Frequently Asked Questions
Q
Why should I save my tooth instead of extracting it?A
One should generally avoid extracting their permanent teeth. If a tooth is extracted, the teeth in front, behind and above or below will encroach upon the space. The spacing of the mouth will change. As well, the tongue may grow into the space of the missing teeth and the jaw could be affected. This could lead to pain in the joints.
Q
Why do teeth that have had "root canals" need crowns?A
Not all teeth that have had "root canals" need crowns. If a crown is indicated, it is generally because the restoration(filling) on the tooth is too large and it will probably fracture under normal function. Also, after a tooth has had a root canal, it becomes more brittle because there is no longer a blood supply to the tooth. This brittle nature could predispose the tooth to fracture. A crown would help to alleviate this problem.
Q
How old should I be before I have braces?A
One should be assessed for orthodontics(braces) as early as age 7. Sometimes, early interceptive therapy can eliminate or reduce the amount of orthodontics required in the future.
Q
Should I have my silver fillings replaced?A
One should only have their silver fillings replaced as needed. The reasons for replacement are if there are signs of tooth decay underneath the filling or if the filling has broken. Very rarely does someone have an authentic allergy to silver fillings. Individuals who feel they do have an allergy should speak with their dentist.
Q
Are white fillings better than silver fillings?A
The two main differences between white and silver fillings are their composition and their esthetics. There is a very small segment of the population that has an authentic allergy to mercury. For this reason, silver fillings would be contraindicated as mercury is found in them. White fillings are made of a composite resin. The second difference is esthetics. The white fillings are tooth coloured and as such, are more pleasing to the eye than the silver fillings.