White Fillings

Dr. Zuerlein primarily uses composite resin filling material also known as tooth-colored or white fillings.

Advantages of white fillings:

• Since they bond to the tooth, composite fillings restore most of the original strength of the tooth. Silver weakens the teeth, making them more susceptible to breaking. Since broken teeth are very expensive to restore, composites can save a lot of expense over the long run.
• Composite fillings restore the natural appearance of the tooth.
• Teeth restored with white fillings are less sensitive to hot and cold than teeth restored with amalgam, if correct techniques are used.
• Composites are mercury-free. Mercury in the fillings is viewed by some as being toxic.
• Composites require less removal of tooth structure. Especially with new cavities, the size of the hole made for the filling can be dramatically smaller with composites.

ICON-No Drilling Filling

You probably have seen advertising for the new “no drill” filling. The ICON system is a new way to treat early cavities and remove white spots without drilling!

Icon is a breakthrough treatment that can:

• Stop an early cavity before it needs to be drilled and filled
• Cosmetically remove white spots caused by early cavities or orthodontic treatment

Icon is only appropriate for treating cavities in the early stages. Cavities that have progressed beyond the early stages will need to have a conventional filling or other treatment.

NCCL- Non Carious Cervical Lesions

NCCL’s are tooth defects located at the gum-line of anterior and posterior teeth.

They are a result of tooth structure loss caused by chemical erosion, abrasion, stress from biting forces or a combination of factors.

Erosion of the tooth is generally related to the frequent consumption of acidic foods or drinks; but can also be caused by acid reflux, sleep issues and/or abrasive toothpastes.

The cause of the defect should be determined and possibly treated or controlled. Then the defect filled with a tooth colored restoration.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants can help prevent decay.

One of the most common places that tooth decay develops is on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. It is difficult to keep pits and fissures clean. That’s because tooth brush bristles cannot reach into the grooves of you back teeth. Because the grooves are hard to clean, it may be a recommendation to have dental sealants placed.

A dental sealant is a plastic material that is applied to a chewing surface of back teeth. This acts as a barrier, protecting enamel by “sealing out” plaque and food.