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Albums Archives: CategoriesRestorations

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Failing Composite Restoration Diagnosis & Treatment

Posted on March 3, 2015
By sdevine Restorations
A silicone polishing point is used to further smooth and polish the restoration. The smoother the restorative surface, the less plaque will adhere to it. And we all know that plaque is the enemy! Plaque is nothing more than millions of bacteria stuck together which release acids and toxins which can not only demineralize tooth structure (decay), but also cause gum disease which can slowly (or in some cases, rapidly) deteriorate the jaw bone which help hold our teeth firmly in place.
From a distance, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish staining from recurring decay around the margin of an existing composite restoration.A closer look through microscopic examination reveals that there is more than just marginal staining going on here.Marginal recurring decay was confirmed through tactile exploration.Existing composite restoration therefore needed to be removed so that underlying decay could be effectively cleaned.Decay was not only present at the margin near gum line, but under the entire restoration also. The color of decay can vary from brown or cheesy white as shown here.Once all decay has been cleaned, an etching gel is applied to help clean the tooth surface and etch the enamel which helps to increase bond strength of composite filling materials to tooth structure.Etching gel is rinsed off and dried. Etched tooth enamel gives a frosty white appearance as seen here.A bonding agent is applied to to the etched tooth surface and cured (hardened) with a special light called a curing light.Tooth-colored composite resin material is incrementally applied and cured (hardened) with the curing light.The margins of the restoration are now smoothed. It is particularly important that the restorative margin near the gum tissue is perfectly smooth and free of voids and overhangs so that plaque and bacteria do not easily accumulate and propagate there.The remainder of restoration is now shaped and smoothed with finishing burs.Completed composite restoration. Remember, that the best dentistry is Preventive Dentistry! We only get one set of teeth, so make it a priority to see your dentist and hygienist regularly.

Regular dental check-ups are key in diagnosing problems early. This tooth, for instance, could have needed a root canal and possibly a crown in a year or so if decay was not detected and treated early, and cost of treatment would have been significantly greater. Decay which has not yet progressed to the pulp or nerve of a tooth typically does not cause any pain symptoms. So see your dentist and hygienist regularly!

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Index of Articles
  • Dental Operating Microscope
    November 2, 2014
  • Using Microscopes to Provide Better Patient Care
    February 23, 2009
  • PerioLase® Gum Surgery
    August 12, 2005
  • A Crowning Achievement in Dental Technology
    November 24, 2004
  • Single-Visit Crowns and Onlays using CEREC 3D
    September 10, 2004
  • Minimally Invasive Dentistry with Lasers and Surgical Microscopes
    July 11, 2004
  • Donato Dental adds Laser Periodontal Therapy to Practice
    May 10, 2004
  • Donato Dental incorporates Microscopic Dentistry to Practice
    April 26, 2004
  • Who Needs Anesthesia?
    March 3, 2004
  • Donato Dental adds Laser Microdentistry to Practice
    January 6, 2004
  • Donato Dental Incorporates Digital Radiography to Practice
    March 3, 2003
Donato Napoletano, D.M.D
(845)342-6444
450 East Main Street
Middletown NY 10940

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