Monthly Archives: June 2020

Do I Need a Filling? | Palm Harbor Dentist

Are you experiencing toothaches, sharp pains, or sensitivity? If so, it may be time to schedule an appointment for an examination. For something simple like a cavity, the repair option would be a filling. If left untreated, it can progress into more severe dental issues, so it is important to keep an eye on your smile and any changes that may be developing. But how do you know what to look for when it comes to something common like a cavity? If you notice any of the following signs, dental fillings will likely be a solution:

  • A dark spot or hole in your tooth
  • A chipped tooth
  • A rough tooth
  • If floss is tearing in a particular location between your teeth

If your dentist finds that a filling is necessary, there are a few options to choose from. Some of the choices include amalgam, composite and ionomers. Amalgam fillings are very durable, easy to use, and inexpensive when compared to other materials and usually used for molars. Composite fillings are made out of a mixture of glass or quartz and resin, producing a tooth-colored filling. Composite fillings are durable and provide good resistance against fracture in small to medium restorations but tend to stain and discolor over time. Ionomers, on the other hand, are made out of a mixture of acrylic acids and fine glass powders used to fill cavities on the root surfaces of teeth or in small fillings that do not require any chewing resistance.

Dental fillings are essential in maintain ideal oral health because they prevent tooth decay. Without dental fillings, individuals risk the chance of permanently losing their teeth.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental fillings, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

Bonding: Fast and Easy Smiles | Palm Harbor Dentist

When considering a smile makeover, one treatment option to consider is dental bonding – a fast, easy way to correct a number of minor dental aesthetic issues. A tooth-colored synthetic resin is bonded to the tooth, allowing the dentist to adjust the shape, spacing, and color of teeth to correct chips, cracks and other smile issues. In some cases, bonding can even be used as an alternative to traditional fillings, or to protect a tooth’s root in cases where a gum recession has exposed portions of the tooth that would normally be protected.

Bonding is generally considered to be fast and painless – a typical procedure requires less than an hour per tooth, and often does not require anesthesia. The dentist will begin by matching the color of the resin to the shade of the tooth, then lightly etch the surface to help the resin adhere to the tooth, before applying the clay or putty like resin and molding it to match the surface of the tooth. In some procedures, the resin will be molded to fill cracks or chips where the original tooth is no longer available, but it can also be used to cosmetically extend teeth to correct gaps between teeth, or make teeth appear longer for a more aesthetically pleasing smile. Once the dentist has shaped the resin, it is hardened in place with a special light, leaving it permanently bonded to the tooth.

Unlike some other dental procedures like bridges, bonded teeth do not require much in the way of special care. While the bonding resin is not as strong as a natural tooth, it should be brushed and flossed like normal teeth, and often lasts for many years.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental bonding, contact Dr. Lieberman at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.