When Do You Need a Dental Filling vs. a Crown?

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When you need adentist in Grand Junction, CO, you can rely on Western Slope Dental Center to provide the best treatment for your situation. Often, there are multiple treatment options that may be available. In such as case, we strive to educate our patients so they can be as informed as possible. One of the common choices for tooth decay is between a dental filling and a crown.

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are a quick and effective option for filling in a tooth cavity, which is essentially a hole in the tooth. When you come to visit us with tooth decay, the bad part of the tooth needs to be removed, and the cavity has to be sort of “excavated,” to be sure that no bacteria is left behind to cause further damage. Since the goal is to save the tooth, the empty space needs to be filled with a material such as composite resin. You do have a choice as to fillings, too, which we can go over with you when the time comes.

Dental Crowns

If a tooth has major damage, a filling may not be sufficient. Major damage may mean that a large part of the tooth may need to be removed. But again, since it’s always the goal to save natural teeth, there is a viable treatment option, and that is a dental crown. Dental crowns are often used after root canals, for large cavities, or when a tooth has significant cracks. Crowns provide added durability and protect against further damage, making them the preferred choice for more serious issues.

Whether you need a dental filling or adental crown in Grand Junction, CO, visit Western Slope Dental Center for friendly and professional care.

How to Prepare Your Child for a Filling Appointment

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Does your child need a filling? Before you (or they) panic, check out these ideas for preparing for the filling appointment.

Stay Calm

One of the best things you can do as a parent when facing your child’s first filling is to stay calm yourself. If your child sees that you are anxious or stressed, their stress level will increase. Be calm, and talk about the appointment in a positive way.

Be Honest

Your child might have some questions about what will happen at the appointment. Even if you think they may find the information frightening, it’s best to be honest. Answer their questions in a way they can understand, or enlist the help of your dentist in Grand Junction to answer the questions well.

Use the Right Words

Some words, though they may be true, can make anxiety worse. For example, some children feel anxious if you talk about needles. Instead, you can call the numbing shot a “little pinch.” Similarly, instead of saying the dentist will “drill” out the “cavity,” you can say the dentist will “dig up” the “sugar bugs.” These words are truthful, but less anxiety-inducing.

Get Personal

Have you had a filling in the past? If so, tell your child your experience, or if your filling is silver, you can even show it to them.

Bring a Comfort Item

A favorite toy can bring a lot of comfort to a small child. If your child has a favorite toy or blanket, bring it with you to the appointment. You might even ask your dentist if your child could listen to music or watch a show on your phone during the appointment.

Remember, the way you set the stage for the filling will go far in your child’s comfort. If you have questions, the team at Western Slope Dental Center can give you even more guidance.

Why Mercury Fillings Are No Longer Used

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Mercury fillings, also known as dental amalgams, have been used for over a century to restore decayed teeth. However, their usage has significantly declined in recent years due to various concerns and advancements in dental materials. Here’s an explanation of why mercury fillings are no longer widely used:

Health Concerns

Mercury is a known toxin, and while the amount released by amalgam fillings is small, there has been ongoing concern about its potential health effects. The mercury in fillings can vaporize and be inhaled, leading to concerns about cumulative exposure over time, especially in vulnerable populations like pregnant women, children, and people with certain health conditions. Consult with yourGrand Junction, CO, dentist to learn more about the potential health impacts of mercury fillings.

Environmental Impact

Dental amalgams contribute to environmental mercury contamination. Mercury can be released into the environment during the preparation of amalgam, its removal, and disposal. This environmental aspect has led to regulatory efforts to reduce the use of mercury in dentistry.

Advancements in Dental Materials

Modern dentistry has seen significant advancements in filling materials. Composite resins, for instance, have become popular due to their ability to match the color of natural teeth and their improved strength and durability. These materials provide an aesthetically pleasing and safer alternative to amalgam fillings.

Public Perception and Demand

There’s a growing preference for more natural-looking dental treatments. Patients often choose fillings that blend with the color of their teeth, which mercury fillings cannot provide. The demand for aesthetically pleasing dental work has driven the shift towards composite resins and other alternatives.

When you needfillings in Grand Junction, CO, your dentist will be able to offer you a choice of which filling you would prefer, including ones that blend in with the color of your natural teeth. Contact us today to book your appointment.

Dental Fillings 101: Questions from Curious Patients

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When it comes to tooth restoration, dental fillings in Grand Junction, CO are the most common treatment. While almost every individual will need a filling at some point in life, if you have never had a filling, you are bound to have a few questions. Take a look at a few things you may want to know before getting a filling at the dentist.

How do dental fillings stay in place?

Dental fillings contain a material that bonds directly to the natural material of the tooth. Once the filling has cured, which can take only a few minutes, the bonding agent cements the filling in place, so it does not move or shift. While fillings can fall out, this rarely happens unless the material has been in place for several years or there are further issues with decay.

How long should a dental filling last?

Dental fillings can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. Therefore, this simple procedure is one of the best for protecting a tooth in the long term. While fillings may have to be replaced eventually, while the filling is in place, it protects the point of decay from further deterioration.

Can a cavity be too large for a dental filling?

A cavity can be too large to be suitably fixed with a filling alone. For example, if you have a broad and deep point of decay on one of your teeth, a filling alone may not be enough to fully stabilize the tooth. In these cases, the dentist typically recommends the tooth be covered with a dental crown. Dental crowns offer greater tooth coverage and can be just as long-lasting as a filling.

Discuss Cavity Treatments with a Good Dentist in Grand Junction, CO

A cavity should never go unattended, so talking to a Grand Junction dentist as soon as possible is crucial. Reach out to the team at Western Slope Dental Center to schedule an appointment.