FAQ

Yes you may also be a candidate for dental implants IF:

 • You are missing one tooth or more

• You are wearing a full or partial denture/loose dentures

• You have problems with existing crowns or bridges

 
Benefits of dental implants

• Avoids grinding down healthy teeth for conventional bridgework

• Avoids bone loss and gum recession associated with tooth loss

• Makes dentures secure

• Improves speech

• Helps promote long-term facial integrity

 
What are dental implants?

Dental implants are titanium alloy implants that are anchored into the jawbone.Titanium alloy is the material that is used in joint replacement procedures (knee and hips).It's strong lightweight and has been proven safe.

Can I still eat my favorite foods with dental implants?

Yes dental implants are remarkably strong so you can eat and enjoy what ever you like. Restores proper chewing, leading to a better diet and improved health. Everything from apples to deep-fried anything.

Do dental implant procedures cause pain?

Relax. In most cases these procedures produce very little, if any, discomfort. In fact many patients do not have to use any painkiller.

When do you need an Root Canal Treatments (RCT)?

1. A root canal treatment is generally indicated when there has been an injury, fall or accident where tooth is  fractured or discolored.
2. There is a large decay in the tooth extending to the roots causing recurring pain or swelling or both.
3. There is an opening in the gums, which drains pus through a sinus tract that leads to an abscess surrounding the roots. Cavities extend very close to nerve extreme pain.

 
What exactly is done in Root Canal Treatments?

The root canal treatment procedure begins with an intra-oral X-ray, which shows the extent of tooth decay or the rounded black spot at the end of the roots indicating a decrease in the density of bone due to infection. After local anesthesia to the concerned tooth, access is gained to the nerve area by a dental drill and a hole is made which leads to pulp chamber. Cleaning the tooth out to remove bacteria, degenerated nerve and debris is then done using RC files. These files are a series of increasing diameter used with a twisting motion as well as up and down in tooth to scrape and scrub sides of canals.

The tooth is periodically flushed with saline or water. Once the tooth has been thoroughly cleaned, the interior is sealed by placing a root canal filling material either the same day or subsequently. The most common RC filling material, a rubber compound called 'gutta percha' comes in performed cones that are sized to match the files used to clean the canals. The cones are placed into the root canal (coated with a sealer) exactly to the tip of tooth, length is confirmed with an x-ray. The crown of tooth is then filled with amalgam (silver) filling which seals tooth from above.

How does periodontal/gum disease develop?

Common causes of periodontal / gum disease:

• Poor oral hygiene: The root cause of gum disease is plaque.

• Diet: Nutritional deficiencies (e.g. Vit. C deficiency), excessive alcohol consumption.

• Habits: Smoking, pan chewing, tobacco chewing, excessive use of toothpicks.

• Dental causes: Large unattended cavities, irregular teeth ill-fitting dentures, and ongoing braces treatment.

• Medical Causes: Diabetes, pregnancy, use of oral contraceptives, steroids, etc

A composite resin is a tooth - coloured plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide).Composites are not only used to restore decayed areas, but are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the colour of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth.

How is a composite placed?

Following preparation, the dentist providing cosmetic dentistry places the composite in layers, using a light specialized to harden each layer. The dentist then shapes the composite to fit the tooth and finally polishes the composite to prevent staining and early wear.

What are the advantages of composites?

Asethetics are the main advantage, since Cosmetic Dentists can blend shades to create a colour nearly identical to that of the actual tooth to support the remaining tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes.

WHAT CAUSES TOOTH DIS COLORATION?

• Teeth can discolour due to a variety of reasons.

• The commonest discoloration is dye to smoking or tobacco.

• Food and beverages such as tea, coffee, colas and red wine can be the culprit.

• Age can cause a natural darkening of teeth.

•Certain medications such as tetracycline, taken at a very young age.

• Increased exposure to fluorinated water.

• Dental infection, faulty or old dental fillings, and dental treatment such as a root canal treatment.

 
WHAT IS DENTAL BLEACHING?

Dental Bleaching is a procedure where by certain bleaching agents are applied to the teeth in order to remove external and internal stains thus leaving the teeth several shades lighter. Various concentrations of hydrogen peroxide are available for this use.

 HOW IS TEETH BLEACHING DONE?

Your dentist will polish your teeth and check their current shade.

HOW LONG DOES TEETH BLEACHING TAKE?

Office Teeth Bleach: Each sitting of teeth bleaching done at your dentist's clinic can take between 30-60 minutes. The total number of sittings is usually 3-4, though this can vary depending on the severity of the staining. e.g. Tetracycline staining.

What is a porcelain laminate veneer?

Porcelain laminate veneers are coatings crafted out of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of a tooth. These dental veneers greatly enhance the look of your smile with as little discomfort as possible. These dental veneers are made to suit the patient's individual needs and are indistinguishable from natural teeth.

What is involved in getting a Dental Veneer?

The process of having a dental veneer made for your tooth involves a few short visits to your Dentist. The procedure is simple and relatively painless.

• Your dentist will first analyse your smile to determine which teeth require veneers.

• Depending on how much tooth shaping is required, you may or may not require anesthesia.

• Minimal shaping of your teeth is then done and an impression is taken.

Ceramic veneers take between 1-2 weeks to be made. During that period, your teeth may be fitted with temporary veneers to prevent sensitivity.

Ceramic veneers are bonded to the teeth using special adhesives. Once fixed, these veneers are exceptionally strong. It takes only a day or two to get used to them.

How is a  Dental Crown different from a Dental Veneer?

A dental crown, often called a "cap" covers the entire tooth, unlike a dental veneer, which covers only the front surface of a tooth. A dental crown requires more shaping of the tooth structure and is often used to strengthen a weak or broken tooth. Dental crowns are extremely durable, aesthetic and are commonly used in the front and the back of the mouth.

What are Dental Crowns made of ?

Dental crowns can be made of acrylic, metal, ceramic or a combination of any of these. The ceramic crowns are great for aesthetics and durability.

How do i get a Dental Crown ?

• Tooth shaping: Your dentist will reshape the tooth, to create space all around it for the dental crown.

• Impressioning: A measurement of the prepared tooth and of the surrounding and opposing teeth is taken. Your measurements are then sent to a dental laboratory for processing of the dental crown.

• Temporary Dental Crown: Meanwhile, a temporary dental crown may be placed. Take care of your temporary dental crown by avoiding sticky and hard foods and be sure to clean around it.

• Cementation: Soon, your dentist replaces your temporary dental crown with a permanent one. The dental crown is adjusted, making sure you   are comfortable with it. It is then cemented or bonded to the prepared tooth.

How do i look after my Dental Crowns ?

• Treat your crowned tooth like a normal tooth.

• Brush and floss thoroughly.

• In the unlikely event of your dental crown or dental veneer coming off, keep it safely and contact your dentist immediately. These can generally be   refixed.

People from all walks of life can greatly benefit from the improved confidence a better smile can give. With proper care, Veneers and Crowns will    enhance your dental health and beauty for a long time to come.