General Dentistry

Tooth decay thankfully is not as common as it once was. It is possible to be decay free for life with correct oral hygiene to remove plaque. This involves twice daily two minute brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and avoiding sugar between meal times combined with regular dental examinations.

The first signs of decay appear as a white spot (figure 1). This can usually be monitored and treated successfully at home. Once this develops (figure 2) it is possible to treat this without the need for a filling but using a high fluoride varnish and/or toothpaste. If this area is left untreated this could become decayed (figure 3) which will need to be treated by a filling.

Decay occurs in difficult to reach places which may not be noticed, for example between teeth which can then get underneath existing fillings and only become apparent at your next examination, or on an x-ray or when you get tooth ache. Look at this case study:

Small area of decay between teeth on previously restored molar tooth.

For a long time, white fillings were rarely placed in back teeth because they were not durable enough. Technology has changed over the last 25 years. White fillings in back teeth are just as effective as silver ones unless the filling does below the gum level. White fillings require the tooth to be kept very dry whilst they are being placed unlike a silver filling which is moisture resistant. If you would like to have a silver filling replaced with a white one please ask.

Occasionally it may be possible to close gaps between teeth using white composite filling material without the need to crown both front teeth. In this case study the patient’s gap (diastema) is wide (figure 1).

We use a system called ‘Bioclear’ to achieve this. Careful placement of white composite material builds up both front teeth to create the look of a natural, well-aligned set of teeth (figure 2).

We carry out free examinations on children under the age of 5 years whose parents come to the practice. We will recommend either 6 monthly or annual examinations depending on their age and risk of decay. From the age of six upwards we continually assess a child’s need for orthodontic treatment and will make a referral to a local orthodontic specialist where appropriate.