Achieving quality dentistry for life 

We have restored some of your teeth with tooth-colored materials.  The resin (plastic) material used contains small “filler” particles of glass-like material for strength and wear resistance. These restorations will serve you well for years as they contain the finest and most up-to-date materials available today.  You should, however, be aware of the following information about your new restorations:  

Chewing ~ Natural teeth can be broken with heavy force, such as chewing or biting. As with natural, unrestored teeth avoid chewing excessively hard foods (hard candy, corn nuts, ice, bones, etc.) because the resin material can be broken from the tooth with extreme force.  If breakage occurs, replacement of the restoration is not difficult.

Recalls ~ Visit us for regular six-month examinations. Often, small problems that develop around the restorations can be detected at an early stage and repaired easily.  Waiting for a longer time might require redoing the entire restoration.  We will contact you when it is time for your recall appointment.

Preventive Procedures ~ To provide optimum longevity for your restorations and to prevent future dental decay and supporting tissue breakdown we will recommend some or all of the following preventive procedures:

1. Brush and floss after eating and before bedtime.
2. Swish vigorously for at least 30 seconds daily with one of the following products: (1) Colgate Fluorigard; (2) Johnson & Johnson Act; or (3) Listermint with fluoride (0.05 percent neutral sodium fluoride). The best time is immediately before bedtime.
3. Swish vigorously with 0.2 percent neutral sodium fluoride daily before bedtime. (This product requires a prescription from us.)
4. Use a 1.1 percent or stronger neutral sodium fluoride. (This product requires a prescription from us and a special tray for fluoride application.)
5. Use a Water Pik.

The Future ~ We expect you to receive years of service from these restorations.  However, after a service period of years we have seen the following unavoidable situations occur which may require restoration replacement at a future time:

1. Slight stains occur at locations around juncture of the tooth restoration.  Please tell us if this condition occurs.
2. Slight chipping around the juncture of the tooth and restoration.
3. The gums (gingiva) may shrink from the restorations, displaying an unfavorable appearance underneath.

We have done our very best to provide you with the finest quality oral restorations available today. However, as with a fine automobile or watch only your continuing care and concern can assure optimum service longevity.

• Material Choices for Tooth Restorations