Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are dental sealants, who should get them, and how long do they last?
Sealants are a thin, plastic coating that are painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth -- usually the back teeth (the premolars, and molars) -- to prevent tooth decay. Sealants can protect the teeth from decay for many years, but they need to be checked for chipping or wear at regular dental check-ups.
Q: What's the latest word on the safety of amalgam-type fillings?
Over the past several years, concerns have been raised about silver-colored fillings, otherwise called amalgams. Because amalgams contain the toxic substance mercury, some people think that they are responsible for causing a number of diseases, including autism, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Although amalgams do contain mercury, after mixing them with other metals such as silver, copper, tin, and zinc, they form a stable alloy that dentists have used for more than 100 years to fill and preserve hundreds of millions of decayed teeth.
Q: How do whitening toothpastes work and how effective are they?
All toothpastes help remove surface stains through the action of mild abrasives. Some whitening toothpastes contain gentle polishing or chemical agents that provide additional stain removal. None of the home use whitening toothpastes can come even close to producing the bleaching effect you get after visiting Gomtinagar Dental Health Centre through professional bleaching or Zoom! Chairside Whitening. Whitening toothpastes can lighten your tooth's color by about one shade. In contrast, light-activated whitening conducted in the Gomtinagar Dental Health Centre can make your teeth three to eight shades lighter.
Q: I'm interested in changing the shape of my teeth. What options are available?
Several different options are available to change the shape of teeth, make teeth look longer, close spaces between teeth or repair chipped or cracked teeth. Among the options are bonding, crowns, veneers, and re-contouring.
Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material is applied to the tooth surface and hardened with a special light, which ultimately "bonds" the material to the tooth.
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped "caps" that are placed over teeth. The crowns, when cemented into place, fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.
Veneers are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials that are designed to cover the front surface of teeth. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth.
Re-contouring or reshaping of the teeth is a procedure in which small amounts of tooth enamel are removed to change a tooth's length, shape or surface.
Q: I have a terrible fear of going to the dentist. What should I do?
If you fear going to the dentist, you are not alone. The first thing you should do is talk with your dentist. In fact, if your dentist doesn't take your fear seriously, find another dentist. Once your dentist knows what your fears are, he or she will be better able to work with you to determine the best ways to make you less anxious and more comfortable.
The good news is that today there are a number of strategies that can be used to help reduce fear, anxiety, and pain. These strategies include use of medications to either numb the treatment area or sedatives or anesthesia to help you relax.
At Gomtinagar Dental Health Centre, we offer sedation dentistry treatments in the form of Inhalation Sedation and General Anesthesia to ensure that you overcome your fears and make lengthier procedures in the chair more comfortable.
Q: What is a bridge?
A bridge is an appliance permanently fixed in the mouth to replace missing teeth. It uses the remaining teeth to support the new artificial tooth or teeth. A conventional fixed bridge consists of crowns that are fixed to the teeth on either side of the missing teeth, and false teeth are rigidly attached to these crowns. An enamel bonded bridge uses a metal or porcelain framework to which the artificial teeth are attached, then resin bonded to supporting teeth.
Q: What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
In today’s age of technology, your dentist has a range of options to help your teeth look great. Stained teeth, dark teeth, chipped teeth, crooked teeth, and even teeth that are missing altogether can be repaired or replaced. Cosmetic or aesthetic dentistry is the broad heading under which many dental procedures that improve the appearance of teeth may be described.
Q: Why are crowns more expensive than fillings?
A crown is more complicated than a filling. Laboratory fees are incurred in its preparation and the materials used are more expensive than normal filling materials. Two or three visits are usually required for the dentist to reduce the size of the existing tooth, make a mould, fit a temporary crown and finally adhere the permanent crown in place.
Q: What is the difference between a denture and a crown or bridge?
Removable dentures are those which the wearer can remove and replace at will. These types of dentures can replace one tooth, all your natural teeth, or any number of missing teeth in between. A crown or a bridge is fixed or cemented in place and cannot be removed.
Q: My gums bleed. Is that okay?
No. Bleeding gums are common but not okay. In a healthy state gums do not bleed. Bleeding is often an indication that the gums are inflamed. The inflammation is usually a response to the bacteria on the surface of the teeth. The surface inflammation is gingivitis. The bleeding may also arise from Periodontitis or traumatic cleaning. Bleeding gums are sometimes associated with severe medical conditions.
Q: What are some of the warning signs of periodontal disease?
These are some of the signs:
- Bleeding gums when you brush your teeth
- Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Receding gums
- Sensitive teeth or gums
- Loose teeth or teeth that have moved
Q: What are the advantages of implant treatment?
The adjacent teeth are not damaged or cut in any way. It helps to prevent bone loss. Implants are also used to stabilize loose dentures or even replace them with fixed bridges.
Q: What does root canal treatment really mean?
Root canal or endodontic treatment is a process whereby inflamed or dead pulp is removed from the inside of the tooth, enabling a tooth that was causing pain to be retained. Once a tooth is fully formed, it can function almost like a normal healthy tooth after it has been root canal treated, and can remain in service for many years.
Q: How can one deal with dental emergencies?
There are a number of warning signs before you need to rush to a dentist. Taking care of your teeth at home will certainly ensure their health and longevity.
- Toothache - Very persistent tooth pain is always a sign that you need to see a dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, you should try to obtain relief by rinsing the mouth with water and trying to clean out debris from any obvious cavities. Use dental floss to remove any food that might be trapped within the cavity (especially between the teeth). If swelling is present, place a cold compress on the outside of the cheek. If necessary, use pain medicines that you are sure about.
- Braces or retainers - If a wire is causing irritation, cover the end of the wire with a small cotton ball or a piece of gauze or soft wax. If the wire is embedded in the cheek, tongue or gum tissue, DO NOT attempt to remove it, go to the dentist immediately. If there is a loose or broken appliance, GO TO THE ORTHODONTIST OR DENTIST.
- Knocked out tooth - If dirty, rinse the tooth with milk, holding it by the crown (not roots). If milk is not available, use water (few seconds only) or have the patient suck it clean, then put the tooth back in the socket. If the tooth cannot be replanted, place it in milk or the patient's mouth inside the cheek. Go to a dentist within 30 minutes if you can. Time is critical for successful replanting.
- Broken tooth - Try to clean debris from the injured area with warm water. If caused by a blow, place a cold compress on the face next to the injured tooth to minimize swelling. Try to find all the missing pieces and bring them to the dentist, keeping them moist. Some broken bits can be bonded back onto the teeth almost invisibly. Go to the dentist as soon as possible.
- Bitten tongue or lip - Apply direct pressure to bleeding area with a clean cloth. If swelling is present, apply a cold compress. If bleeding doesn't stop readily or the bite is severe, go to the dentist.
- Objects wedged between teeth - Try to remove the object with dental floss. Guide the floss in carefully so as not to cut the gums. If unsuccessful, go to a dentist.