No Metal Please!

Doctor my metal filling is sensitive.
One of the biggest complains that resulted though was that many of these fillings got sensitive or sections of the tooth just broke off, without the patient experiencing any pain. The dentist would then examine this old rusty filling and after an x-ray wouldjust reassurethe patient that no decay is present.
No need to do anythingor at least no decay is present. Today you often still hear: “My metal fillings are lasting very well” , but in reality the supporting tooth is badly damaged or cracked! These teeth often break while eating ‘pudding’ , ‘bread’ or who knows what.

What happens when these fillings are removed?
After careful removal of these old metal fillings, big cracks are often seen in the remaining tooth structure indicating areas of high stress.

Note the badly discoloured teeth after removal of the old metal filling. Many cracks are also present under high magnification due to the expansion and shrinkage of metal over time.

Many times these areas are just filled in again using white resin. This time a white filling is used to bond the tooth together.In the presence of cracks under the new filling, pain still exists. Drinking hot or cold drinks(temperaure difference) or biting down would result in movement of these cracks and therefore more pain.

CERAMIC please!
Dentists that use ceramic fillings know that these cracks must be removed before a new filling is placed.

The new protocol:
All cracks and crack lines are removed and any blue staining from previous metal fillings are cleaned out.
The new ceramic filling needs a new solid foundation where no movement takes place.
A new life is given to the tooth.

The result: – No blue staining
– No more cracks
– White healthy new look
– Zero sensitivity

With the new CEREC 3D system these fillings and crowns can now also be made in just 1 appointment!

So remember, next time you replace your metal fillings or have to get a big restoration, insist on ceramic.

Dr Francois Burger