Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question? Please read through our Frequently Asked Questions below, and always feel free to contact us with any other questions you may have.

Q: Why are sealants necessary?

A: The American Dental Association recognizes that sealants can play an important role in the prevention of tooth decay. When the teeth are developing, depressions and grooves form the chewing surfaces of the enamel called pits and fissures. They are impossible to keep clean and are snug places for plaque and pieces of food to hide; not even a toothbrush can reach into these grooves. By forming a thin covering over the pits and fissures, sealants decrease the risk of decay.

Q: What is the difference between amalgam and a composite?

A: Silver amalgam and white fillings are the most commonly used restorations (fillings) in dentistry. Which material is most appealing to patients? On one hand, amalgam is a 100+ year-old material that has not changed much over the years. Composite, or white filling, is a 20 year-old technology that is constantly being updated and can blend with the existing enamel so it's hard to tell if a filling is even present. It's safe to say composites are more appealing to patients that desire the most up-to-date treatment for their own health smile.

Composites are fillings designed to match the color of your teeth. The two main ingredients are plastic resin and a filler of finely ground glasslike particles. The dentist matches the composite material to the patients tooth color. Composites are used where dental work could be most visible, including the front teeth and gum lines, because they blend so well with your tooth enamel.

Amalgam fillings act like a wedge in the tooth. After years of constant pressure from chomping and chewing, the metal starts to crack and split the tooth leaving room for more decay to develop. (Imagine a screw in a piece of wood, cracking the wood in half as you tighten the screw.)

Unlike amalgam filings, composite fillings require less drilling and removal of tooth structure because they are bonded into place. In some instances where there is less decay, drilling and anesthetic is not even necessary through a technique called air abrasion. This technique is especially beneficial to teeth that have never had a filling because drilling produces micro-cracks in the tooth.

Q: If my tooth doesn't hurt and my filling is still in place, why would a filling need to be replaced?

A: Constant pressure from chewing, grinding, or clenching can cause fillings to wear away, chip, or crack. If the seal between the tooth enamel and the filling breaks down, food particles and decay causing bacteria can work their way under the filling. You then run the risk of developing additional decay in that tooth. Decay that is left untreated can progress to infect the dental pulp and may cause an abscess which results in a root canal, post and core, and crown. Although you may not be able to tell that your filling is wearing down, your dentist can identify weakness in your restorations during a regular checkup.

Q: What is root planing/ soft tissue management?

A: Soft Tissue Management is an individualized plan to eliminate infection of the gums and root surfaces. Your dental team and you will choose an appropriate plan. The hygienist will perform treatments to help eliminate infection, make recommendations to help you more effectively clean your teeth daily, and guide you through our effort to achieve and maintain oral health.

Root planing is the treatment of the diseased root surfaces below the gum line. Root planing focuses on eliminating tartar and plaque below the gum and detoxifying the root surfaces where disease occurs. Obtaining smooth roots and flushing out the pockets allows for healthy reattachments of the gums to the root surface.