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Family Dentistry
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Dr J. R. Bensimon - Family Dentist

Peterborough, Ontario Dental Care - Family Dentistry

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Constant pressure from chewing, grinding or clenching can cause dental fillings, or
restorations, to wear away, chip or crack. Although you may not be able to tell that your
filling is wearing down, your dentist can identify weaknesses in your restorations during a
regular check-up.
If the seal between the tooth enamel and the restoration breaks down, food particles and
decay-causing bacteria can work their way under the restoration. You then run the risk of
developing additional decay in that tooth. Decay that is left untreated can progress to infect
the dental pulp and may cause an abscess.
If the restoration is large or the recurrent decay is extensive, there may not be enough tooth
structure remaining to support a replacement filling. In these cases, your dentist may need to
replace the filling with a crown.

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Yes. Dental alloys has been used in tooth restorations worldwide for more than 100 years.
Studies have failed to find any link between alloy restorations and any medical disorder.
Amalgam continues to be a safe restorative material for dental patients.

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Only a very small number of people are allergic to dental alloy fillings. Fewer than 100 cases
have ever been reported. In these rare instances, some dental alloys may trigger an allergic
response. Symptoms of alloy allergy are very similar to a typical skin allergy.
Often patients who are truly allergic to some dental alloys, have a medical or family history of
allergies to metals. If there is a confirmed allergy, another restorative material will be used.

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Yes. Composite resins are tooth-colored, plastic materials (made of glass and resin) that are
used both as fillings and to repair defects in the teeth. Because they are tooth-colored, it is
difficult to distinguish them from natural teeth. Composites are often used on the front teeth
where a natural appearance is important. They can be used on the back teeth as well
depending on the location and extent of the tooth decay. Composite resins are usually more
costly than dental alloy fillings.

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Dental implants may offer solutions for patients who cannot function adequately with
conventional dentures. However, not every patient is a candidate for implants. The decision
can be made only after a careful examination by Dr. J Bensimon and discussion of the relative
benefits and risks and what the procedure involves. Ask Dr. J Bensimon if implants may be
an option for you.

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Anxiety over dental treatment is not unusual. People of any age can experience it. Older
patients may be less able to cope with the stress due to certain physical conditions such as
vision or hearing loss. Communication between you and your dentist is an important aspect of
a comfortable dental visit. You should share your feelings with your dentist and the staff. Let
them know that you are anxious so that they can adjust their treatment and their pace to meet
your needs. Advances in pain and anxiety control, including many behavioral therapy
techniques borrowed from psychology, have made dental visits relatively anxiety- and pain-
free.

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Even if you no longer have your natural teeth, you should see your dentist regularly for an
oral examination. The dentist will examine your mouth to check for any problem with the gum
ridges, the tongue and the joints of the jaw, as well as screen for oral cancer. For a variety of
reasons, many older adults are more susceptible to oral diseases, including oral cancer. About
95 percent of all cancers are found in people over age 40. However, many of these cancers are
treatable if detected early. Oral tissues are also checked for signs of other diseases that can
first manifest themselves in the mouth.

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Your dentures were made to fit precisely. If they are cared for properly, they do not change
shape. They can become loose due to natural changes in the gums and bone supporting them.
As the jawbone begins to shrink, so do the gums. When your dentures do not fit properly, see
your dentist as soon as possible so adjustments can be made. Do not try to change the fit of
your dentures yourself. This can damage them and make them unrepairable. This could be a
costly experiment! Ill-fitting dentures repaired at home can irritate the gums, tongue and
cheeks. In emergencies, denture adhesives can be used to keep the dentures stable until you
see the dentist. If your denture is loose, have your dentist check it.

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Gum disease—periodontal disease—often progresses slowly, without pain, over a long period
of time. This is one reason why it is common among older adults. The longer the disease goes
undetected and uncontrolled, the more damage it causes to gums and other supporting tissues.
Although periodontal disease is caused by plaque, other factors can increase the risk or
severity of the condition. These include food left between the teeth, smoking, smokeless (spit)
tobacco use, badly aligned teeth, ill-fitting bridges or partial dentures, poor diets and systemic
diseases such as anemia.

Although periodontal disease is common, it can be controlled or arrested. In its early stages, it
can be reversed. Treatment of advanced cases may require surgery. Look for these warning
signs and see your dentist if you notice any of them: bleeding gums when you brush; red,
tender or swollen gums; gums that have pulled away from the teeth; pus between your teeth
and gums when the gums are pressed; loose teeth or teeth that are moving apart; any change in
your bite; any change in the fit of your partial dentures; constant bad breath or bad taste.

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Older adults can benefit from many of the options available today for improving the look of a
smile. Your dentist can describe and discuss with you the range of treatments that would be
right for you. Part of older adulthood is the acceptance of aging and the development of
realistic expectations for appearance. In that context, dental treatment for older adults can be a
healthy and adaptive way of maintaining dental health and emotional well-being. Our teeth and
mouth play a critical role in psychological development and well-being throughout our lives.
Modern dentistry has expanded esthetic options for people of all ages. Coupled with good
oral hygiene and regular dental visits, cosmetic techniques can help improve the appearance of
your smile.

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No! Today, older adults are keeping their natural teeth longer because of scientific
developments and the preventive emphasis in dentistry. This improvement was seen in the
results of a survey released by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
They showed that among persons aged 55 to 64, the rate of toothlessness dropped 60 percent
since 1960.

Good oral hygiene and regular dental care are important throughout your life, whatever your
age. By practicing good oral hygiene at home and visiting your dentist regularly, you will
prevent dental problems and save time and money as well. In the process, you can save your
teeth and gums.

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Thorough daily brushing and flossing of your natural teeth are essential to keep them in good
condition—especially as you age. Plaque, the sticky, colorless layer of bacteria that causes
tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease, can build up quickly on the teeth of older adults,
particularly when they neglect oral hygiene. This can increase your risk for tooth decay and
periodontal disease.

A few simple steps can help you maintain good oral health throughout your life. Brush your
teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and clean between your teeth daily with floss or
interdental cleaners. Choose products that carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance, your assurance
that the products have met the ADA’s standards for safety and effectiveness. Be sure to see
your dentist regularly for exams and professional teeth cleaning.

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Tooth decay is not just a child’s problem. Adults of all ages can have cavities, too. The causes
for tooth decay are the same for everyone, regardless of age. Decay results when the bacteria
in plaque feed on the carbohydrates (sugar) in our diet to produce acids that can cause cavities.

Yet, the nature of the decay problem does change somewhat as people grow older. Adults are
more likely to have decay around older fillings, and because many adults grew up without the
benefits of fluoride, they may have many more fillings. Decay of the tooth root is also
common among older adults. Root caries (decay) occur when the gums recede, exposing the
softer root surface, which decays more easily than tooth enamel.

Tooth decay is also promoted by dry mouth. This condition—called xerostomia—occurs
when the supply of saliva is greatly reduced. It can be caused by many types of medications
(such as anti-histamines, anti-hypertensives, and anti-depressants) or radiation therapy to the
head or neck. Saliva is needed to lubricate the mouth, wash foods away and neutralize the
acids produced by plaque. Allowed to continue, dry mouth can lead to rampant tooth decay.
If you think you have this problem, be sure to discuss it with your dentist or physician. They
may recommend an artificial saliva and fluoride products to help prevent decay.

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One of the changes you may notice as you grow older is that it's harder to keep your teeth
clean and white. This is because the sticky, colorless layer of bacteria, called plaque, can build
up faster and in greater amounts as we age. Changes in dentin, the bone-like tissue that is
under your enamel, may also cause your teeth to appear slightly darker.

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Cosmetic Dentistry