Poughkeepsie Dentist, Are Amalgams (Silver Filings) Safe?

In recent years some concern has arisen regarding the safety of amalgam (silver) fillings. Some small isolated studies seem to indicate that some of the mercury in amalgam (silver) fillings might   turn to vapor and be released in the mouth while chewing. The word amalgam is defined as a combination of diverse elements: a mixture. The silver fillings that dentists use are called amalgam. It is a compound composed of silver, copper, tin and zinc bonded together by mercury.

The few studies that seem to indicate that a possible health concern regarding amalgam are isolated studies. The results of those studies have never been duplicated in controlled environments with reputable scientist.

The American Dental Association (ADA) estimates that upwards of 75% of dentist use amalgam to restore teeth. The ADA also states it believes amalgam fillings to be a safe. Along with the ADA, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the FDA believe amalgam is a safe an effective filling material. The only reason not to use amalgam is when a patient has demonstrated and allergy to the material.

Although the scientific evidence shows that silver fillings are safe many patients have expressed a preference not to use them. Some are still concerned about the mercury but most simply prefer the more esthetically pleasing alternative of composite or porcelain, the so called “tooth colored fillings”.

In our office we generally elect to use the tooth colored filling unless the situation calls for the need for some of the properties unique to the amalgam filling material.

For more information, please feel free to contact our office at (845) 471-4383.

Does Your Mouth Feel Like the Sahara Desert?

Does your mouth feel like it’s as dry as a desert? You are not alone. Over 25 million Americans suffer from dry mouth. The actual discomfort associated with dry mouth is not the only problem. Other problems that accompany dry mouth include difficulty chewing and swallowing, an increase in dental decay and gum disease and bad breath.

So why do so many people have to live with “cottonmouth?”

According to the Food and Drug Administration, over 400 medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can lead to dry mouth. The list includes 8 of the 10 most frequently used prescriptions. It’s also caused by mouth breathing, dehydration and decreased salivary flow due to aging.

Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are also among the leading causes of this problem. So if you need another reason to stop smoking and cut down on your drinking there it is.

There are several things you can do to reduce the damage caused by dry mouth:

1-Chewing gum that contains Xylitol (we discussed this in a previous blog)

2- Drinking  plenty  water to stay hydrated

3- Breath through your nose not your mouth (that’s a hard one)

3- Frequent brushing and rinsing with a  fluoride toothpaste and rinse

4- Daily Flossing

5- Using a room vaporizer to add moisture to the air in your home

Since dry mouth can also be a sign of a serious illness and cause an increase in cavities and gum disease, excellent oral hygiene and regular dental exams are a must. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call us at 845-471-4383 to set up an appointment or visit our website at http://www.docwillo.com

You Have Better Things to Do with Your Time

I am sure you have better things to do then spend unnecessary time in the dental chair. If you have a tooth that is broken or severely decayed, it usually requires a crown. In most other dental offices that means one visit to prepare the tooth, take an impression and make a temporary. Then in about 2 weeks you must return for another visit to have the temporary removed and the crown  cemented into place. In my office we feel that’s wasting too much of your valuable time. We have invested in the CEREC restorative system. This is a chairside computer that allows us to fabricate   most of the crowns that my patients need, in about 1 hour. There is no need to return for a second visit. There are no  gooey  impressions. No temporaries to worry about falling off. Using a digital blue ray camera and CAD CAM technology we can make a beautiful all porcelain crown in about one hour. The fit is terrific and some people feel since it is bonded to the tooth that it is stronger then conventional crowns. All we do is take a picture of the prepared   tooth. Design the crown on the computer and send   it to the milling machine and that is it. All done in about one hour leaving you time to do the other important things in your life. So if you find that you need a crown and you don’t have time to waste, give our office a call.

Teeth Grinding Dr. Willoughby Poughkeepsie

Are Your Teeth Getting Shorter?

Take a look at your teeth.  Do they look shorter then they used to be?  Do they look worn?  Do the edges of your front teeth feel sharp?  If you answered yes to any of these questions you might be a bruxer or grinder.  A bruxer is someone who has an unconscious habit of grinding or clenching their teeth.  Most bruxers grind their teeth while sleeping and are unaware that they do it.  Unexplained headaches and facial pain may also be signs of a bruxism habit.  Over time grinding may cause fractures of the teeth or fillings.  It can also lead to teeth looking worn and give the appearance that a person is older then their actual age.  Some ware on teeth is normal.  However if you feel you might be an excessive bruxer, speak to your dentist about constructing a niteguard.  It won't stop the grinding but it can minimize the damages caused by grinding. 

For more information about teeth grinding, or to schedule an appointment please contact our office at (845) 471-4383.

Meet Dr. James Willoughby, Poughkeepsie Dentist