Photopolymer filling is a familiar practice which does not prompt so many questions as it used to five years ago.- What is the difference between photopolymer filling and restoration?
- Is photopolymer restoration able to restore everything?
- Is photopolymer filling really imperceptible?
- Can photopolymer filling fall out?
- Is there any difference between photopolymer materials?
- Is there any difference between restoration work on a front tooth and a grinder?
We will try to answer these questions about photopolymer filling and restoration.
“Photopolymer filling” term is becoming an atavism among dentists. Modern photopolymer material are so advanced that they are used for total restoration resulted in perfect buildup or complete reconstruction of the original tooth shape. Of course, it requires specific dentist’s skill in working with such materials. The price of photopolymer materials vary greatly depending on a great deal of factors. The aim of present-day dentistry is not just filling but reconstitution, reconstruction, restoration of teeth.
Release from pain is just half the battle. Each tooth shall look esthetically and serve for chewing.
Conclusion 1. A tooth should be completely restored with its appearance and function renewed
Naturally, use of photopolymer materials has its limits but a sophisticated dentist can do much indeed including:
- Complete reconstruction of decayed tooth
- Change of shape, colour, and length of a tooth
- Restoration of a lost tooth (by adhesive bridge)
- Splintage (to fix the teeth)
- Reconstitution basing on root
What events are beyond management by photopolymer?
- When the dentist suggests crowning, it means that photopolymer working is not an option any more. You should follow his advice
- Photopolymers are of no use in inflammatory state of tooth roots, dental granuloma and perforation. You should not insist on restoration of the tooth diagnosed with the above states
- Photopolymer materials cannot help 4 grade tooth mobility. Such teeth are typically supposed to be removed
- Adjacent teeth are impossible to be restored if both absent. Imitation of two premolars instead of one grinder is an exceptional practice which works very seldom.
Restoration must be imperceptible, except for the cases when tooth tissue is deeply colored with resorcin-formalin or argentum. The dentist must inform you that desired outcome is impossible to reach and crowning is likely to a better solution.
Conclusion 3. Restoration is imperceptible if done properly.
It has been a far cry from the days when photopolymer filling could fall out. If it does happen one should doubt the dentist’s skill. The filling may chip, partially fracture, or crumble but never fall out entirely. Otherwise, the filling was performed improperly without following the main rule – keeping the site completely dry and using kofferdam.
Conclusion 4. Use of kofferdam prevents entire fall out.
Photopolymer materials may vary. Generally, patients make a distinction basing on prices.
It is right on one hand. On the other hand, expansive is not always high quality. Price of service includes not only cost of materials but also rental payments, dentist’s salary, owner’s aspiration etc. Nevertheless, we realize that cheap things cannot be that good. If you cannot afford the most expansive materials for your grinders, not to worry – that’s not something essential. High polish and esthetically fine materials may be susceptible to masticatory stress.
Conclusion 5. Cheap materials but the rule has its exceptions.
Different photopolymer materials are applicable for different tooth groups. As described above, it is about masticatory load.
Nowadays, there is no clear distinction as new hybrid materials which combine all advantages were developed.
Trust your dentist. He will suggest the best option for your case.
Conclusion 6. Of course, photopolymer materials differ but it make sense for experts only.
Adopted from http://smile-center.com.ua
