In this column, Ruhi Khanna, D.M.D., answers two questions from the readers regarding their dental needs.

Reader: Why should I replace my old fillings?

Khanna: If you have old fillings, there is a good chance that they are amalgam fillings, also called silver fillings. These tend to last 7-10 years, after which they corrode and leak.  Since these are made of a mixture of mercury with other metals (silver, copper, zinc and tin), there is some controversy about their long-run safety. Regardless, superior alternatives exist that are not controversial at all, and look better. So, when needed, you shoudl consider 'white' fillings, that are metal-free composites.  And it's a mistake to wait till the filling chips before replacing it, since that might result in some loss of tooth structure.  A timely visit to your dentist - every six months - will ensure that you prevent amalgam fractures.


Reader: Why should I whiten my teeth?

Khanna: Often, the enamel on our teeth - which is what gives teeth their whiteness - gets discolored.  This happens for a variety of reasons, such as caffeine  and wine consumption, smoking, genetic predisposition, age and even use of  some antibiotics.  So it's natural to want to regain an attractive white  coloration.  You can whiten your teeth in a modern practice in an hour, with  no pain. You can also elect to take home trays and whitening carbamide  peroxide gel, but doing it at home can take several weeks to get  satisfactory results.  Either approach is completely safe. One cautionary  note is that old 'white' fillings, caps and bridges will not whiten at all.


If you have a questions that you would like to ask, please send it to
info@lokvani.com.

 

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