When having a cavity filled, there are a few different materials to choose from. Over the years, there has been some controversy about the safety of some of those materials. Patients sometimes ask dentists the question “are dental fillings toxic?” According to the majority of dentists, medical associations, and government agencies, the answer to this...
There are significant differences between dental fillings and dental crowns, but they serve the same purpose: To restore a damaged or decayed tooth. When a dentist recommends one instead of the other, it’s important to understand why. The decision of dental fillings vs. crowns should lead to the best solution to the tooth’s problem without...
The last thing a parent wants to hear at the dentist is that his or her kid has a bunch of cavities. Not only are fillings and additional expense, but most parents feel a certain amount of guilt when their children have cavities. In reality, cavities are common and can pop up in children and...
Anyone who has had an involved dental procedure has probably had a local anaesthetic. The most common of these is novocaine. Because dentists use novocaine so often, dental patients have a lot of questions about the drug and its use. It’s about time patients had their own easy-to-follow guide to novocaine. What is Novocaine, Exactly?...
Unlike a root canal procedure which may take two or more visits to the dentist, having a cavity filled only takes one. The dentist puts in the filling and sends you on your way. Ordinarily, no follow up visits are necessary when you have a cavity filled. There are some things patients should and should...
Seeing your child smile is one of the joys of parenthood. Taking care of their teeth can help protect that smile. When it comes to dental care for kids, parents have a lot of questions. A select group of dentists shared—and answered—the most common ones they encounter. 1. When Should I Make My Kid’s First...
If you’ve ever had a toothache, you know how painful they can be. It could be a condition called pulpitis. Pulpitis can be caused by a trauma or injury such as a fracture to the tooth. Most often, though, it is a consequence of an untreated dental cavity. How Do You Get Pulpitis? Teeth are...
Dental sealants (sometimes called tooth sealants) can be a great way to prevent tooth decay, especially in younger children. But the plastic used to make those sealants does not last forever. Over time, it does wear away. This leads many parents to ask: Are sealants wearing out normal? How long do dental sealants last, typically?...
Suppose you get a checkup and the dentist discovers cavities. You need to get them filled to prevent further tooth decay. The procedure is not too costly, but you cannot pay out of pocket right now. Does insurance cover the cost of dental fillings? It all depends on what kind of insurance is under discussion....
Here at the Dental Health Society, we like to keep tabs on how we as a country are doing in terms of dental health—and on how well our dentists are doing to serve the general population. Dental health stats help. Luckily, a number of other organizations do this as well, including the Centers for Disease...