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Knowledge Article | Maple Family Dentistry

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Knowledge Article

How long do fillings last?

Generally, fillings can last a long time and don’t require specific maintenance.

The average lifespan of dental fillings can vary considerably depending on a number of factors, such the size of the filling, the material used, the forces the restoration is subjected to, and your home-care and professional care regimen.

Silver Fillings

Silver fillings, also known as amalgam fillings, are very strong and highly durable. On average, silver fillings can last between 10-15 years. Despite having a substantial lifespan, many patients prefer white fillings over amalgam fillings, as amalgam fillings can be highly visible and not as aesthetically pleasing. There is also a growing concern around the mercury levels that are associated with silver fillings.

White Fillings

White fillings, also known as composite fillings, are typically desired for their appearance, as they blend in well with the the surrounding tooth structure and can look very natural. The typical lifespan for white fillings is between 7-10 years, but they can even last up to 15 years as well.

These are some general parameters around the average longevity of fillings. The exact lifespan of your fillings, however, will depend on various other factors, such as your overall oral health and behavioural habits such as teeth grinding. The best way to ensure that your fillings are still in proper condition is to see your dental healthcare professional regularly

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How long does it take to straighten your teeth with Invisalign?

Orthodontic treatment is the dental treatment specifically designed to reposition teeth to an ideal alignment. Most people are familiar with braces (which is a combination of brackets and wires ) used to straighten teeth. But there is also another for of treatment called invisible aligners.

This option uses a series of clear aligner trays used to push your teeth in to a more ideal position. Each aligner tray is used for 2-4 weeks, pushing your teeth ever so slightly before moving on to the next tray.

Invisalign is an increasingly popular option for orthodontic treatment. It is particularly popular among adults, as the aligners are nearly invisible and can even be removed to eat. In regards to the amount of time Invisalign treatment takes to complete, the most reliable answer is “it depends”.

Typical cases take between 12-24 months, depending on the severity of the misalignment, as well as factors such as:

  • How crowded the teeth are
  • What distance the teeth need to move for the desired outcomes
  • The pace of the teeth’s movement

Depending on these factors, treatment can even be as short as 6 months. Another key factor is whether you adhere to the guidelines of wearing the aligners for 22-23 hours per day. If you don’t consistently follow this guideline then treatment won’t be as effective and may be prolonged.

Typical cases take somewhere between 12-24 months depending on the severity of the misalignment.

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What happens when you get your teeth professionally cleaned?

The importance of preventative maintenance

Professional teeth cleaning is only one part of the preventive maintenance required for optimal oral heath.The other part, is what you do at home. A few things about home care;Home care consists of Brushing 2 X / day (preferably with a rechargeable electric toothbrush),  Flossing 1 X / day and keeping your tongue clean. These are the basics.

Professional care is often referred to as getting your teeth cleaned. The interval between professional care visits varies from one individual to the next. Dentists and Hygienists rely on clinical exams, a proper set of X-rays and the measuring of the gum tissuearound your teeth ( done annually for most adults) to determine what interval would be most appropriate for youfor optimal oral health.

The goal of preventive maintenance is to remove Plaque, Tartar and Stain.

Plaque is a combination of food debris, saliva and bacteria.It is the soft white build-up we see on our teeth when we don’t brush.If it gets under your gums or between your teeth where the bristles of your toothbrush (manual or electric) can’t reach it will solidify with minerals in your saliva and turn into tartar (also called calculus; not the math kind, even though it’s spelled the same).

Once tartar adheres to the side of your tooth, you can brush 10 X per day and you will not be able to get it off at home.So, although both you and your hygienist are trying to remove the plaque, tartar and stain, realistically you can only remove the plaque. You will have to see your dental professional to remove the tartar and stain.

What is typically done at a typical professional care visit?

  1. Removing Plaque, Tartar & Stain
    In this first step of the cleaning process, the hygienist will remove the plaque, tartar and stain using specially designed hand instruments and possibly an ultrasonic instrument that vibrates and sprays water to remove any tenacious build up. You may hear or feel scraping sounds during this process which is completely normal. It is not damaging your tooth in any way.
  2. Cleaning with a gritty compound:
    The hygienist will then polish your teeth using a professional electric brush and gritty-textured paste. It’s typical to hear a grinding sound while your teeth are being polished – although this is normal. This step will give your teeth a deep cleaning and leave them smooth and shiny.
  3. Flossing
    Similar to how you would floss at home, the hygienist will get in and thoroughly floss your teeth to remove any additional leftover debris. During this step, you may also be asked about your flossing habits, and be given tips on how to floss more effectively and how to improving your flossing routine.
  4. Fluoride Treatment:
    Lastly, sometimes Fluoride is applied to the surface of your teeth.   This is done to help re-mineralize  the outer layer of your tooth (called enamel).  It can be applied in the form of a rinse, paste or paint on gel.

The best insurance for optimal oral health is brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, keeping your tongue cleanand making sure nothing gets in the way of seeing your dental professional at regular intervals appropriate to meet your needs. 

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What are the warning signs of sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a very serious sleep disorder that can have significant health consequences. Sleep apnea causes the airway to get blocked repeatedly during sleep, which limits airflow to the lungs, and consequently deprives the brain and body of oxygen.

Sleep apnea often causes you to wake up several times during the night, and you may not even be consciously aware of each time you wake up. As a result of this, the condition causes significant disturbances to sleep, which then can have a profound negative effect on your physical and mental state when you’re awake.

The most reliable indicators that you may be affected by sleep apnea reveal themselves when you’re asleep. These symptoms include:

  • Loud and frequent snoring
  • Silent pauses in breathing
  • Choking or gasping sounds
  • Insomnia

As mentioned, however, due to the interruptions that the condition causes to sleeping patterns, you will also experience other symptoms during the day, which are commonly associated with having insufficient or low quality sleep. These symptoms include:

  • Morning headaches
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Memory loss
  • Decreased sexual desire
  • Irritability

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s critical to seek out a professional assessment & diagnosis. Sleep apnea can be managed, primarily with the aid of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, so it’s important to diagnose the condition, and if sleep apnea is diagnose, begin treatment as soon as possible.

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What are the signs and causes of periodontal disease

Periodontitis, also commonly referred to as gum disease, is a serious condition that can result in tooth loss and damage of surrounding tissue. Periodontitis occurs when the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets where debris can be collected and form an infection.

Periodontitis often progresses while showing very subtle symptoms, so it’s very important to know what the warning signs are so that treatment can be obtained right away.

Warning signs of periodontal disease

There are general symptoms that may suggest that you may be experiencing an onset of gum disease. These include:

  • Gums bleeding when brushing teeth
  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Formation of pockets between teeth and gums
  • Receding gums
  • Chronic pattern of bad breath

It’s very important to note that these are symptoms that are associated with periodontitis. For a definitive diagnosis, it’s important to get thoroughly screened by a dental professional.

Causes of periodontal disease

In order to take preventative measures against periodontitis, you need to know what the main causes are, as a lot of the causal factors are related to behavioural or lifestyle patterns that can be corrected. Some of the causes of periodontitis include:

  • Poor oral hygiene habits (ex. not brushing and flossing on a regular basis)
  • Bad lifestyle habits (ex. smoking)
  • Health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, or HIV
  • Medications that limit saliva flow
  • Certain medications that can cause abnormal gum tissue growth (such as certain anticonvulsant medications)
  • Family / genetic predispositions

These are just general guidelines to identify potential symptoms of periodontitis, and to understand the key causes of the condition. As with any oral condition, it’s imperative to get thoroughly examined by a dental professional, in order to get a definitive diagnosis and specific treatment options.

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What are porcelain crowns?

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that go over teeth to improve their appearance or function. Porcelain is a preferred material for crowns, as they bond very well and can be custom made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth. Compared to other materials, porcelain crowns match up with the natural color of teeth the best, and are most suitable for patients with metal allergies.

When the crowns are put into place, they fully encase the visible portion of the tooth, helping to transform its appearance and function significantly.

What are the uses / benefits of dental crowns?

  • To improve a tooth’s appearance
  • To protect or cover a weak or decaying tooth
  • To create a natural appearance of the teeth
  • To restore a tooth’s function
  • To cover discolored teeth

Dental crowns are one of the most effective ways to improve the appearance and function of teeth, although there are other options available, such as onlays. Consult with your dentist to explore all of the different options available for teeth restoration.

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