Dr. Leonard-FAQ

Irving J. Leonard DDS, Ltd.
Carl Sandburg Village
1360 North Sandburg Terrace
Chicago Illinois 60610
312 664-6463
email ileonard4@comcast.net

FREOUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Why do corners of my teeth break off?

Teeth break for several reasons, namely, a traumatic injury due to a hard or foreign object in your food, severe clenching or grinding (Bruxism) and/or the presence of large amalgam (silver) fillings. Amalgam fillings, as they have been done in the past, weaken the remaining tooth. Present amalgam fillings have less of a tendency to contribute to tooth breakage if they are bonded however, we have not done amalgam filling in many years.

Are amalgam fillings safe in that they contain mercury?

According to the American Dental Association, they are safe to use. Amalgam fillings do not contain free mercury; therefore according to the ADA, they impart no health risk and need not be removed unnecessarily.

Are tooth colored fillings as strong as silver fillings?

Using present day techniques and materials, a properly done tooth colored filling (bonded composite) will wear almost as well as a silver filling. In addition, bonding to the remaining tooth, strengthens the tooth rather than weakening it. Newer composites, which require 2 appointments and are laboratory processed, are even more wear resistant. Almost all of the fillings that I do now are bonded composites.

Are gold fillings still used?

Absolutely. Where esthetics allow, gold is still one of the best restorative materials. Unfortunately, it is a costly material to use. Where cost is not a factor, it is recommended, especially in the 2nd molar areas.

I clench my teeth, especially while I sleep. What can I do and is it harmful?

Clenching and grinding (Bruxism) are habits that develop early in life. It is our way of relieving stress. Unfortunately, the habit can take it's toll on our teeth, our muscles and our temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ). Bruxism is common in a great majority of the population. Symptoms range from broken teeth to temporo-mandibular dysfunction (TMD). A change in lifestyle may or may not help. An oral appliance, worn at night, may help to relieve symptoms. Each patient must be evaluated individually.

Is home bleaching safe and can I safely use store bought bleaching systems?

After almost 12 years of prescribing home bleaching, numerous clinical studies have shown home bleaching to be safe, as long as the bleaching is done under the care of a dentist. We make a bleaching tray (called a stent) to exactly fit your teeth. It does not cover the gum tissue at all. The bleaching gel is 15-20% carbamide peroxide, which can be irritating to the gums. It can also cause temporary tooth sensitivity if not used correctly. Since the bleach is in the form of a gel, there is little chance of swallowing the bleach. Store bought bleaching systems have you make the stent by heating a block of tray material and then having you bite into it. There is nothing to prevent the bleach from sitting on your gum tissue. The bleach used in store bought system is more fluid, more easily dissolved in saliva and have lower concentrations of the bleaching agents.

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