Traditionally, dentists have used what’s known as amalgam, or special metal alloys, to fill cavities. However, modern dental medicine has advanced to the point that Dr. Barry & Dr. Love can offer Columbus patients a much better option for filling holes caused by tooth decay: composite fillings. At Lifetime Dental Health, we would like to educate you on the benefits of tooth-colored, composite fillings, so please let this article serve as your personal fillings fact sheet.
The History of Fillings
Once upon a time, the choices for dental restoration materials were limited. Records dating back as far as 659 A.D. tell us that amalgams (mixtures of silver, mercury, tin, and/or copper) have been used widely for more than 1300 years. There have been a number of scientific disputes (referred to as the amalgam war) over the health concerns of using mercury, but the American Dental Association has always defended the safety of amalgam fillings. Until recently, amalgam fillings were favored because of their strength, resilience, and relative ease of preparation and placement. That being said, amalgams have three main drawbacks:
Cracked tooth syndrome (CTS), also known as cracked cusp syndrome or split tooth syndrome, is a painful condition that results from a crack in one of your teeth. CTS can mean anything from a tiny hairline split in the crown to a fracture that goes all the way to the root. If you have a nasty toothache and remember biting down on something hard, it’s time to callDr. Barry & Dr. Love. Don’t worry though, because the dental professionals at Lifetime Dental Health are committed to giving you the best oral care that Columbus has to offer. To find out more about cracked tooth syndrome, read on.
Symptoms of Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Although this condition can vary a little bit for everyone, here are some common signs you may have cracked tooth or cracked cusp syndrome:
