White vs. Silver: Which Filling is Better?

Posted April 17, 2014 by Mansfield Dental

Have you ever wondered why some dental fillings are white while others are silver? These white fillings are known as composite resin fillings, and the silver-like fillings are called amalgam fillings. During a dental filling procedure at Mansfield Dental Associates, Dr. S. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris first remove the decay from the tooth, prepare the space for the filling by cleaning the cavity of bacteria and debris, and then apply a filling of silver amalgam or composite resin. They are highly experienced in the placement of both types of fillings. Our dentists are also dedicated to educating patients on their options, so we discuss the differences between these two.

Different Kinds of Fillings

Silver (amalgam) dental fillings are sturdier than white fillings. Amalgam is stronger because it is made up of metals– silver, tin, copper, zinc, and mercury, to be exact. It is generally recommended for back teeth, which must withstand greater force from chewing. The composite resin material, on the other hand, is a mixture of plastic and glass materials, and are not as durable as metal amalgam.

Amalgam fillings are less expensive than white fillings.

Amalgam fillings last longer than composite fillings.

White fillings are less apparent than the silver-like amalgam fillings. They can also be tinted to best match the color of your teeth.

Amalgam fillings emanate low levels of mercury vapor that you might inhale. If a person is exposed to a significant amount of mercury vapor, it can harm the brain or kidneys. However, after reviewing the available scientific studies, the FDA has determined that silver fillings are safe for adults and children over age six. Nevertheless, if you’re pregnant or have a metal allergy, then discuss your condition with our dentists during your initial consultation.

Amalgam fillings are held in place by the shape of a cavity. If a cavity is too small, the cavity must be widened at the base of the tooth so that the filling can hold its shape. As a result, the dentist may be forced to remove a small portion of the healthy tooth. On the other hand, a white filling conforms to the shape of the cavity, and can be used for very small cavities with greater success.

ABOUT YOUR MANSFIELD DENTISTS:

If you have any questions about dental fillings, or would like to schedule a consultation, please call Mansfield Dental Associates at (817) 259-1357. Serving patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Fort Worth, Alvarado, and Midlothian areas, Dr. S. Blair Jones and Dr. Harris share a unique dedication to the health and satisfaction of all our patients.

Quiz: The Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings

Posted April 15, 2014 by Mansfield Dental

Have you had your six-month checkup? Many people put off their checkups because they view them as minor procedures that won’t hurt to miss. However, checkups provide one of the few opportunities to be screened for oral cancer. Mansfield TX dentists, Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris, discuss the importance of undergoing routine oral cancer screenings.

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Dangers of Gum Disease

Posted April 10, 2014 by Mansfield Dental

Advanced gum disease is the number one cause of adult tooth loss in this country. Mansfield, TX Dental Associates can identify its early signs, and provide appropriate preventive treatments. Gum disease may also be linked to other diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and certain forms of cancer, including oral cancer, which causes over 7,500 deaths each year. (more…)

Something to Smile About — Patients’ Dentures Questions Answered

Posted April 9, 2014 by Mansfield Dental

They say that eyes are the window to one’s soul, but what about a smile? The health and appearance of your teeth and gums plays an important role in the way others perceive you. It’s hard to deny that an attractive smile simply makes you feel good, and that losing one or more permanent teeth has a negative effect on your self-esteem and confidence. At Mansfield Dental Associates, we love seeing our patients smile when they first receive their new dentures in Mansfield, TX. We’ve compiled some of our patients’ most frequently asked questions about adjusting to life with dentures.

Will dentures interfere with my ability to eat?

Not for long, according to your dentists, although you may have some discomfort within the first few weeks, if not less. Begin by eating small pieces and bites of soft foods, avoiding tough meats, crisp fruits or vegetables, crunchy snacks, or gooey candies. Do not eat very hot foods at first. Chew your food slowly, taking care not to favor one side of your mouth over the other. You can gradually introduce harder foods into your diet once you are comfortable wearing your dentures. Dr. Jones warns that you should never use toothpicks to remove food from your dentures.

Should I wear my dentures 24 hours a day?

Not necessarily, says Dr. Jones. In the first few days and weeks of wearing your denture, you may need to do so 24 hours a day, even while sleeping. Doing so allows you and your dentist to determine whether you require any adjustments to the prosthetic. This may feel slightly uncomfortable, but it is necessary nonetheless. Once your dentists are satisfied that your partial or complete denture fits properly, you will not need to wear it while you sleep. Before you go to bed, you will remove your dentures for cleaning, then store them.

Will wearing dentures make speaking difficult?

As you adjust to your dentures, you may find that some words prove more difficult to pronounce correctly. Dr. Harris recommends practice speaking words that are difficult to pronounce, noting that you will soon have no problems articulating. Some patients raise concerns about the telltale “clicking” sound made by dentures during speech. This noise may indicate improper fit and the need for an adjustment. Dr. Harris encourages you to call if you hear clicking.

Do I need adhesives to hold my dentures in place?

Properly fitted dentures are not likely to slip or loosen in your mouth, but many patients feel more secure using an adhesive. Using these products adds stability and improves bite force. Your Mansfield, TX dentists also recommend using adhesives if you have xerostomia, or dry mouth. Without saliva, dentures may not grip as firmly to the gums. If you speak in public often or play a musical instrument with your mouth, adhesives will help counter the added stress on facial muscles to hold dentures in place.

Need more info about dentures in Mansfield, TX? To learn more about dental prosthetics, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Blair Jones or Dr. Seth Harris, contact our dental office at (817) 259-1357. We welcome patients living in and around south Arlington, Kennedale, Mansfield, Waxahachie, and southeast Fort Worth.

Checking for Oral Cancer at Your Mansfield Dentist Office

Posted April 6, 2014 by Mansfield Dental

At Mansfield Dental Associates in Mansfield, Texas, it’s our goal to help our patients achieve and maintain the highest level of oral and systemic health possible. We understand that each and every patient’s needs and health goals are different. That’s why we personally design each and every appointment — whether routine or specific — for each patient’s unique requirements. Today, Dr. S. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris want to discuss one aspect of routine dental exams that we perform for every patient who takes a seat in our dental chair: a visual oral cancer test.

Oral Cancer Testing in Mansfield, TX

For our patients who already have healthy teeth and gums and practice quality at-home dental hygiene, we (and the ADA) recommend scheduling dental checkups and cleanings every six months. If you have specific oral health care needs, Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris will recommend a treatment schedule to keep your mouth in top-top shape. At this routine appointments, we’ll check the health and strength of your teeth and gums, as well as screen for cavities, bruxism, gum disease, sleep apnea, and other health conditions. We’ll also talk with you about any problems you’re having, as well as any cosmetic goals you wish to achieve.

At these appointments, we’ll also screen for oral cancer. How? By visually examining the soft tissues of your mouth, including the inside of your cheeks, your lips, your tongue, and your gum tissue. We’ll also ask you about any chronic throat pain, a change in your voice, ear aches, dramatic weight loss, change in the way your teeth fit together, or any other unexplained changes in your oral health. As a part of the screening, your dentist will gently probe the mouth, looking for sores, lumps, rough spots, or other abnormalities in the gums, lips, or tongue.

Like with any other type of cancer and other serious health conditions, oral cancer is best treated when caught early. That’s why we’ll visually screen for it at every six-month appointment you have at our Mansfield dentist office. Some risk factors of oral cancer are tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, family history, age, and excessive sun exposure. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris recommend regular screenings for oral cancer, especially if you are over the age of forty or have any of these risk factors.

About Mansfield Dental Associates:

At Mansfield Dental Associates, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris share the same vision and philosophy when it comes to patient care. We provide thorough, compassionate preventive dental services in addition to effective treatments for teeth grinding and TMJ pain. Contact our Mansfield, TX dentist office at 817-473-6227 to schedule your next appointment.

3 Ways to Spring into a Healthier Smile

Posted April 2, 2014 by Mansfield Dental

The cold, dreary days of winter fade into memory as the colors, sounds, and smells of spring emerge. Spring is a wonderful time to renew your house, your mind, and your commitment to your health. In addition to brushing and flossing regularly (a little spring cleaning for your smile, if you will), try enjoying these springtime activities that can actually promote healthier teeth and gums. (more…)

Dental Restorations: An Important Part of Comprehensive Dentistry

Posted March 26, 2014 by Mansfield Dental

Mansfield dentists Dr. S. Blair Jones and Dr. D. Seth Harris have provided many happy patients with a variety of comprehensive dental treatments. Cosmetic dental work focuses on aesthetics. Preventive dentistry includes your checkups, cleanings, and oral cancer screenings every six months. Do you know what restorative dentistry is? Any time you have a cavity or any dental infection, restorative dentistry will take the approach of restoring as much of your natural tooth structure as possible while also sealing the area off from future infection.

Types of Dental Restoration

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris offer a number of restorative dental procedures to patients. Fillings, inlays, and onlays are types of restorations designed to restore the health and function to your mouth when a decaying tooth has created dark cavities in the dentin. When decay goes deep into the roots and canals of teeth, you will require a root canal procedure. Your teeth are deeply cleaned free of infection which has gone through dentin and into the dental pulp. After that, your tooth is sealed and restored with a dental crown. Most crowns are now made from porcelain, though on the back molars a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown helps restore form and function. (more…)

Quiz: How Do Dental Crowns Work?

Posted March 25, 2014 by Mansfield Dental

What happens when your tooth suffers from advanced decay or becomes chipped? To return a tooth to full function and appearance, many dentists will recommend a dental crown. Made from a variety of different materials and containing both cosmetic and restorative properties, dental crowns are a common and unique form of smile restoration.

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Three Unique Patients, One Solution for Tooth Loss

Posted March 20, 2014 by Mansfield Dental

Anna, a single mother, was recently involved in an automobile accident. She has always taken excellent care of her teeth and gums, but four of her teeth were knocked out during the incident. As a 22-year-old, she is very image-conscious and embarrassed of her missing teeth but cannot afford dental implants at this time.

David, a recent retiree, has mostly healthy teeth and gums. In the past few years, however, rheumatoid arthritis in his hands has made it increasingly difficult to reach the back of his mouth while brushing and flossing. As a result, he has lost three of his back lower teeth, while the front teeth remain relatively healthy.

Mary Ann, a 50-year-old sales executive, has been under serious stress at work. She grinds her teeth and clenches her jaw throughout the day, as she’s done for many years. Her husband says that she continues grinding away even while sleeping. Some of her teeth have been so badly damaged that they cannot be salvaged by a dental crown and must be extracted. Mary Ann worries that missing teeth will compromise her appearance as a professional.

Three stories, three very unique patients. Despite their differences, these people share a surprising characteristic: They’re all candidates for partial dentures in Mansfield, TX. At the office of Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris, we believe that it’s important for our patients to understand the realities of dental prosthetics. One of the most commonly held misconceptions about dentures is that age determines who is a candidate.

Am I a Candidate for Partial Dentures?

If age isn’t the most important criteria, what is? The ideal candidate for partial dentures must meet the following requirements:

Missing one or more teeth, but not all teeth
Healthy gums and jawbone sufficient to support the prosthetic
Remaining teeth should be relatively healthy

Do I Have to Replace Missing Teeth?

Can you live with missing teeth? Absolutely, says Dr. Jones, but not without consequences. If you choose not to replace lost teeth, whether with dentures, dental implants, or a dental bridge, your remaining teeth will be compromised. When you lose a tooth, your remaining teeth must bear greater pressure with each bite, making them more likely to become chipped or broken. The risk of decay increases, and you may lose additional teeth. In the absence of a tooth, the surrounding teeth may shift out of position and create an off-balanced bite. If this happens, you could develop a temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD, which causes difficulty and pain when opening and closing your mouth. You are also more likely to develop bone loss, a change in the appearance of your teeth and cheeks, and difficulty speaking and eating naturally.

If you are concerned about the cost of replacing multiple missing teeth, a removable partial denture is an excellent option. Removable prosthetics are generally more economical than permanent teeth replacement options, such as a fixed bridge or dental implants. However, opting for a partial denture does not mean you will unable to change your mind in the future. You may later decide to go with a more permanent option. When you do, Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris will be here for you.

Questions about partial dentures in Mansfield, TX? To learn more about teeth replacement options, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jones or Dr. Harris, contact our office at (817) 259-1357. We welcome patients living in Midlothian, Alvarado, South Arlington, Kennedale, and the neighboring communities.

St. Patty’s Day: Beer and Your Teeth

Posted March 18, 2014 by Mansfield Dental

Ok, so we’re a day late, but Happy St. Patrick’s Day! You did wear green didn’t you? While your head may still be reeling from yesterday’s celebration and indulgences, all that beer can have a significant impact on another part of your body as well. In this post, your Mansfield, TX dentist explains the affects of beer on your dental health. Although it’s too late this year, we hope this information helps you to make smart dental choices next St. Patty’s Day. (more…)

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