as safe and comfortable as possible, and to help you keep a healthy smile.

Amalgam (Silver-Colored Dental Fillings)

Dental amalgam is made from a combination of metals that include mercury, silver, tin, and copper. Sometimes described as “silver-colored” fillings, dental amalgam has been used by dentists for more than 100 years because it lasts a long time and is less expensive than other cavity-filling materials such as tooth-colored composites or gold fillings. Because of their durability, these silver-colored fillings are often the best choice for large cavities or those that occur in the back teeth where a lot of force is needed to chew. Amalgam hardens quickly so it is useful in areas that are difficult to keep dry during placement, such as below the gum line. Because it takes less time to place than tooth-colored fillings, amalgam is also an effective material for children and special needs people who may have a difficult time staying still during treatment. One disadvantage of amalgam is that these types of fillings are not natural looking, especially when the filling is near the front of the mouth, where it may show when you laugh or speak. Also, to prepare the tooth, the dentist may need to remove more tooth structure to place an amalgam filling than for other types of fillings.

Aging and Dental Health

As you age, it becomes even more important to take good care of your teeth and dental health. One common misconception is that losing your teeth is inevitable. This is not true. If cared for properly, your teeth can last a lifetime. Your mouth changes as you age. The nerves in your teeth can become smaller, making your teeth less sensitive to cavities or other problems. If you don’t get regular dental exams, this in turn can lead to these problems not being diagnosed until it is too late. If you want to feel good, stay healthy, and look great throughout life, you might be surprised what a difference a healthy mouth makes.

Will antibiotics help treat my dental pain?

Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat bacterial infections. When it comes to toothaches, however, an antibiotic prescription should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. By understanding antibiotics, you can talk confidently with your dentist about what’s causing you pain and how to fix it.

Are there any alternatives to fillings?

‘Adhesive dentistry' involves bonding the filling to the tooth. The dental team have to remove less of the tooth, which is obviously better. As we have already said, there are alternatives such as crowns and inlays, although they can cost a lot more. Veneers can be used on front teeth instead of crowns or fillings.

Where can I get white fillings done?

Most dental practices offer white fillings as a normal part of the treatment they give you.

What are tooth-coloured fillings made of?

This can vary, but they are mainly made of glass particles, synthetic resin and a setting ingredient. Your dental team should be able to give you more information about the particular material they use.

Is it worth replacing my amalgam fillings with white ones?

It is usually best to change fillings only when your dental team decide that an old filling needs replacing. If so, you can ask to have it replaced in a tooth-coloured material. Some dentists prefer not to put white fillings in back teeth, as they are not always successful. One way around this would be to use crowns or inlays, but this can mean removing more of the tooth and can be more expensive.

FAQs Archive - Page 23 of 24 - 24 Hours Dental Hospital Antalya - Highly qualified dentist, VIP dental clinic

Why would I need an x-ray?
Early tooth decay does not tend to show many physical
Learn More
Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Heart Patients
At times physicians and dentists recommend that a patient take
Learn More
Anesthesia and Sedation
Several medications are available to help create more relaxed, comfortable
Learn More
Amalgam (Silver-Colored Dental Fillings)
Dental amalgam is made from a combination of metals that
Learn More
Aging and Dental Health
As you age, it becomes even more important to take
Learn More
Will antibiotics help treat my dental pain?
Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat bacterial infections. When it
Learn More
Are there any alternatives to fillings?
‘Adhesive dentistry’ involves bonding the filling to the tooth. The
Learn More
Where can I get white fillings done?
Most dental practices offer white fillings as a normal part
Learn More
What are tooth-coloured fillings made of?
This can vary, but they are mainly made of glass
Learn More
Is it worth replacing my amalgam fillings with white ones?
It is usually best to change fillings only when your
Learn More

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