Few restorative decisions are clearly black and white. The patient has a right to choose a cosmetic outcome at the expense of durability, so long as he or she is fully informed and intelligently accepts the risks of that alternative, and the dentist is also comfortable with the decision. No cosmetic restoration, including cast gold technique, is advisable without the patient’s understanding of the short- and long-term risks. Think about the future of gold for a society who may not aware of its benefits – biocompatibility, comfort, longevity, and physiologic wear – and whose focus is solely superficial. Then, consider … Read Full Article
Over 40 years ago, a survey of 60 beauty pageant finalists between the ages of 15 and 17 concluded that when most of these young women asked their dentists for treatment advice related to cosmetics, the response was “it is not important” or “you look good enough.” Today these answers would be considered inappropriate and insensitive. But has the pendulum swung too far toward cosmetically-driven dental treatment at the expense of function and longevity? Must these values be mutually exclusive? How much has the manufacturer influenced cosmetically-driven dental care? How much has cosmetic dental treatment resulted in unnecessary health care … Read Full Article
The type, number, and arrangement of teeth in the mouth is called dentition. Dentin is the hard layer of tissue immediately under the tooth’s enamel. Dentino-enamel junction (DEJ) is where the dentin and enamel meet on the crown of a tooth. It is important to know as much as possible about the physical properties of dentin, because it is the most abundant tissue present in the human dentition. Knowledge of its physical properties helps us understand what material best serves as its substitute when dentin is lost due to cavities, fracture, or removal as a dental treatment. Various restorative materials … Read Full Article
Hard tooth structure has been described as a composite material made up of enamel, mantle dentin, and the Dentino-Enamel Junction (DEJ). The surface hardness of enamel protects the tooth as it strikes against the opposing one, and guards the softer underlying DEJ and dentin. As it turns out, though, recent evidence suggests that enamel is not the inherently brittle material it was once believed to be. Ceramics, such as those used for dental crowns, have a strong inter-atomic bond causing them to be brittle. Failure of brittle materials occurs because they have only limited ability to deform or “give” under … Read Full Article
The idea that cast gold inlays cause teeth to fracture has been propagated over the last 30 or 40 years in dental school textbooks, although recent evidence strongly suggests otherwise. Much of the faulty opinion regarding tooth fractures caused by gold inlay was based on clinical observations of individual experiences. During this time procedures for dental castings were evolving, and only a basic understanding of tooth composition and structure existed. More formalized science eventually allowed a greater appreciation of the many intricacies involved in developing castings. However, lack of universal acceptance of exact casting control is evident in much published … Read Full Article
Many individuals believe that developing technology is synonymous with better outcomes. The dental profession, as a whole, exhibits a will to constantly improve on established standards. Sadly, the idea that technology must be better simply because it is newer and is often mistaken. No area in dentistry better demonstrates this than the development of tooth-colored materials. Consider this example of the profession’s collective emotional (and at times irrational) mindset regarding novel ideas. Michael Buonocore is deemed an innovator in dental research. His influential efforts beginning in 1955 at the Eastman Dental Center were introduced in his 1967 paper on acid-etch … Read Full Article
For decades, cast gold has been the material of choice to repair back teeth when large restorations have failed due to recurrent cavities, fractures, sensitivity to hot and cold, or poor function. The benefits of gold restorations have been historically well-documented in dental school curriculum, post-graduate education, and criteria for licensing. Failing silver filling view from side of tooth cheek side It should be noted that there is no “perfect material”. Each individual restoration has advantages and disadvantages. Dr. Mark Cruz focuses on patient choice by educating each patient about their treatment options. He encourages each patient to make informed … Read Full Article
The dental crown is an extremely versatile restoration. As a stand-alone repair, it encloses a tooth damaged by decay or trauma, providing strength. A crown protects a tooth embrittled by root canal therapy, and a pair of crown anchors a bridge, replacing one or several consecutive missing teeth. Today, many patients assume that their only option is a tooth-colored crown. While this type may be aesthetically advantageous, there are many good reasons to consider a gold tooth crown. Dana Point, CA dentist, Dr. Mark Cruz, explains. Dental restorations and gum disease Any dental restoration with an edge at or below … Read Full Article
The Throughout history, gold teeth have signified social distinction. That precept continues today in some high-profile professions, such as athletes and musicians. Yet there are many more dental health reasons to consider gold as a tooth replacement option. Dr. Mark Cruz is one of only a few dentists in the Dana Point area with specialized training and expertise in this technique. What is a gold tooth? When most people say, “gold tooth,” they are referring to a dental crown restoration. A crown is a cap that encloses natural tooth structure above the gum line, while the tooth’s roots remain intact … Read Full Article
