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What are the effects of tobacco use and dentistry?

Many of us have smoked during our lives. Some of us have been lucky enough to quit the use of tobacco products but there are others who still struggle with banning the addiction from their ives. We know how hard it is to quit and desire to offer information and assistance to our patients. Plus, any of our staff will be happy to discuss the risk of smoking with our patients as it applies to dental health.

The following link, tobacco.htm, will take you to a page that has all the latest information on the effects of tobacco provided by the National Institute of Health and the National Cancer Institute. Plus, pictures are provided as the use of
tobacco applies to dentistry and your teeth and mouth.

Why do corners of my teeth break off?

Teeth break for several reasons, namely, a traumatic injury due to a hard or foreign object in your food, severe clenching or grinding (Bruxism) and/or the presence of large amalgam (silver) fillings. Amalgam fillings, as they have been done in the past, weaken the remaining tooth. Present amalgam fillings have less of a tendency to contribute to tooth breakage if they are bonded.

Are amalgam fillings safe in that they contain mercury?

According to the American Dental Association, they are safe to use. Amalgam fillings do not contain free mercury; therefore according to the ADA, they impart no health risk and need not be removed unnecessarily.

Are tooth colored fillings as strong as silver fillings?

Using present day techniques and materials, a properly done tooth colored filling (bonded composite) will wear almost as well as a silver filling. In addition, bonding to the remaining tooth, strengthens the tooth rather than weakening it. Newer composites, which require 2 appointments and are laboratory processed, are even more wear resistant. Almost all of the fillings that I do now are bonded composites.

I clench my teeth, especially while I sleep. What can I do and is it harmful?

Clenching and grinding (Bruxism) are habits that develop early in life. It is our way of relieving stress. Unfortunately, the habit can take it's toll on our teeth,
our muscles and our temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ). Bruxism is common in a great majority of the population. Symptoms range from broken teeth to temporo-mandibular dysfunction (TMD). A change in life-style may or may not help. An oral
appliance, worn at night, may help to relieve symptoms. Each patient must be evaluated individually.