FAQ – Quick Dental Guide and Answers

What is gum(Periodontal) disease ?

Periodontal disease is the deterioration of the supporting structures of the teeth.

Why should I Replace a Missing Tooth ?

The empty space in your mouth starts to cause many problems including decay and periodontal disease, an unbalanced bite, and stress on the remaining teeth.

How many sittings are required ?

Normally it A a-a-s a matter of 3 sittings.

• 1st sitting or initial assessment, radiographic records, medical history & clinical examination.
• 2nd sitting for the implant placement.
• 3rd sitting to place temporary crowns for a period of 4-6 mos to be subsequently changed to ceramic crowns/bridges.

What is Root Canal Therapy ?

RCT is a method of saving a tooth by cleaning out a damaged nerve and filling in the resulting chamber.

Is the treatment painful?

The surgical placement of dental implants causes only minor discomfort similar to having a tooth removed. Post-operative discomfort is controlled with the use of prescriptions. Depending on the extent of the therapy, many persons return to work the day of their surgery. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated.

Are implanted teeth difficult to clean?

Patients are encouraged to look after their implanted teeth in the same way as they should with natural teeth. This simply means frequent brushing, flossing and attending regular dental appointments. Smoking should also be avoided to increase the longevity of the implants.

Dental Tips and Advice ?

Flossing

Flossing removes plaque and bacteria that you cannot reach with your tooth brush. If you don't floss, you are missing more tha one-third of your tooth surface. Plaque is the main cause of gum disease. It is an invisible bacteria film that developes on your teeth everyday.

Brushing

Regular, thorough brushing is a very important step in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing removes the bacteria that promote tooth decay and the plaque that can cause gum disease.

Ideally, you should brush after every meal, because the bacterial attack on teeth begins minutes after eating. At the very least, brush once a day and always before you go to bed. Brushing your teeth isn’t complicated, but there is a right and a wrong way.

Play Like the Pros: Wear a Mouthguard

Have you ever seen a hockey player on the ice without his mouthguard? Mouthguards have become a standard in many sports. In addition to football, the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) currently requires mouthguards in ice hockey, field hockey, and lacrosse. The ADA (American Dental Association) shows that mouthguards are extremely effective in preventing facial injury in contact and noncontact sports. The ADA recommends mouthguards be used in 29 sports: acrobatics, basketball, bicycling, boxing, equestrian, football, gymnastics, handball, ice hockey, inline skating, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, rugby football, shot putting, skateboarding, skiing, skydiving, soccer, softball, squash, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting and wrestling.

Don’t Let Disaster Ruin Your Vacation

Chances are you’ve worked hard all year and can’t wait for that well-deserved break. Don’t let a dental disaster ruin your vacation! Emergencies such as lost fillings, broken teeth, or ill-fitting dentures are sure to spoil any adventure. Plan a quick dental checkup before leaving home, especially if your travels are taking you to a remote destination. While on holidays, avoid eating hard or sticky foods, and play safely. You can also put together a simple and inexpensive dental kit to take along on your trip. Dental cement compounds are available to temporarily replace a filling, and orthodontic wax protects from sharp edges, particularly on braces. Although you can create a temporary filling, don’t take any chances with a broken or infected tooth – see a dentist as quickly as possible. A pair of tweezers, a small mirror, sterile cotton, and a denture repair kit with adhesive could come in handy. Most of all, never forget your toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste and plenty of floss – they may not be available where you’re going. Cruises almost always have a doctor and dentist on board, and your hotel concierge or the local dental society are good dental referral sources. Be sure to pack your dental insurance card and our office phone number too! Bon voyage!

Precautions

Many people ask questions about the possibility of infection in the dental office. Because of the number of contagious diseases in the news today, that’s an understandable worry. Be assured that your health is always our primary concern. The guidelines we use to minimize the transmission of infection are called Universal Precautions, and we observe them for every one of our patients. What do we do to protect you against infection? Our main priorities are cleanliness, disinfection, sterilization of instruments, and wearing protective clothing. Our entire dental team has been vaccinated and is required to wear masks, eye protection and gloves when performing dental procedures. These barriers are used to prevent airborne infections from being transmitted to you, or from you. Any instruments that are not disposable are sterilized according to approved techniques. Suction tips, needles, plastic wrap, paper towels, aluminum foil and protective gloves, are disposed of after each procedure, also contributing to effective infection control. No one should avoid visiting the dental office for fear of infection. If you have questions or concerns, please ask us.

Listen to your kids!!!!!

Parents should always listen closely to their kids – not just to what they say, but how they say it. That’s important to all of us, because as vocal patterns develop, early childhood speech problems can emerge rapidly. We are often the first health care professionals to hear about a speech problem because parents generally associate speech with the oral cavity Lisping is the most common speech impediment and is relatively easy to correct. This inability to produce the S, Z, SH and J sounds can be caused by the tongue, rather than the front teeth, cutting off an S sound. Prolonged thumb-sucking or finger sucking can create an open bite resulting in a lisp. Long-term thumbsucking might also leave large gaps between teeth and can be the basis for the condition called tongue thrusting. This is actually reverse swallowing and will eventually lead to improper tooth alignment, possibly affecting speech. Lisping can also be the result of a narrow palate which does not allow enough room for the tongue to pronounce some sounds. Cleft palate, a condition present at birth, also dramatically affects a child’s speech and usually requires oral surgery. In some cases we provide a plastic plate to cover the opening in the roof of the mouth, allowing the patient to develop normal speech patterns. We often work with a team that includes a speech pathologist, orthodontist and an oral surgeon to detect, treat correct speech problems. Bringing your children in for regular dental checkups is your primary defense against ongoing speech impediments.

Access your Smile

Sometimes, even after a thorough research, you might still be confused regarding the state of your smile, whether you actually need a smile design consultation.

Here is a simple questionnaire to make it easier for you to decide whether you actually need a smile enhancement procedure. Stand in front of the mirror, observe your smile and answer these simple questions.

• Q. Are your two upper front teeth too long or too wide ?
• Q. Do you observe any spaces between your front teeth ?
• Q. Do you notice any stains on your teeth ?
• Q. In a broad smile, are any of your teeth of a different color?
• Q. Are any of your front teeth overlapping each other ?
• Q. Do any of your front teeth ‘stick out’?
• Q. Are your lower six front teeth crooked and uneven in appearance ?
• Q. If there are any fillings in your front teeth, are they of a different color than your natural teeth ?
• Q. Do your crowns/ fillings/laminates look artificial ?
• Q. When you smile broadly, do you feel that too much of your gums show ?
• Q. Do you see or feel a ‘V’ like erosion on the necks of any of your teeth ?
• Q. Do your gums curve around your teeth in any other shape than a ‘half moon shape’ ?
• Q. Do you feel your gums are red and swollen ?
• Q. Do you get conscious while smiling naturally or while smiling for photographs for any reason ?
• Q. Do you feel your smile appears unaesthetic for any other reason ?

If you have answered a ‘Yes’ to any of the above the questions you could consider visiting an aesthetic dentist for a smile design consultation.





What is Facial Rejuvenetion ?







Why does the Floss shred and get caught in my teeth?

Floss can shred if the contact between the teeth is tight or there is a rough or broken surface between the teeth.

Why do I need a Crown (Cap)?

A crown is needed on a tooth when the tooth is weakened by either decay, a fracture or a very large restoration.

Who can have dental implants & do they hurt?

By using modern implant techniques even patients who have low sinus cavities or a reduced level of bone density are now able to have dental implants. We provide sinus lifts and bone reconstruction to patients who have these issues, and we use advanced techniques such as CT scans and Guided Surgery to prevent the requirement for complicated surgical treatment, by providing us with the opportunity to place dental implants in the best possible position, avoiding nerve canals and sinus cavities.
Many patients have stated that even on the day following surgery, they are not able to feel the dental implant is there. The level of discomfort experienced should be no more than having a tooth extraction, and we provide patients with medications just in case they experience any discomfort immediately following the implant placement. A temporary crown will be provided to take care of aesthetic appearance.

When do those Baby and Permanent teeth erupt and how are my teeth are numbered?

Teeth erupt at different times in all individuals. Your child’s tooth should erupt eventually unless your dentist tells you that there is no replacement permanent tooth.

What should I do if my Child’s Tooth is Knocked Out?

Place the tooth in cool milk or if the child is old enough, under the child’s tongue. Be real careful not to swallow the tooth and get to the dentist within 30 minutes so it can be reimplanted.

What problems can occur with dental implants?

A small percentage of dental implants are rejected by the body’s natural immune system. Studies have shown the average implant rejection rate worldwide to be 4%. The implant rejection percentage at our clinic is less than 0.3%. In the event of an implant being rejected by the patient’s immune system there are a number of clinical remedies which can be

What is the process of complete Dental implants ?

Normally when all the teeth are lost then with dental implants you can have the comfort of natural teeth. Dental implants are threaded screw made of TITANIUM which are placed in the jaw bone and they serve the purpose Of natural teeth and then taking support of them we prepare the full mouth ceramic bride on top of them. Implants are available from many different companies .We are using dental implants from NOBEL BIOCARE co. Which is an U S based co with and with F D A approved implants and are considered to be one of the best .
Normally we need to place 8 implants for upper as well as 8 implants for the lower jaw, Then later on we prepare 14 unit ceramic bridge for each upper and lower jaw Implant are placed under the effect of local anesthesia and normally it takes 2 hrs to place implants for the Lower jaw and then later on after a gap of roughly one week we can do the same procedure for the upper jaw . Normally we suggest to wait for 4 to 5 months before we go for the final teeth , so that is possible when you come for the second visit , and at that time you need to stay for 15 days.
We can give you temporary removable denture for next few months so that you are not without teeth for long time.

What if I have further questions?

We expect you will. Feel free to contact our office. Our staff is very proficient in answering questions. However, if they cannot answer your question, Dr. Ekta will return your call personally as soon as possible.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are accuracy manufactured threaded posts which can be inserted into the jawbone and which integrate into the bone of the jaw providing an extremely secure base which can support a crown, fixed denture or bridge. Dental Implants are manufactured from titanium or titanium alloy; these materials are used as they are least likely to be rejected by the body’s immune system. They act as an effective replacement for the root of a tooth that has been lost.

I’ve got these lacy-white streaks, white patches, and ulcerations in my mouth, what can they be?

It is possible that you have a condition called Lichen Planus. It has an unkown cause but can be an allergic reaction. Have you changed your toothpaste brand, medications, etc? Also, it may be aggrevated by stress! Check out this wonderful area on LP, with info and live chats.

I don’t like my Smile is there anything I can do?

Besides Braces, there are three common procedures available; bonding, bleaching, and veneering.

How successful & safe is the treatment?

Implants as a solution to missing teeth has been practiced for a few decades. Generally, because of advances in implant dentistry over the years, dental implants can have success rates above 90% in natural bone. Having said that, success rates depend on many factors, for example, the patientA¢a‚-a,s own health status or whether he/she is a smoker. Although at the present time we cannot put a figure down as to the longevity of implants, it is known that the first patient who had implants placed in 1965 still has them in function today. Of course, regular checkups and diligently maintaining oneAa‚-a,s oral hygiene is also of utmost importance in preventing failure.
Modern dental implant treatment is highly successful, as a general guideline, the five-year success rate of dental implant is over 95% with the lower jaw (mandible) and about 90% with upper jaw (maxilla). The success rates may slowly decrease, as the implant stays longer in function. In difficult cases, the success rates are expected to be lower. Despite the overall high success rates with dental implant treatment, there is still the possibility of failure, which can be contributed by various factors and conditions, such as poor healing power, poor bone quality, smoking and diabetes, and most important of all -poor oral hygiene.
Whereas no medical treatment can be guaranteed 100 percent without risks and failures, implant operation can be considered very safe. The prosthetic phase of treatment is basically non-invasive and non invasive and non-surgical in nature.

How long will dental implants last & are they safe?

Dental Implants are perfectly safe. With proper maintenance they normally last for up to fifteen years. By comparison, a dental bridge which is supported by natural teeth is only expected to last for eight years. With an effective dental hygiene routine – just as with your natural teeth – dental implants can last for a substantially longer period. Regular appointments with a dental hygienist are advised to increase the longevity of the implant.

How long does dental implant treatment take?

The dental implant procedure normally requires 2 or 3 appointments with maximum of up to a 4 appointments.
A consultation would take place on the initial visit, which will last around 45 minutes. During this appointment a CT (computerised tomography) scan will be taken to provide us with a full 3D image of your jaw which will be used to establish your suitability for to receive dental implants.
Often the placement of the implant can be carried out during the consultation visit, which reduces the total number of appointments required. In cases where some preparatory treatment is necessary on the initial visit – where no other procedures are necessary – the implant(s) would be placed on the second visit. Placing the implant(s) would take approximately one to two hours.
This is followed by a period of three to six months, allowing the implant(s) to heal and fully integrate with the bone tissue. During the next appointment, abutment(s) would be attached and an impression would be taken which would be used by a dental laboratory to create permanent crowns or bridges. The entire treatment period should not exceed eight months.

How do I get started?

The first step is a comprehensive examination of existing teeth, bone and gums. This allows for an accurate diagnosis and discovery of the potential solutions to your condition.
During the first visit, Dr. Bhalla will perform a visual examination and evaluate radiographs (X-Rays). He will then discuss his findings with you, recommend treatment solutions, and help you determine the most appropriate treatment for you.
We invite our patients to have a family member or friend participate in our discussions, which most patients find very beneficial. In addition, any financial matters will be discussed in detail and in a confidential setting before any treatment is started.

How can I avoid getting Cavities?

The best way to avoid cavities is by eating right, brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste, flossing daily and visiting your dentist every six months. Children and some adults can benefit by having Sealants placed.

Can the initial consultation be avoided as I live outside India?

In Some cases it is possible to avoid an initial consolation. If you could have a panoramic x-ray taken elsewhere and sent to us, we can usually determine the best way to proceed without the need for an initial consultation.
We may be able to determine the patient’s suitability for implants, and whether or not a CT scan is necessary; to assess if bone restoration is required, and/or whether sinus lifts or a surgical drilling guide will be needed.

Can I remove the tooth fixed to the implant?

The artificial tooth (crown) which is attached to the implant can only be placed and taken out by a dentist. However, implant retained dentures can be removed by the patient enabling them to be cleaned.

Can I choose whether or not to go through with dental implants?

Yes, all of our consultations will give prospective patients detailed information and a professional opinion of which treatments are required. The treatment which you finally receive is entirely your choice and shortly after the consultation is complete a written treatment plan will be sent to you with details of all the costs included. You will then be able to choose whether or not to proceed with the treatment.

Can a tooth be extracted & dental implant placed immediately?

Yes, if the patient has sufficient bone density and depth of bone, a dental implant can be placed immediately following a tooth extraction. However, it should not be used as a normal tooth until osseointegration (integration with the bone) has taken place. A CT scan enables the implantologist to evaluate this beforehand, and a specialised prosthesis can be manufactured or your existing denture can be modified to be retained by the implants(s).
In some cases dental implants can not be placed immediately following a tooth extraction. This is due to period of time which may be required for your bone and gums to grow back and fill the gap which is left following the tooth extraction. This takes a minimum of three to four months for teeth removed from the lower jaw and six to eight months for the upper jaw, which has less density. A temporary prosthesis would be made for use during the healing period. For those who currently wear dentures, they can be adjusted or modified enabling them to be worn during the bone integration period. A CT scan will be used to discover which approach is best suited for each individual case.

At what age should I start taking my Child to the dentist?

Some say at 1 year of age, but definitely by the child’s 3 rd birthday.

Are you missing multiple teeth?

Missing multiple teeth can be a serious problem as the support structure of your jaw begins to deteriorate. Implants stop that deterioration.. Dental implants are designed to serve as a foundation for replacement crowns or bridges that “give you your teeth back.” They look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Along with dental implants, we can take support of some natural teeth to restore multiple missing teeth although the ideal protocol is ONE TOOTH PER IMPLANT.

Are you missing a single tooth?

Missing a single tooth can, over time, allow the misalignment of your remaining teeth and thus erode your current smile. A single tooth replaced with a dental implant and crown is the most predictable, conservative and long-lasting method of tooth replacement. Without a dental implant, the two adjacent teeth to a missing tooth must be filed down to anchor a bridge. Dental implants eliminate the need to modify natural teeth.