FAQ

  • Oral health tips
  • Root canal treatments
  • Dental Implants – Your third dentition
  • Orthodontic treatment (Teeth straightening)
  • Wisdom teeth
  • Scaling and polishing (Teeth cleaning)
  • Teeth whitening (Teeth bleaching)
  • Crowns/Bridges
  • Dentures
  • Gum treatment
  • Full mouth rehabilitation
  • Reduced mouth opening (Oral submucous Fibrosis)
  • Oral diseases/lesions/conditions

Oral health tips

Which toothbrush and toothpaste should we use?

  • Generally most toothpastes are composed of two main ingredients – fluoride and abrasives. So, any fluoridated toothpaste is good. In case of sensitivity in teeth, consult your dentist for a proper toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.
  • Toothbrushes are mainly categorized according to their bristles as – hard, medium, soft. Mostly, soft bristle toothbrush is recommended.
  • Remember, more than toothbrush and toothpaste, tooth brushing technique is more important.

How long should we brush our teeth?

  • The recommended time for brushing our teeth is 2 minutes. Brushing should be done twice a day – morning and night (before going to sleep).

How to clean the area between the teeth?

  • Interdental brushes or dental floss can be used to clean the area between the teeth. Flossing should be done twice a day before or after brushing depending on your convenience.

Benefits of electric (powered) toothbrush?

  • Easy to use
  • Removes plaque more efficiently
  • Specialized brushing modes for sensitive teeth, for teeth whitening and for massaging gums
  • Sensors can detect force applied while brushing
  • Timer for brushing time
  • Excellent aid to maintain oral hygiene in physically challenged people and kids.

When to start brushing kid’s teeth?

  • Brushing should be carried out as soon as first tooth is visible in the mouth. Before that, baby’s mouth and gums should be cleaned with a clean cloth wrapped around a finger.

When should be a child’s first dental visit?

  • According to the recommendation given by The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) a child’s first dental visit should be before his/her first birthday or within six months after the first tooth erupts.
Root canal treatments

What do you mean by root canal treatment?

  • Root canal treatment is a specialized procedure performed routinely to relieve tooth pain and save the tooth. Tooth pain is due to irritation, inflammation or damage to the vital tissues like nerves in the pulp of the tooth. A root canal specialist (endodontist) removes this pulpal tissue from the tooth, cleans, disinfects and shapes the root canals, and places a filling to seal the space.

Is root canal treatment painful?

  • With advances in technology and anaesthetics, a modern root canal treatment is relatively painless and extremely effective. Depending on the condition of the tooth, it is generally completed in 2-3 sittings. A root canal treatment can efficiently save your tooth, you can bite, chew and smile again just like before.

What is single-sitting root canal treatment?

  • After evaluating the condition of your tooth, we may suggest you single-sitting root canal treatment. In this, the process of removing pulp, cleaning, shaping and filling the root canals are done at the same single visit. Does it is more convenient and desirable.

Is root canal treatment better than extracting (removing) the tooth?

  • Yes. For best health, looks and chewing efficiency, saving a natural tooth is always the best option. Natural tooth is always better than any other artificial form of tooth. The success rate of root canal treated tooth by a root canal specialist (endodontist) is very high and if properly maintained, it even lasts for a lifetime.

Benefits of saving a natural tooth over artificial –

  • Natural teeth are stronger than artificial ones.
  • Relatively painless as compared to extraction of tooth.
  • A more affordable option than replacing missing teeth with bridge or implants.
  • No damage is caused to adjacent healthy teeth.
  • Maintains natural look and smile.

Is it necessary to protect the root canal treated tooth with a crown?

  • Root canal treatments save the tooth but often the tooth becomes weak. To provide added strength to the root canal treated tooth, often a dental crown is suggested. Mostly the posterior teeth like molars require a crown as they get maximum pressure while chewing, while the anterior teeth may or may not require a crown depending on the status of the tooth.
Dental Implants – Your third dentition

What are dental implants?

  • In simple terms, a dental implant can be considered as an artificial tooth root on which crown or bridge is placed.

Benefits of dental implants over conventional bridge.

  • Closest alternative to your natural tooth. They look and function as natural teeth.
  • Chewing efficiency similar to natural tooth.
  • Adjacent healthy tooth is not damaged.
  • Prevent bone loss.
  • Can be cleaned similar to our natural teeth and thus minimal oral hygiene maintenance.
  • Keep adjacent teeth stable and prevent them from drifting or tilting.
  • Implant supported dentures remain firm in place and have better chewing efficiency.

Is dental implant placement procedure painful?

  • Dental implants are placed under local anaesthesia and medications are given after the procedure to relief any discomfort arising after the effect of anaesthesia wears off. You will feel comforted to know that implant placement procedure is easier than removing (extracting) a tooth.

How long should we wait after extraction of tooth to get dental implants?

  • Dental implants can be placed about 4 – 6 weeks after extraction of the tooth. Delay in placing implants after extraction can lead to bone loss and drifting of adjacent teeth in the empty space.

How long does it take for implant treatment?

  • Implant treatment is a process of few months (generally 3-4 months depending on the condition).
  • It is basically divided in two parts –
  • In first part, the implant is placed in the jaw bone, and after a resting period of about 3-4 months,
  • In second part, the crown, bridge or denture is placed on the implant.

How long does dental implants last?

  • Dental implants are actually designed to be a permanent tooth replacement option. Most reports suggest that, with proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last for more than 25 years.

What is the success rate of implants?

  • In general, implants have been reported to have the success rate of more than 95%.
Orthodontic treatment (Teeth straightening)

At what age should a child visit an orthodontist?

  • American Association of orthodontics recommends that a child should visit an orthodontist at or before the age of 7. As this is a growing age, orthodontist can identify and correct any developing problems.

How long does it take for orthodontic treatment?

  • Depending on the condition, generally orthodontic treatments take 1-2 years to complete. The teeth needs to be moved slowly to maintain their health.

Does putting braces on teeth hurt?

  • No, putting braces on teeth is not a painful process. After every appointment you can expect slight discomfort which lasts for 2-3 about days.

Does braces change the look of your face?

  • Yes. But don’t worry, it will definitely bring a positive change in your smile and facial appearance.

Am I a candidate for orthodontic treatment?

  • You are a candidate for orthodontic treatment, if you have –
  • Crowding or spacing in your teeth
  • Facial asymmetry
  • Difficulty in chewing
  • Speech problems
  • Damage to teeth due to malocclusion
  • Pain in jaw joint, muscles.
  • Teeth grinding or clenching

Is it necessary to wear retainers after completion of orthodontic treatment?

  • Yes. Retainers help to maintain the position of teeth which tend to shift as a result of growth.

Can I get braces at the age of 50?

  • There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment, provided your teeth and gums are healthy and strong.
Wisdom teeth

What are wisdom teeth?

  • Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located at the very back part of the mouth. They are known as wisdom teeth as they mostly erupt in the age of 17-25 years, which are also known as the wisdom years of life. But wisdom teeth are reported to erupt even at older ages.

What do you mean by impacted wisdom tooth?

  • It basically means that your third molar is stuck in the bone below the gum line and has no room to erupt in the oral cavity.

Can wisdom tooth be left inside?

  • They can be left inside the mouth in following situations –
  • If they are healthy.
  • If they are fully erupted and in proper position.
  • If your Dentist suggests to leave it inside.

What problems can wisdom teeth cause if they are left in mouth?

  • They can damage adjacent healthy tooth by pressure or by caries due to food lodgement in that area.
  • Abscess or swelling can develop.
  • They may develop caries and lead to pain.
  • They can lead to trauma in mouth due to cheek biting.
  • Gums around the wisdom teeth can get inflamed and swollen.

Should I be scared of wisdom tooth removal?

  • It is completely normal to be anxious about your wisdom tooth removal. Considering the pain and discomfort associated with not removing the wisdom teeth, removing it can be a better experience.
Scaling and polishing (Teeth cleaning)

Do I require teeth cleaning?

  • Every 6-monthly visit to the Dentist is essential to rule out any teeth or gum problems. The Dentist will identify the need for teeth cleaning and recommend you what is best for you and thus prevent further damage. Usually, 6 monthly teeth cleaning is recommended.

What is done in teeth cleaning procedure?

  • The deposits and tartar contain the germs which adhere to the tooth surfaces and along the gum line. During scaling procedure, these tooth surfaces are cleaned superficially and no digging or drilling of the tooth or surrounding structure is carried out.

How safe is tooth cleaning procedure?

  • Advanced tooth cleaning procedures are carried out using specialized ultrasonic scaler which uses vibrations to break down the tartar into fragments without causing any damage to the gums or teeth. A constant water spray is used for cooling and washing out the debris.

Is polishing necessary after teeth cleaning?

  • Polishing is carried out with special prophylactic pastes and rubber cups or brushes. Polishing is necessary to smoothen the teeth surfaces which further helps to prevent debris from accumulating on the teeth.

How many visits are required for Teeth cleaning?

  • Depending on the amount of deposits and stains on the teeth surfaces and the level of inflammation in the gums, the number of visits is determined.

Does teeth cleaning procedure loosen the teeth?

  • Teeth cleaning is carried out superficially to remove the deposits on the teeth. If the chunks of deposits on the teeth surfaces is large, it may happen that after removing these deposits, the teeth may become slightly mobile. This happens because of removing the deposits holding the teeth together. As the inflammation in the gums reduces and they become healthy, this problem also reduces.

After completing teeth cleaning, will I again get deposits on the teeth?

  • Formation of plaque on the teeth surfaces is a continuous process and if it is not removed properly, it can calcify to form tartar. So, if the plaque is not cleaned daily, you may need to undergo teeth cleaning procedure again after few months.

Can we eat immediately after teeth cleaning procedure?

  • If the teeth cleaning procedure is performed without anaesthesia, there are no restrictions to be followed. If anaesthesia is given, then you need to wait for at-least an hour after the procedure before eating.
Teeth whitening (Teeth bleaching)

Who is the candidate for teeth whitening procedure?

  • Anyone who dreams for a whither and brighter smile
  • Teeth with fluoride stains
  • Discoloured teeth due to trauma

Is teeth whitening permanent?

  • No. Teeth whitening is not permanent. But if proper care is taken and stained food and beverages are avoided, teeth whitening effect is shown to last for a long time. Some studies have shown the whitening results to last for even more than 2-4 years.

Is teeth whitening harmful to teeth?

  • Now-a-days advanced techniques are used for teeth whitening. The chemicals used for teeth whitening are shown to have no adverse effect on tooth structure and dental restorations.

Can teeth be whitened with toothpaste whiteners?

  • The toothpaste whiteners typically clean only surface stains and has no effect on the internal colour of the teeth.

Side effects of teeth whitening.

  • There are no serious side effects of teeth whitening procedures. Sensitivity can develop for a day or two after the whitening procedure which is transient and subsides on its own.
Crowns/Bridges

Questions to ask before getting a crown.

  • Why do I need a crown?
  • What are the different types of crown?
  • Which crown is suitable for my tooth?
  • Is there any procedure required before getting a crown done?

How long will it take to get a crown?

  • Crown preparation and crown delivery are the two main steps involved in getting a crown. After crown preparation, the work is sent to the laboratory and the crown is received in about a week.

Precautions to be taken after placing a crown or bridge.

  • Avoid eating hard food like candies, raw vegetables, fruits, etc. directly from the side of the crown. Thoroughly clean the area between the teeth and the crown using an interdental brush.

Disadvantages of dental bridges

  • It requires preparation of adjacent healthy natural teeth
  • Once bridge is placed, the adjacent healthy tooth may get damaged or decay.
  • It cannot be placed if the missing teeth has no adjacent natural tooth.
  • Long span bridges are not recommended.

What is the life of a crown or bridge?

  • The average life span of a crown or bridge ranges from 5 to 15 years. Said that, the life of a crown or bridge depends on various factors like –
  • How well the area around the crown/bridge is cleaned and oral hygiene is maintained.
  • The amount of forces the crown/bridge has to bear during chewing.
  • Condition of the tooth which is restored with crown/bridge.
  • Quality of the restoration.

Signs that your dental crown/bridge needs replacement.

  • The crown discolours.
  • The crown wears off.
  • The gums recede to expose the root of the underlying tooth.
  • The crown or the tooth beneath it fractures or gets damaged.
  • There is pain/swelling/sensitivity in relation to the tooth underneath the crown/bridge.

If the tooth height is not sufficient, can I still get a crown on that?

  • Yes. A crown can still be placed on such a tooth by performing a crown lengthening procedure which increases the height of the tooth exposed in the oral cavity.
Dentures

Is it necessary to remove the dentures at night?

  • Yes. This gives rest to the tissues in the mouth. when removed, the dentures need to be kept in water.

How to take care of dentures?

  • After every meal, the dentures need to be removed from the mouth and the dentures need to be cleaned and mouth rinsed.
  • The dentures need to be cleaned two times a day with toothbrush and denture cleaning paste.
  • The denture needs to be cleaned with denture cleaning solution at least once in a week.

Do dentures need replacement?

  • Like our natural teeth, dentures also wear and tear. Dentures may need adjustment or replacement with time.

How long do we have to wait to get dentures after extraction?

  • Generally, the mouth needs about 6-8 weeks to heal after the last tooth is extracted.

Do dentures ever feel comfortable?

  • It takes few weeks to adjust with the dentures. Gums need that time to adjust with the dentures and it is perfectly normal. One needs to practice talking and eating with the dentures.

How many visits are required to get dentures?

  • About 4-5 visits are required for the procedures of dentures to be completed.

What are the different types of dentures?

  • Complete dentures – replaces complete set of teeth in upper and/or lower jaw.
  • Removable partial dentures – replaces few teeth in upper and/or lower jaw.
Gum treatment

What do you mean by gingivitis and periodontitis?

  • Gingivitis refers to inflammation of the gums while periodontitis refers to inflammation of the supporting structures of tooth like periodontal tissues and bone.

Symptoms of gum disease

  • Bleeding gums while brushing, flossing or eating.
  • Swollen gums
  • Bad breath
  • Loose teeth

How common is gum disease?

  • Gum disease is very common and most of the people suffer from some form of gum disease. As gum disease progresses painlessly and is a major cause of tooth loss in adults, it is necessary to control it before it gets severe.

How can we prevent gum disease?

  • Brushing and flossing regularly – twice a day.
  • Proper brushing technique.
  • Regular dental visits to rule out any gum disease – every 6 months.
  • Regular professional teeth cleaning.

What if the gum disease is left untreated?

  • The gum disease if left untreated can progress into tooth loss and serious systemic consequences. Studies suggest that gum disease can spread infection to the heart and can exacerbate the symptoms of certain systemic problems like diabetes.

Causes of gum disease

  • Poor oral hygiene – most important.
  • Smoking
  • Genetics
  • Age
  • Underlying conditions like diabetes

Treatment of gum disease.

  • Depending on the stage of gum disease, professional tooth cleaning along with other treatment modalities like root planning, flap surgery, etc. may be required.

Once treated, can I again get gum disease?

  • The progression of gum disease entirely depends on its risk factors. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is the key to halt the progression of gum disease.

What do you mean by pregnancy gingivitis?

  • Due to changes in hormonal levels during pregnancy, about 40-60% women experience some form of gum disease. This is known as pregnancy gingivitis. Studies have shown that pregnancy gingivitis can be a cause of preterm delivery, low birth weight babies.
Full mouth rehabilitation

What do you mean by full mouth rehabilitation?

  • Full mouth rehabilitation (FMR) is a process which restores, rebuild or replace all or multiple teeth in upper and lower jaw to regain the function and aesthetics of the teeth and jaw.

Am I a candidate for full mouth rehabilitation?

  • You may be a candidate for full mouth rehabilitation if you have any of these –
  • Multiple missing teeth resulting in loss of function
  • Generalized attrited teeth
  • Multiple decayed or sensitive teeth requiring restorations, root canal treatments and/or crowns.
  • Problems in jaw joint and muscles of jaw

What is the correct age to get full mouth rehabilitation done?

  • There is no specific age for full mouth rehabilitation to be done. Any person of any age experiencing above mentioned problems can undergo full mouth rehabilitation. It is always better to undergo treatment at initial stages to avoid further damage and inconvenience.

Which procedures may be required to be done during full mouth rehabilitation?

  • Root canal treatments/fillings
  • Implants/crowns/veneers/bridges
  • Orthodontics
  • Gum treatment
  • Jaw joint and muscle treatment
  • Dental extractions

How long does it take to complete full mouth rehabilitation?

  • The time required for full mouth rehabilitation entirely depends on the number of procedures to be done. Generally, it takes few months to complete the procedures.

Can I immediately start my full mouth rehabilitation process?

  • Full mouth rehabilitation requires planning for all the teeth before starting any procedure. The planning is done with the help of X-rays, study models and photographs.
Reduced mouth opening (Oral submucous Fibrosis)

What is oral submucous fibrosis?

  • Oral submucous fibrosis is a precancerous condition of the oral cavity characterized by inflammation and progressive fibrosis of the tissues in the oral cavity leading to reduced mouth opening.

What is normal mouth opening?

  • Males – 40 – 70 mm.
  • Females – 35- 60 mm.

Causes of oral submucous fibrosis.

  • There can be multiple causes like –
  • Arecanut (supari)– Most important
  • Spicy food
  • Ghutka, paan masala, tobacco
  • Immunological factors
  • Nutritional deficiencies

Symptoms of oral submucous fibrosis.

  • Reduced mouth opening and tongue protrusion
  • Fibrous bands in the inner side of cheek
  • Shrunken uvula
  • Burning sensation and ulceration in mouth
  • Pigmentation of oral mucosa
  • In some cases – pain in ear and deafness.

Can oral submucous fibrosis be treated?

  • The treatment and prognosis of oral submucous fibrosis depends mainly on the stage of the disease and it involves –
  • Completely avoiding arecanut, paan, ghutka, tobacco, spicy food, green chillies consumption.
  • Antioxidants.
  • Intralesional injections to be given in the fibrous bands for few weeks.
  • Regular follow-up.

Can oral submucous fibrosis turn into cancer?

  • Oral submucous fibrosis is a pre-cancerous condition, which means if it is left untreated, it has the potential to progress into cancer.
Oral diseases/lesions/conditions

What do you mean by pre-cancerous lesions?

  • Pre-cancerous lesions refer to those diseases of oral cavity which have the potential to progress into cancer if left untreated.

Which are the common oral pre-cancerous lesions/diseases?

  • White patches – Leukoplakia
  • Red patches – Erythroplakia
  • Pigmented gums and palate – Smoker’s palate
  • Tobacco pouch keratosis

Can pre-cancerous lesions/diseases be treated?

  • Yes. Pre-cancerous lesions/diseases can be treated completely in initial stages of the disease.

How long does it take for aphthous ulcers to heal?

  • Yes. Pre-cancerous lesions/diseases can be treated completely in initial stages of the disease.
  • Oral health tips
  • Root canal treatments
  • Dental Implants – Your third dentition
  • Orthodontic treatment (Teeth straightening)
  • Wisdom teeth
  • Scaling and polishing (Teeth cleaning)
  • Teeth whitening (Teeth bleaching)
  • Crowns/Bridges
  • Dentures
  • Gum treatment
  • Full mouth rehabilitation
  • Reduced mouth opening (Oral submucous Fibrosis)
  • Oral diseases/lesions/conditions