FAQS
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a small titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. It serves as a foundation for a replacement tooth or bridge.
Most individuals with good oral health are suitable candidates for dental implants. A consultation with a dentist can determine your eligibility based on your jawbone health and overall health.
During the procedure, local anaesthesia is used, so you won’t feel pain. Afterward, some discomfort or mild pain may occur, but it’s typically manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief.
Dental implants have a high success rate and are considered safe when performed by a skilled dental professional. Adherence to proper aftercare significantly reduces risks.
Dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution and can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.
The time frame varies based on individual cases, but from placement to the final restoration, it can take several months. Healing time and additional procedures, like bone grafting, may affect the duration.
Brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups are crucial for maintaining dental implants. Special brushes or interdental brushes can help clean around the implant.
Bridges and Dentures
Bridges are typically placed a few weeks after tooth extraction for proper healing. The gum and bone need time to settle before placing a bridge.
Clean your dentures daily using a soft-bristled brush and mild soap or denture cleaner. Remove them at night and soak them in a denture-cleaning solution.
Yes, removing dentures at night is advisable to give your mouth tissues a chance to rest and prevent potential issues.
Dental bridges can be made of various materials, including porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or metal alloys. Each has its advantages in terms of aesthetics and durability.
Local anaesthesia is used during bridge placement to minimise discomfort. After the procedure, some mild discomfort or sensitivity might be experienced, but it’s usually manageable.
Dental bridges are typically fixed and not meant to be removed. However, there are some specialised types of bridges that are removable.
Dental bridges can last a decade or more with proper care, good oral hygiene, and regular dental check-ups. Factors such as material used and maintenance can affect their lifespan.
Cosmetic Bonding
Cosmetic tooth bonding involves applying a tooth-coloured resin material to repair or improve the appearance of a tooth. It can address issues like chips, cracks, or discolouration.
Yes, bonded teeth require regular care like brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups.
The advantages of cosmetic bonding include fixing chips, closing gaps, and improving tooth appearance without invasive procedures.
Cosmetic bonding typically lasts around 5-10 years with proper care.
Generally, cosmetic bonding doesn’t hurt, but some people might experience slight discomfort during the procedure.
Wait at least 24 hours after bonding before eating or drinking to allow the material to set completely.
Teeth Straightening
Teeth straightening usually involves using braces or aligners to move teeth into proper alignment gradually.
Sometimes, teeth straightening may involve tooth extraction, but it depends on the individual’s case and the recommendation of the orthodontist.
Different types of braces include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces (placed behind teeth), and clear aligners like Invisalign.
The duration of orthodontic treatment varies, usually taking anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the complexity of the case and the method used.
Dental Crowns
You might need a dental crown to protect a weak tooth, cover a large filling, restore a broken tooth, or improve a tooth’s appearance.
Dental crowns usually don’t hurt during the procedure because your mouth will be numbed. Some people might feel sensitivity for a short time after getting a crown.
To take care of dental crowns, brush and floss regularly, avoid biting hard objects, and see your dentist for check-ups.
The treatment for a dental crown typically takes two visits. The first visit involves preparing the tooth and taking impressions, while the second visit is to place the permanent crown.
To care for veneers, brush and floss regularly, avoid biting hard objects, and visit your dentist for check-ups.
Veneers
Brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups are crucial for maintaining dental implants. Special brushes or interdental brushes can help clean around the implant.
Veneers are used to fix chipped, stained, or misaligned teeth and improve smile appearance.
Advantages of veneers include a natural look, durability, and the ability to fix various dental issues.
Your dentist can show you a preview or use mock-ups to help you see how veneers will look on your teeth.
Clean veneers by brushing gently with non-abrasive toothpaste and using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid harsh substances and visit your dentist for professional cleanings.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is a dental procedure to treat a damaged or infected tooth’s inner part (pulp) by removing it, cleaning, and sealing the space.
You might need root canal therapy if you have severe tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, a chipped or cracked tooth, or an infection in the tooth pulp.
With modern techniques and anaesthesia, root canal therapy is mostly painless during the procedure. Some discomfort afterwards is common but manageable with medication.
To avoid root canal therapy, maintain good oral hygiene, brush and floss regularly, get regular dental check-ups, and address dental issues promptly, like cavities or tooth damage.
If you don’t get root canal therapy when needed, the infection can spread, causing severe pain, abscesses, and even tooth loss. Infections can also affect surrounding teeth and jawbone.
