|
|
|
 |
6.
What can be done for ulcers or canker sores in the mouth?
Ulcers are very difficult to treat. There is no proven
technique that will eliminate ulcers or speed the recovery
time once they appear. There are a few medications that
will give temporary relief from the pain, but they need
to be started as soon as symptoms appear. Ulcers will
generally diminish and disappear in two weeks. |
|
|
7.
How can I stop grinding my teeth at night?
Grinding your teeth can be very damaging to the teeth
and also difficult to stop. If vigorous grinding occurs
at night, teeth can be worn down to the gumline because
the instinctive reflex to stop does not work while you
are sleeping. Grinding due to stress can only be cured
by removing the stress trigger. If grinding continues,
a nightguard may be prescribed to prevent ultimate damage
to the teeth.
|
|
|
8.
Are there any alternatives to dentures?
Dentures are no longer the only way to restore a mouth
that has little or no non-restorable teeth. Strategically
placed support, or implants, can now be used to support
permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for
a denture. The cost tends to be greater, but the implants
and bridges more closely resemble the "feel" of real teeth.
Dental implants are becoming the alternative of choice
to dentures, but not everyone is a candidate for implants.
Call your dentist for advice. |
|
|
9.
Are silver fillings, fluoride or x-rays, a danger to my
health? What are the alternatives?
Dental amalgam, or silver filling material, is a mixture
of mercury, and an alloy of silver, tin and copper. The
release of mercury in silver fillings is so small that
it is much less than what patients are exposed to in food,
air and water. There are, however, other materials that
can be used for restorations. These include gold, porcelain,
and composite resins. These materials are more costly
than amalgam and, with the exception of gold, are not
as durable.
Fluoride is a compound of the element fluorine, which
is found universally throughout nature in water, soil,
air and in most foods. Fluoride is absorbed easily into
the tooth enamel, especially in children's growing teeth.
Once teeth are developed, fluoride makes the entire tooth
structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization,
which aids in repairing early decay before the damage
is visible.
Radiographs, or x-rays, help your dentist determine the
presence or degree of periodontal disease, abscesses,
and many abnormal growths such as cysts and tumors. They
can help pinpoint the location of cavities and other signs
of disease that may not be possible to detect through
a visual examination. All health care providers are sensitive
to patients' concerns about exposure to radiation. Your
dentist has been trained to prescribe radiographs when
they are appropriate and to tailor the radiograph schedule
to your individual needs. By using state-of-the-art technology,
such as digital radiography, and by staying knowledgeable
about recent advances, your dentist knows which techniques,
procedures and X-ray films can minimize your exposure
to radiation. |
|
|
10.
What are dental implants and how do they work?
Dental implants are substitutes for natural tooth roots
and rely on the jawbone for support. Strategically placed,
implants can now be used to support permanently cemented
bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost
tends to be greater, but the implants and bridges more
closely resemble real teeth. |
|
|
|
