1. Should we replace missing teeth? Why?
Yes missing teeth should always be replaced. If the missing front teeth are not replaced, it affects the look of the person and also has a psychological impact. If missing back teeth are not replaced, it results in a myriad of problems. Further more the joint which is responsible for opening and closing the mouth during speaking, swallowing & eating will also be affected.
Effect of tooth loss:
- Drifting of the neighboring teeth
- Over eruption of opposing teeth
- Loss of tooth contacts
- Trauma to supporting structures of tooth
- Recession of gingiva
- Caries
- Pocketing
- Premature contact
2. What are the common means of replacing missing teeth?
Missing teeth may be replaced by a Fixed Partial Denture (FPD) or removable denture. A FPD is commonly called bridge. This is normally made with metal and ceramic (porcelain) which bond to one another. These are different types in bridges.
A removable denture may be partial or complete. A removable partial denture (RPD) is given, when a bridge is not a ideal choice for the patient. It is made in acrylic (a type of plastic) or cast in a metal which is well accepted by the body. A complete denture (CD) may be needed when no teeth are left in the mouth.
Sometimes a CD is made with support of two or more teeth left behind. The artificial teeth used in CD is made of acrylic and are of varying types.
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3. Why do gums bleed?
Commonly speaking bleeding gums may be due to unhealthy gums caused by the deposition of tartar around and under the gums. Bleeding gums can also be arise due to some improper contact of the opposing teeth and of deficiency of Vitamin C.
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4. Why do some teeth pain during intake of cold foods and hot foods?
Unattended decay, tends to eat away the "enamel" of teeth. The next layer of teeth is called dentrine which is highly sensitive to extremes of temperature. This situation might give rise to sharp pain, when exposed to temperature. Left unattended it may give rise to more serious problems.
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5. What can be done about the gap present between two front upper teeth?
The gap can be closed absolutely well to give a natural look. Depending on the size of the gap it may be treated with composite (a tooth color material), or crowns (ceramic or metal + ceramic) or laminates (a thin covering using ceramic). The gap may also be closed using certain type of braces (Orthodontic Treatment).
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7. What causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease, is an infection of the gums caused by bacteria. These bacteria produce toxins that irritate the gingiva, and also directly infiltrate into the gingiva causing them to become inflamed and bleed easily. If the irritation persists, the gingiva separate from the teeth and form pockets. Plaque then forms within these pockets and eventually destroys the gingiva and the underlying bone. The teeth may then become loose and fall out or need to be removed.
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8. What are the common signs of gum diseases?
Common signs are bleeding, red and swollen gums. Irrespective of the person's complexion, the gums should never be red, or be swollen. Persistent bad breath, receding gums, increasing spaces between the teeth, one or more teeth becoming loose, and vague aching, itching or discomfort around the gums are some of the other common signs.
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9. Do all gum disease require surgical procedure?
Several non-surgical techniques are available for treating periodontal conditions, and the technique chosen will depend on the extent of damage that the disease has caused to the periodontium. The Periodontist will evaluate the condition of the periodontium and removal all the plaque and tartar deposits. In addition to this he will also use various antiseptics and antibiotics that are specifically meant for treating periodontal disease. If this treatment also fails to completely resolve the disease, he will have to resort to periodontal surgery. ^ Top
10. What is toothache?
Toothache is a condition related to the irritation in the nerve root of the tooth. Each tooth has a soft spongy dental pulp, the inflammation of which causes pain in the tooth. Toothache usually takes place due to dental decay or dental cavities. Toothache is a very common problem and can happen to anybody at any point of time.
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11. What are the common causes for toothache?
Common Causes of Tooth Ache: Tooth decay, Swelling of the pulp, Consumption of soft drinks, Consumption of refined carbohydrates and sugar, Faulty diet , Tooth infection, Crack in the tooth.
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12. How can toothache be prevented?
The best way to prevent toothache is to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Try to avoid cavities by reducing your intake of sugary foods and drinks - have them as an occasional treat and at mealtimes only. Brush the teeth twice daily by using a toothpaste containing fluoride really helps. Cleaning between the teeth using dental floss, woodsticks, or an inter-dental brush according to your dentist's advice will help prevent toothache.
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13. What should one do in the case of a toothache?
- Avoid hot, cold or sweet
- This will help prevent pain from pulpitis
- Take a pain killer under the dentist’s guidance
- If the pain is caused by exposed root surfaces, toothpaste for sensitive teeth, either used normally or rubbed onto the exposed root, may be helpful
- A saltwater mouthwash can also prevent infection if you have mouth ulcers
- Visit the dentist as soon as possible^ Top
14. How Does Tooth Whitening Work?
There are many ways to whiten the teeth right from whitening toothpastes to other products that can remove many surface stains, to light-activated whitening techniques. All whitening techniques mainly work in two ways either the bleaching procedures or the non-bleaching procedures.
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15. Why should I whiten my teeth?
Tooth whitening is preferred in order to avoid the embarrassment of yellow teeth due to natural aging process or due to stains caused by over-consumption of tea, coffee and cola. Whitening the teeth not only gives a younger look but also boosts the confidence level and hence self esteem.
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16. How safe is tooth whitening?
Over a decade of research has proven bleaching and other whitening methods to be both safe and effective. Several products in the market today have shown no adverse effects on teeth or gums in substantial clinical and laboratory testing. In the past, the higher bleach concentrations used in-office treatment resulted in more sensitivity. Today, however, bleaching gels are well buffered, making sensitivity less of an issue. Sensitivity may occur in people after whitening procedures, particularly when they eat hot or cold foods, but usually disappears after 48 hours and stops completely when treatment is stopped.
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17. Who should avoid teeth whitening?
Whitening procedures should not be done while a woman is pregnant because the effect of the whitening materials on the development of the fetus is not known. Since the procedure is cosmetic and option, it should be postponed until after delivery.^ Top
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