Composite Fillings
After carefully removing your small mercury filings following the strict protocol for their removal you can get a metal free filling.
A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by a toxic restoration, decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed, the old filling popped out (chunking) and then filled with a non-toxic composite filling.
There are many types of composite filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Some people may opt for a biocompatibility test to see if this materials are compatible with their body.
At COSMETIC, LASER AND CEREC DENTISTRY we have master the technique with over 20 years experience and because MOST WHITE FILLINGS CONTAIN METALS and other toxic substances, we only use the most biocompatible METAL-FREE brands, e.i. Filtek 250 and particularly DiamondLite.
DiamondLite
DiamondLite is a complete, concise and easy to manipulate direct type of restorative material to be used with the DiamondBond universal bonding system. It is indicated for all types of direct restorations, veneering techniques and cuspid reconstruction. DiamondLite fillers consist of the most refine and purest particles of ceramic glass available. The crystalline resin called PEX is the key to a very minimal shrinkage and assures the long term wear resistance. The cameleon effect of its six shades gives the natural look that you want in a composite restorative material.
BENEFITS:
High Strength, High Resistance, High DTS (Diametral Tensile Strength), Very Low Water absorption, Very Low Shrinkage, Kind to Natural Teeth, High Wear Resistance, Excellent Biocompatibility, High Luster / Gloss Value, Favorable Aesthetics, Cameleon Properties
Possible toxicity? Direct DiamondLite fillings have Dimethacrylate esters. There is HEMA, a methacrylate, in DiamondBond, which is considered a compound with high risk of causing allergy, but all adhesives contain methacrylate derivatives. I believe DiamondLite is the best product we have available for direct fillings to date.
Biocompatibility
|
PROPERTY |
TEST |
DIAMOND RESULTS
(Index of Reactivity) |
|
US Pharmacoepia |
USP Class VI |
|
|
|
Systemic Injection extracts |
0 |
|
|
Intracutaneous Reactivity extracts |
0 |
|
|
Implant - Intramuscular Reactivity |
0 |
|
Hemolysis In-Vitro |
Human Blood Donor Subjects |
0 |
Cytotoxicity
|
PROPERTY |
TEST |
DIAMOND RESULTS
(Index of Reactivity) |
|
Agar Diffusion |
L929 Fibroblast cell cultures |
0 |
|
MEM Elution |
L929 Fibroblast cell culture extracts |
0 |
|
1) FIBROBLAST CELL CYTOTOXICITY: Fibroblasts in an agar culture dish are introduced to the material and aged in an incubator. The percentage of cells undergoing vacuolization, microvacuolization, full lysis ( cell death ) or cytosis are rated. The rating is on a 0-5 scale. 0 being inert with no cell lysis and 5 being severe, 100% cytotoxicity. DiamondCrown, DiamondBond, DiamondLink and DiamondLite each have ratings of zero, pre and post-cure.
2) MEM ( Minimal Essential Medium ) ELUTION: The next step is to take the solidus and introduce an extraction solution i.e.: ethanol solution and Zephiranchloride etc... to leach out the residual monomeric unconverted matter. This material is then taken and introduced to the fibroblast cultures. Once again, DiamondCrown, DiamondBond, DiamondLink and DiamondLite all rated zero.
3) HUMAN BLOOD HEMOLYSIS: Fresh blood donations are immediately introduced to the material and the percentage of red blood cells undergoing lysis rated. Once again zero rating for DiamondCrown, Bond, Link and Lite.
4) U.S.P. CLASS PLASTIC TESTS: In accordance with ISO 9003 Guidelines. This follows intracutaneous and intra-oral cytotoxicity extract injections. Rabbits, mice etc... are injected with extracts made from the solidus and saline, chloroform, alcohol, cotton seed oil etc... The injection sites are examined for the size and speed of changes - vascular changes, dilation, microabcess formation, vacuolization etc... DiamondCrown, DiamondBond, DiamondLink and DiamondLite received ratings of zero, zero, zero.
5) INTRAMUSCULAR IMPLANTS MADE FROM RODS OF MATERIAL: An assessment is made of reactivity, muscular changes, myelin changes, connective tissue changes. Once again - all zero.
6) MUCOUS MEMBRANE IRRITATION: After gross anatomical examination, sections are made and examined microscopically for histopathology. Rating were zero, zero, zero, zero for the four Diamond products.
HOW DOES THIS COMPARE? Microfills: most range from 2 to 5. Porcelain: aluminous types ( Vita, Hi-Ceram for example ) do not fare well in mucous membrane irritation tests, explaining gingival irritation around some aluminous crowns. Porcelains rate from 0 to 5. the rating for Pressed ceramics is 2.2. Diamond products rate zero. |
Reasons for composite fillings:
How are composite fillings placed?
Composite fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, we will remove decay as necessary. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication (MTA) will be applied for added protection. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth's shape and function.
It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first placed, however this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling, your bite must not change after a new filling is placed, a follow up appointment migth be necessary to do final adjustments to the bite .
You will be given care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits for maintenance will aid in the life of your new fillings.
Or we can give you a CEREC RESTORATION instead which DOES NOT dissolve over time and DOES NOT leak out any byproducts, we cement them with Diamond Bond /Diamond Link.