| Bleaching - (Tooth Whitening) | Crowns, Bridges and Dentures (Prosthodontics) |
| Dental Hygiene | Extractions / Wisdom Teeth |
| Fillings | Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease) |
| Root Canals | TMJ |
| Veneers |
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Fillings
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| Dental amalgam is a mixture of various metals, but is primarily composed of mercury, silver, copper and tin. Used in dentistry for more than 150 years, this material offers a number of important advantages. For example, it is inexpensive, highly durable, and easy to place. A decayed tooth can be treated in a single visit to the dentist in most cases. | Composite Resins (White Fillings) - A composite resin is a tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide) matched closely to your natural tooth color . Introduced in the 1960's, dental composites were confined to the front teeth because they were not strong enough to withstand the pressure and wear generated by the back teeth. Since then, composites have been significantly improved and can be successfully placed in the back teeth as well. |
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| Dental Amalgam |
Because of the importance of questions which are being raised on dental
amalgam and since the federal government is responsible for the safety
of medical devices and materials, CDA has encouraged the federal government
to support definitive research in the dental amalgam area. As studies
are completed, CDA will continue to monitor its position as approved
by CDA Board of Governors in 1986 and amended in August, 1995. CDA Position
on Silver Dental Amalgam Current research on the use of silver dental
amalgam supports that amalgam continues to demonstrate clear advantages
in many applications over other restorative materials. Significant evidence
of patient risk associated with its use has not been demonstrated. Most
therapeutic materials involve potential side effects or risks as well
as benefits and dentists are trained to be on their guard for these
reactions at all times. Although amalgam in fillings releases minute
amounts of mercury vapour, current scientific consensus supports the
position that amalgam does not contribute to illness. It is recognized
that there are individuals who are specifically sensitive or allergic
to the components of amalgam and amalgam may not be suitable for all
patients and in all circumstances. CDA bases its position on the existing
scientific consensus on which government approval is based, and from
the range of relevant scientific literature as distinct from individual
and sometimes conflicting studies. A common sense approach to the utilization
of dental amalgam should be taken whereby patients discuss their specific
circumstances with their dentist and choose the best restorative material
appropriate to a particular application for a particular patient. Dentists
want patients to be aware of conclusions from the range of scientific
studies on dental amalgam so that the appropriate choice can be made.
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| Further Information |
The Alberta Dental Association |
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Copyright © 2001 T.O.C. All rights reserved. ®
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