Frequently Asked Questions

There can be a number of reasons for discoloured/stained teeth. It is essential that the reason for this be determined so that the most conservative solution to address this be undertaken. If the staining is superficial this can be addressed by GBT therapy. If this discolouration is actually through the structure of the tooth then this can be addressed by the appropriate whitening therapy solution. However, if the tooth is stained and heavily restored and there is an increased risk of tooth fracture the an crown would be a great solution to address these issues.

Conservative dentistry delivered with care, is the best way to improve the longevity of a tooth. Therefore, if tooth walls are thick enough they should be conserved. In this case, an inlay, overlay or onlay may be the best option as this this requires less preparation of the tooth than a crown. However, leaving weak teeth unsupported may result in fracture of the tooth, leaving it unrestorable.

Whilst not all crowned teeth need to be root treated, teeth that are usually crowned are heavily compromised and have a higher risk of dying. The dental literature quotes an increased risk of 18% of tooth dying following being crowned. However, leaving the tooth unprotected without a crown may risk a catastrophic fracture which may result in tooth loss.

A tooth is at it's strongest when it is whole. When teeth rot or are repaired/restored with filling materials these teeth are still required to withstand the same heavy loads but with less surface area. This increases the risk of the tooth fracturing especially with heavily filled teeth. One of the ways to protect the tooth is to remove a outer layer of the tooth and filling and have a lab custom make a skin which covers the remaining tooth and fits like a glove.

We only use the finest Swiss made high density BPA-free composites.

Amalgam fillings are wedged into the tooth, often requiring removal of healthy tooth structure to achieve this. Composite fillings bond directly to tooth, not only supporting it but also being more conservative to the long term tooth health.

When you smile, your mouth will look natural as you won’t be able to see the fillings.We use premium composite materials which are mercury free. They are a perfect alternative for those suffering from mercury sensitivity.

Composite materials have been found to have oestrogen-mimicking properties, but unfortunately nothing in dentistry or medicine is 100% bio-inert. Recently, however, with the advent of CAD CAM milling technology and pressed ceramic, we have found a truly biocompatible material. However, unlike composite which can be very conservatively used to repair the damage caused by infection - a process enhanced manyfold by the use of the waterlase - ceramic fillings do require some modification of the healthy tooth structure to be used (much like amalgam). Nevertheless, they are a robust solution to composite fillings, and are typically used to restore large defects. We follow a strict protocol when replacing your amalgam fillings.

he alternative materials available on the market today are referred to as bonded resin, composite resins or just composites. These materials have been subjected to numerous clinical trials all over the world to determine whether they are biocompatible and safe to use in the human body. Our dentists have a combined experience of three decades with this material. As such, we have a very strict protocol on placement of material resulting with a very high success rate. Occasionally there are anecdotes of people suffering from sensitivity or pain after having composite fillings, or the fillings not lasting very long. Of course, there is a difference in the qualities of different composite materials. This can lead to some products not lasting as long or appearing to discolour very quickly. As with everything else, the composite materials used at Integrated Dentalcare are of a premium quality. To increase their life expectancy the latest generation of composites contain ceramic nano-particles, resulting in exhibited wear resistance similar to your natural teeth.

Briefly, this protocol involves the following precautions: - Isolation of the treatment area, usually by a technique known as ‘rubber dam’, to minimise exposure to debris in the mouth. - Use of high speed, distilled water-cooled instruments - Use of high speed, powerful suction system - The option to use a nose-piece, to provide an alternative air source out of the immediate area to protect against hose inhalation of mercury vapour - The option to use dampened gauze eye patches to keep flying particles or vapour out of the eyes - Use of general protective coverings - When drilling, the filling is sectioned into chunks and elevated where possible - Nutritional support considerations, to support the immune system - Restoration of remaining tooth structure with a premium quality resin material - Patients may wish to consider wearing clothes covering as much skin as possible