Frequently Asked Questions

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Learn more about what to expect during a wisdom tooth extraction.

1. Amalgam (silver filling) is the most thoroughly researched and tested restorative material among all those in use. It is durable, easy to use, highly resistant to wear and relatively inexpensive in comparison to other materials. For those reasons, it remains a valued treatment option for dentists and their patients. While questions have arisen about the safety of dental amalgam relating to its mercury content, the major U.S. and international scientific and health bodies, including the National Institute of Health, the U.S. Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization, among others have been satisfied that dental amalgam is a safe, reliable and effective restorative material. Because amalgam fillings can withstand very high chewing loads, they are particularly useful for restoring molars in the back of the mouth where chewing load is greatest. They are also useful in areas where a cavity preparation is difficult to keep dry during the filling replacement, such as in deep fillings below the gum line. Amalgam fillings, like other filling materials, are considered biocompatible—they are well tolerated by patients with only rare occurrences of allergic response. Disadvantages of amalgam include possible short-term sensitivity to hot or cold after the filling is placed. The silver-colored filling is not as natural looking as one that is tooth-colored, especially when the restoration is near the front of the mouth, and shows when the patient laughs or speaks. And to prepare the tooth, the dentist may need to remove more tooth structure to accommodate an amalgam filling than for other types of fillings. 2. Composite fillings are a mixture of glass or quartz filler in a resin medium that produces a tooth-colored filling. They are sometimes referred to as composites or filled resins. Composite fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small-to-mid size restorations that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure. Less tooth structure is removed when the dentist prepares the tooth, and this may result in a smaller filling than that of an amalgam. Composites can also be ‘bonded’ or adhesively held in a cavity, often allowing the dentist to make a more conservative repair to the tooth.

The standard of care for missing teeth now are dental implants – as they are the most similar to your natural tooth structure and eliminate the need to change the structure of adjacent teeth. If you have a missing tooth you have several options. Each case would be different so it’s best to go into a dental office and get a professional opinion, but some options include: dental implants, fixed bridges, and partial dentures. The standard of care for missing teeth now are dental implants – as they are the most similar to your natural tooth structure and eliminate the need to change the structure of adjacent teeth.

No worries! Just make an appointment it’s that easy. If you have insurance please bring your insurance card with you. You’ll have an exam and x-rays and most often a teeth cleaning. If any additional treatment is needed we can schedule a future appointment or if everyone’s schedule permits may be able to start treatment the same day.