What are dental fillings and how are they chemistry?
Sep 5, 2024
Discover the intriguing chemistry that powers modern dental fillings, from organic monomers to inorganic fillers. Learn how light-activated photoinitiators play a crucial role in hardening these materials. The hosts also share humorous dental anecdotes and reflect on memorable moments from pop culture related to dentistry. With engaging discussions on polymerization and the science of tooth decay, this episode blends education with entertainment, making dental care fascinating and relatable.
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Layering Ensures Durable Restorations
Fillings are applied layer-by-layer to allow each layer to fully harden and prevent internal defects.
Proper layering and curing produce a strong, well-shaped restoration that matches the tooth's form.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Curiosity Sparked By A Dental Visit
Melissa described watching her dentist use a light during her filling and then looked up the chemistry behind it.
That curiosity led her to research how fillings harden and inspired this episode.
insights INSIGHT
Two-Part Composite Structure
Modern dental fillings combine organic monomers and inorganic fillers to form a durable composite.
The polymer matrix holds the hard silica or glass filler in place to restore tooth shape and strength.
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In this episode of Chemistry for Your Life, Melissa and Jam delve into the chemistry behind modern dental fillings. They explore how dentists use a combination of organic monomers and inorganic fillers to address cavities and the role of light-activated photoinitiators in hardening these materials. Melissa also shares her personal experiences and recent achievements, introduces new community members, and compares amusing dental scenes in pop culture.
00:00 Introduction and Dentist Experiences 00:38 Chemistry in Everyday Life 02:11 Community Updates and Announcements 04:44 Understanding Dental Fillings 08:39 The Science Behind Polymerization 19:08 The Role of Light in Dental Fillings 26:01 The Reaction Begins 26:22 Mixing Dental Materials 27:47 Personal Dental Experiences 30:51 Understanding Polymerization 35:42 Photo Initiators and Family Tangents 43:12 Pop Culture Dentist Moments 48:35 Wrapping Up and Community Shoutouts
We want to give a special thanks to Bri McAllister for illustrating molecules for some episodes! Please go check out Bri’s art, follow and support her at entr0pic.artstation.com and @McAllisterBri on twitter!
Chemistry For Your Life