Dentures, amalgam fillings and dental phobia

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by: Bridget Waters
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Word Count: 637
Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2011 Time: 5:26 AM
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If you currently wear dentures then you may have found that they are gradually becoming less stable. This occurs because, over time, bone and gum ridges shrink, which means there is a lack of support for the denture. And, whether you use fixatives or not, your denture is inevitably going to become more loose. This can make talking, eating and other everyday social events a nightmare. This can also lead to health problems, including infections and sores, which is why it is best to have loose fitting dentures replaced. But, to provide a solution to this problem, there is now what is known as implant-retained dentures.

What are implant-retained dentures, and how are they different?

Dental implants are well known for their role of replacing missing teeth, but they can also help to provide stability to dentures. As normal, the procedure involves implants being used to replace missing teeth by inserting them into the jawbone, to act as a natural tooth root. Once securely in place, the denture can then be attached to give you a smile that is as functional as it is aesthetically satisfying. Implant-retained dentures are more comfortable and secure than regular dentures, and will make it much easier to speak and eat. The implants also prevent loss of jawbone that occurs when teeth are missing, of great importance to oral health.

Amalgam filling ruining your smile?

Though there is no definitive evidence to suggest that amalgam fillings cause health problems, it is their aesthetic appearance that can make patients want to have them replaced with more cosmetically appealing material. In such cases, white fillings can prove a beneficial treatment. As with amalgam fillings, they are able to restore functionality and prevent further damage, but it is their tooth-like appearance and amalgam-free composition that makes them such a popular option.

Is removing my amalgam filling safe?

Yes, when the proper precautions are taken. However, in most cases it is advisable to have white filling treatment only when the removal of an amalgam filling is unavoidable. The treatment will initially involve the area for treatment being anaesthetised, after which the amalgam filling can be removed and any present decay cleared away. A protective substructure is then used to ensure the tooth pulp is protected, and the tooth prepared. The white filling is placed onto the tooth using advanced tools, and then shaped to the contours of your teeth. And then you can forget the misery of your amalgam fillings!

Are you scared of the dentist?

It is only natural that some patients may feel nervous or scared about visiting the dentist, especially if the work to be completed is of a complicated nature. For some, this sense of fear can become so great that a trip to the dentist is not a feasible option and, as a consequence, they find that the condition of their teeth only worsens and a trip to the dentist becomes even more daunting. Now, however, there are specific services available to make sure dental treatment is not too high a mountain to climb for those who have symptoms of dental phobia.

What treatment options are available for nervous patients?

Dentistry has not only advanced in terms of technology and practise, but there is also now a greater understanding of how to care for patient needs. There are now various methods available to help reduce stress that patients may experience on their visit, including DVD and CD entertainment distraction, hypnosis and, for very phobic patients, inhalation and intravenous sedation. These methods can allow for a patient to have necessary work completed in a more relaxed state, with minimal pain and stress.

About the Author

If you are a patient considering a visit to your dentist then make sure you check they've got the adec range from the dental chair website for you to park your bum.