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**"Hey there!" Here's a lively spin on the topic of dental fillings:
Let's talk teeth! Ever heard the joyful exclamation, "In fact, he drilled not at all!"? That's a classic in toothpaste advertising, but what if the dentist did drill? Back in the day, they used amalgam for fillings, but fear not, as that era ended in 2024, thanks to the EU ban on mercury-containing alloys.
Now, there's a wide array of options out there, but how long they last? Well, the health insurance company Barmer has got the scoop! According to their latest dental report, tooth fillings in Germany are lasting longer than before. A term called "retention time" shows that fillings placed in 2015 stayed put for an average of 7.2 years, compared to 6.5 years for those placed in 2010.
But waiting for a filling to fall out isn't always the best option. After ten years, half of the fillings remain without further treatment, with regular checks helping keep those numbers up. As for the other 50%, the next treatment was either a refilling, a tooth extraction, or, less frequently, a crown.
Regional differences abound! In Baden-Württemberg, around 42% of large lateral tooth fillings are still in place after ten years, while in Saxony-Anhalt, it's only about 18%. So, what's the connection here? Some experts believe it's related to socioeconomic factors. You guessed it – those with more financial resources may have better access to dental care.
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Michael Walter from the Technical University of Dresden, the report's author, points out that these findings reflect the deprivation index of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). By measuring economic and social conditions, this index shows the impact of poverty on dental health.
Dentists play an essential role in this picture, too. If they fail to inform patients about cost-free filling options, the consequences may disproportionately impact those with fewer financial resources. This information is crucial and mandatory, but the effectiveness of these cost-free materials remains to be seen. To track this, it's important to indicate their use in billing records, which is mandatory for amalgam in Germany until the end of 2024.
Following amalgam, there's no shortage of filling options, from composite resin, ceramic, and gold fillings. Each has its pros and cons, based on durability, aesthetics, and cost. The best choice often depends on the location and size of the cavity, as well as the patient's preferences and the dentist's expertise.
So, here's to healthy, long-lasting smiles! Remember, dental check-ups matter, and staying informed can help ensure you're making the best choices for your teeth. Cheers! 🦷"
Science has seen advancements in the field of health-and-wellness, leading to improvements in dental health. For instance, the era of amalgam fillings ended in 2024 due to the EU ban on mercury-containing alloys.
