What is the best option for replacing missing teeth?

While lots of things can cause tooth loss, having a gap in your smile can cause problems later on. Tooth loss can make it hard to eat certain foods, cause speech problems and even affect the alignment of other teeth. Missing teeth can also change the way your smile looks. If you are one of the many New Zealand adults with missing teeth, there are ways to restore your smile.

What causes tooth loss?

Tooth loss doesn’t have to happen naturally as we age. If you adopt good oral health habits, there’s a good chance you’ll have all your natural teeth, even in old age.

Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in New Zealand. Periodontitis, the more severe form of gum disease, causes bone and soft tissue loss in the jaw. If not treated it can lead to tooth loss.

A poor diet can also impact your teeth. Eating a diet rich in sugar can cause cavities. If a tooth is too decayed for a filling, sometimes the only option is tooth extraction.

Is it bad to have missing teeth?

While you can live with missing teeth, it’s not good for your oral health. The hole left behind by a missing tooth is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Tooth loss increases the risk of gum disease and other oral health problems.

Another reason a gap in your smile is ‘bad’ is because your teeth can begin to shift around. Our teeth do a great job of keeping each another in place. When a tooth falls out, the surrounding teeth can start to shift into the empty space. Even if you had straight teeth before, you may end up with wider gaps between your teeth or a crooked smile after tooth loss.

A missing tooth can also affect the bone density in your jaw. Once a tooth falls out or is removed, some of the bone beneath the missing tooth is reabsorbed back into the body. This weakens the overall structure of the jaw and can weaken the surrounding teeth.

Missing teeth can also affect your facial structure. Extensive tooth loss can cause your cheeks to sink inwards, weaken your facial muscles and cause the lips to thin.

What are my options for replacing a missing tooth?

There are a few options for replacing a missing tooth. The best way to know what’s best for you is to talk to your dentist. Cost, the quality of your existing teeth and your own personal preferences are all factors that may influence your decision. Some options for replacing your tooth include:

Dental Implants

Dental implants can be a good option for a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. Not only do they look natural, they also help prevent bone loss and will restore the functionality of your smile. Dental implants are strong, last for years, and can be placed anywhere in the mouth. If you take care of your dental implant, they can even last a lifetime.

A dental implant is made up of two parts, the implant and the crown. A metal screw is implanted into the jawbone and once healed a false tooth (the crown) is placed on top. Dental implants require surgery and several weeks of recovery before the crown is attached.

Pros of dental implants

• Permanent option for tooth loss
• Strong and natural looking option
• Will last a lifetime if cared for

Cons of dental implants

• They can be expensive
• Long healing time post-surgery
• Not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants

Implant supported bridge

If you are missing multiple teeth in a row, an implant supported bridge is a more affordable option than multiple implants. An implant-supported bridge consists of several artificial teeth anchored by dental implants on either side.

Implant supported bridges aren’t a permanent fix for tooth loss. Although the implants may last a lifetime, the bridge will need to be replaced at some point. You’ll also need to be more careful about brushing and flossing under the bridge as bridges can increase your risk of gum disease.

Pros of an implant supported bridge

• Great option for multiple missing teeth
• More economical than multiple implants
• They look natural and feel comfortable

Cons of an implant supported bridge

• Not a permanent option
• Placement of your bridge requires multiple appointments
• Can only be used under some circumstances
• Food and bacteria can get lodged under the bridge

Tooth-supported bridge

With a tooth supported bridge your natural teeth act as the support posts for the bridge. For this to be an option you’ll need to have healthy teeth on either side of your missing tooth or teeth. During treatment, your natural teeth are shaped and fitted with a crown. The bridge is then cemented to the crowns on either side.

Tooth-supported bridges look natural and don’t take long to fit. Like an implant bridge, a tooth supported bridge increases the risk of food or debris getting trapped underneath the device. You’ll need to be careful about cleaning under the bridge.

Pros of a tooth supported bridge

• No downtime or healing time
• Crowns can be fitted in one visit
• Natural, realistic looking option

Cons of a tooth supported bridge

• Natural teeth need to be shaved down
• Adjoining teeth can be damaged if the bridge is poorly fitted
• Food and bacteria can get lodged under the bridge

Partial dentures

Removable partial dentures are a less invasive way to fill the gap in your smile. Removable partial dentures can replace several missing teeth. Artificial teeth are attached to a metal or gum-coloured base and kept in place with a metal framework.

Partial dentures are very affordable. It’s worth noting that while the teeth look natural, the metal clasp of the dentures may be visible.

Pros of partial dentures

• If you lose further teeth, extra artificial teeth can be added
• Affordable option
• Easy to replace or repair
• A simple option with no downtime or lengthy procedures

Cons of a partial dentures

• Can sometimes be uncomfortable if not fitted correctly
• Must be removed and cleaned daily
• Must be removed before sleeping
• Less natural as the metal clasps are visible

If you have a gap in your smile, these options can keep your teeth and mouth healthy and prevent further tooth loss. Come and see us at Gentle Dental to talk about options for repairing your smile.

Two popular options for creating a lovely smile are a ‘smile makeover’ and ‘smile reconstruction.’ Learn the difference between these two dental terms.

If you’ve ever had tooth decay, your dentist may have treated it by giving you a filling. While fillings are a great long-term solution for treating tooth decay, they are not permanent. You still need to take care of your teeth and mouth. Eventually, your filling will need replacing. Here are some things you need to know about getting a replacement filling.

How often does my filling need replacing?

Fillings are a great solution for treating tooth decay. They are durable and restore the overall strength of your teeth. However, a filling won’t last forever. The shelf life of a filling largely depends on what materials it is made of.

Amalgam Fillings

Silver fillings, also known as amalgam fillings, are very durable and can last 15 years before they need to be replaced. One downside to amalgam fillings is that the metals can expand and contract in the mouth. This can cause the surrounding area of the tooth to fracture and crack. It’s always a good idea to get amalgam fillings checked regularly.

Composite Fillings

These white fillings are made from a polymer composite resin. While they don’t last as long as amalgam fillings, they can last up to seven years. Composite fillings do not expand in your mouth and won’t cause your teeth to crack. However, if you have composite fillings, you should still regularly get them checked by a dentist.

Ceramic Fillings

Ceramic fillings are made from porcelain and can last up to fifteen years. Ceramic fillings can be pretty expensive and are generally less common than composite or amalgam fillings.

Why do fillings need to be replaced?

There are a few reasons why a filling might need to be replaced over time.

• Daily wear and tear in the mouth weaken the filling after years of contact with hard foods and hot and cold liquids.
• Chewing can put your fillings under pressure. Over time, your filling material gets weaker and doesn’t protect your tooth in the same way.
• Cracking or tooth trauma can damage your filling and cause it to crack, chip or fall out.
• You may also choose to get a silver filling replaced with something less noticeable, like composite.

How do I know if my filling needs to be replaced?

The best way to know if your filling needs to be replaced is to book an appointment with your dentist. Regular dental checkups every six months ensure that your fillings are strong and protect your teeth from further dental decay and cavities. Your dentist will check your fillings and will be able to tell you if it’s time for a new one.

If you’ve noticed any new changes in your filling, you should book in for a checkup. Changes can include:

• pain in a tooth with a filling
• the filling suddenly feeling sharp
• a cracking sound in a tooth with a filling
• part of the filling coming off in your mouth

How can I make my fillings last longer?

While the materials that fillings are made from generally have a finite shelf life, there are ways you can ensure your fillings last as long as possible.

Your eating habits have a significant impact on the general health of your teeth. Adding raw, crunchy fruits and vegetables (celery, carrots, apples etc.) is an easy way to get your five plus a day and keep your teeth nice and strong. Eating less sugar will help your teeth avoid further cavities.

Dental hygiene is the number one way to make your fillings last—book regular checkups with your dentist every six months. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly.

Wear a mouthguard while playing sport. Dental trauma can cause your tooth and filling to come loose.

Wear a mouthguard while you sleep. If you grind your teeth, this can put extra pressure on your fillings. Wearing a mouth guard to bed will help prevent that additional stress on your teeth.

Avoid hard or sticky foods. Some fillings, like amalgam, are not bonded into the tooth, which means there is a chance they can come loose. Avoid eating sticky or hard foods that might coat your tooth or cause the filling to stick to the surface of the food.

Need a checkup for your fillings? Book an appointment at Gentle Dental today.

Imagine if rather than getting a filling to fix tooth decay, you could get a whole new tooth! While it might sound like science fiction, dental researchers at the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Science have actually created new teeth within a laboratory setting.

Researchers use lasers to stimulate stem cells to form dentin inside the mouth of real test subjects.

What does this mean for the future of dentistry?

 This breakthrough in dental research means instead of placing a filling in your tooth, dentists may actually be able to grow you a whole new tooth.

Fixing cavities with fillings means that dentists often have to destroy part of your tooth. The decay needs to be removed by drilling a hole and the hole repaired with a filling. Overall, fillings do weaken the structural integrity of the tooth. To be able to grow an entirely new, healthy and strong tooth would be an amazing alternative.

How does regenerating teeth work?

Researchers have been trying to recreate tooth material using stem cells for years. However, until now, they have never succeeded in using stem cells outside of a laboratory setting.

This new research is different as researchers have generated dentin inside the mouths of patients. The researchers used lasers and growth factors to encourage stem cells in the mouth to grow into dentin.

Researchers drilled into teeth to access the stem cells found in the molars. These cells were exposed to low-level lasers, and dental crowns were then put over their teeth. After 12 weeks the researchers found that the dentin in the teeth was successfully regrowing.

What is dentin and why is it important?

Dentin is a hard material that makes up part of your tooth. Although it’s less well known than pulp and enamel, dentin is very important as it makes up the majority of the structure of the tooth. Dentin is the layer between the enamel and the pulp.

How long will it take for teeth regeneration to become viable?

Science is still in its early days which means traditional fillings will be the norm for the foreseeable future. However, scientists are excited by the possibility that tooth regeneration will one day become the norm.

It’s also likely that there will always be a place for treating cavities with fillings. Regenerating new teeth may be costly and currently, the procedure takes a long time. The research will also need to undergo a lot of scrutiny and health checks to make sure it is safe for humans. So far, research has only been carried out (albeit successfully) on rats.

Since there’s no telling when tooth regeneration will become an option for treating tooth decay, you should always look after your teeth as best you can. You can always prevent cavities from forming. When it comes to cavities, prevention is always better than a cure.

How can I avoid cavities?

 Cavities are permanent damage caused to the surface enamel of your teeth. Tooth decay can be caused by sugar, mouth bacteria and plaque buildup on your teeth. To prevent cavities from forming there are several healthy habits you can adopt.

• Adopt a regular cleaning routine. Brush twice a day and floss between your teeth regularly. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes every time you brush.
• Brush with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps to build up the strength of your tooth enamel.
• Avoid sipping sugary drinks. Sugars can cause an increase in acid in the mouth which attacks the enamel of your teeth. Cut down on soft drinks, energy drinks and adding sugars to tea and coffee. Sipping sugary drinks throughout the day can create the perfect breeding ground for acid and bacteria.
• Avoid foods that get stuck in your teeth. Nuts and chips can be bad for your teeth as they get stuck easily behind and between teeth.
• Visit your dentist regularly. Plaque can build up in hard-to-reach places in the mouth. Seeing your dentist regularly will ensure that all parts of your teeth are taken care of.

Need a checkup for your teeth? Book an appointment at Gentle Dental today.

If you have tooth decay, your dentist may ask you whether you want an amalgam or composite filling. In both cases, your dentist will treat your teeth by removing any decay and fitting you with a fling. However, amalgam and composite fillings are different in appearance, materials, and overall performance.

Here’s everything you should know about choosing the right filing for your mouth.

What are amalgam fillings?

If you’ve never heard of amalgam fillings before, you will have seen them. Amalgam fillings are usually referred to as silver fillings and these are very common in older dental patients. In fact, dentists have used amalgam to treat cavities for around 150 years.

Amalgam fillings get their silver colour from the materials they are made from — usually silver, tin, copper, and mercury.

What are the key properties of amalgam fillings?

Amalgam fillings have been the go-to option of dentists for years. They are:

• Less expensive than composite fillings 
• Durable and long-lasting 
• Harden quickly makes them quick to fit in place 

What are the pros and cons of amalgam fillings?

There are lots of benefits to having silver amalgam fillings. These filings:

• Can last for over a decade with proper dental hygiene habits and care 
• Are strong and can easily fill large cavities within a tooth 
• Have a lower price point and are more affordable than composite filings 
• Harden quickly which makes treatment less stressful for anxious patients 

While there is nothing wrong with having amalgam fillings, there are a few reasons why dentists may prefer a composite filling instead.

• Amalgam fillings are very noticeable even when fitted onto the back teeth. 
• Patients with metal allergies may have a bad reaction to the metals. 
• Amalgam fillings sometimes require more of the tooth structure to be removed. 
• Amalgam fillings expand and contract with exposure to some temperatures. This can cause fractures in the tooth. 
• Amalgam fillings are made with 50% mercury. While this is generally low enough not to cause toxicity, mercury is still a toxic material. 

What are the key properties of composite fillings?

Composite fillings blend in with the colour of the tooth and are made from a polymer-based resin that is free from mercury.

• They are often used as a long-term solution for small and medium filings 
• They may not be an appropriate long-term solution for very large cavities. Porcelain fillings or a full crown are sometimes used instead. 

What are the pros and cons of composite fillings?

• Composite resin does not last as long as amalgam and has a shelf life of around 5 years. 
• They are usually more expensive than amalgam fillings. 
• They can take longer to fit in the mouth than amalgam fillings as the composite resin is placed in layers into the mouth. 

These might all sound like good reasons not to get a composite filing, but there are a few major reasons why some dentists prefer composite.

• Composite does not expand or change in size and won’t cause teeth to crack.  
• They are virtually undetectable. Composite blends in with the colour of your tooth. 
• Dentists don’t have to remove as much of the tooth as composite fillings bond to the tooth. This means the tooth is stronger as it has more structure to provide support.   
• Composite resin is completely nontoxic. 

At Dental Gentle we prefer to use composite fillings as they are safer, non-toxic, and won’t compromise the structural integrity of the surrounding tooth. You also won’t have to worry about your fillings being visible when you open your mouth.

Need a checkup? Book an appointment at Gentle Dental today.  

Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgery that removes one or more of your wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are located in the back of your mouth on the top and bottom rows of your teeth. Impaction is caused when there isn’t enough room for your wisdom tooth to come through. It may cause pain, infection, or other problems and need to be removed.

Wisdom tooth extraction is a fairly common procedure. Because adult humans don’t get their wisdom teeth until their late teens or early twenties, there is often not enough room in the mouth for wisdom teeth to sit. Therefore, your teeth can grow at an angle or push up against other teeth.

Problems with impacted wisdom teeth

 Impacted wisdom teeth might need to be removed because they cause problems for your oral health. This can include:

• Trapping food behind or in between other teeth
• Infections and gum disease
• Damage to other teeth or the surrounding bone
• Cysts around the wisdom tooth
• General pain and discomfort
• Pushing other teeth out of alignment

How should I prepare for a wisdom tooth extraction?

Wisdom tooth extraction for an impacted tooth is most likely performed as an outpatient procedure and is sometimes done at a specialist surgery office or hospital. After your surgery, you will be able to go home the same day. However, you won’t be able to drive or operate heavy machinery and you will likely need a week off work and usual manual tasks so that you can recover.

It is a good idea to discuss any concerns you have about the surgery with your dentist. If you are on medication or have concerns about what type of sedation your dentist will use, you can discuss this at your consultation. Commonly, you will be asked to:

• Avoid eating anything for six hours before your surgery
• Arrive slightly early for your appointment so that everything runs on time.
• Provide the contact details for someone to pick you up after surgery. Your dentist will call them once you are ready to go home.

What sedation will my dentist use during wisdom tooth extraction?

Your dentist or oral surgeon will be able to tell you what type of anesthesia and sedation they will use during wisdom tooth surgery. Depending on how complex your surgery is, they will usually use one of the following options.

Local Anesthesia 

Local anesthesia is delivered via injection in the mouth, near the site of each wisdom tooth that needs an extraction. Before your dentist gives you an injection, they will likely use a numbing agent on your mouth so you shouldn’t feel the injection going in. During local anesthesia, you will be awake during the wisdom tooth extraction procedure. While you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure you may feel some pressure and movement within your mouth.

IV or Oral Sedation

IV sedation is delivered via an IV drip into a vein in your arm. Oral sedation is a liquid which you drink prior to your procedure. Sedation makes the patient more relaxed, drowsy and sometimes makes you fall asleep. Patients are awake and still responsive but will have little memory of the procedure.

General Anesthesia

Your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend general anesthesia. This is performed by an anesthesiologist and usually includes gas inhalation or intravenous forms of sedation. During general anesthesia, patients lose consciousness during the procedure and are unable to respond. Your vital signs will be monitored during the extraction surgery to ensure that the anesthetic has been administered safely.

How long does dental sedation last?

Local anesthesia lasts between four to six hours, although you may experience numbness for up to 24-hours after your procedure. IV sedation and general anesthesia last about six hours. Once an IV sedation is removed you will wake up in about twenty minutes. Your dentist will likely take you to a recovery room once you are awake to ensure you have time to properly wake up.  

It’s important that you have a friend or family member to pick you up after your wisdom teeth extraction surgery. You cannot rely on an uber or taxi. You will need someone to help get you from the vehicle into your house and make sure you are okay for the rest of the day.

How to book a wisdom tooth extraction 

If you think you need your wisdom teeth removed, book an appointment with our friendly dentists at Gentle Dental. During your regular dental examination, we’ll assess your teeth including an intra-oral exam and we can offer an additional full jaw x-ray.  

We have a wealth of experience removing both un-restorable teeth and impacted wisdom teeth, as painlessly as possible.