Patients must visit their dentists twice a year for a bi-annual checkup, cleaning, and x-rays & should take care of their teeth every day. These visits are also an excellent time to be more proactive about patients’ oral health by asking questions to learn more about the current state of their dental health, available treatments, and concerns regarding cosmetic procedures. Engaging the dentist in a conversation is a simple way to relax during the visit while providing an opportunity, to be honest, and open about the dental needs and concerns. Asking questions and speaking frankly with your dentist can not only ease your anxiety but also catch potential issues before they become serious problems.
Remember, your dentist’s job isn’t just to fix issues with your teeth but also to help educate you on preventative care and general oral health. Always ask questions or clarification if you are not familiar with something mentioned by your dentist. If you have multiple questions but are concerned about taking up too much time during a checkup, consider setting up a consultation appointment instead so you don’t feel pressured.
At Oberoi Dental Clinic, we welcome your questions and invite you to contact us at any time with queries regarding our services, your health fund benefits, or what to expect at your next appointment. You will find some of our most commonly asked questions here on this page, but if yours is not listed, you can use our handy email or ring us on 09872197339.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Dentistry is the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions, disorders, and diseases of the teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. Often considered necessary for complete oral health, dentistry can impact the health of your entire body.
A Dental Implant is a man-made artificial replacement for natural teeth. It is a titanium cylinder that is placed where the missing or lost tooth was. They are compatible with the human body and will attach to the jawbone and gum tissue. They have been around for several decades and are quickly becoming the treatment of choice for replacing missing or lost teeth.
A Dental Sealant is a plastic material (resin) applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth – the premolars and molars. The sealant bonds to the pits and grooves on the biting surfaces of those teeth and helps protect them from getting cavities. It is recommended for both adults and children and only takes a few minutes to apply.
A cavity is a small hole that forms inside the tooth because of tooth decay. Cavities are formed when plaque buildup on the outside of the tooth combines with sugars and starches in the food you eat. This produces an acid that can eat away the enamel on your tooth. If a cavity is left untreated, it can lead to more serious oral health problems. Cavities can be prevented by remembering to brush your teeth at least two times a day and floss between teeth at least once.
A filling is a synthetic material that your dentist uses to fill a cavity after all of the tooth decay has been removed. Fillings do not generally hurt because your dentist will numb your mouth with an anesthetic. Fillings are made from a variety of different materials, including composites, gold, or ceramic. If you need a filling, be sure to talk to your doctor about what type is best for you and your teeth.
Cavities break through the surface enamel of teeth, and they'll probably get bigger unless you close them off with fillings. Your dentist will numb your mouth before drilling around the cavity to prep it. A combination of solid materials or a white composite goes into the cavity soft and then hardens as it dries. You may feel pain or pressure when getting the numbing shot and during the drilling. Once set, fillings can last a long time but need replacing if they break or wear down.
There's no getting around the need to get around your teeth daily with dental floss. It clears food and plaque from between teeth and under the gumline. If you don't, plaque hardens into tartar, which forms wedges and widens the space between teeth and gums, causing pockets. Over time, gums pull away, and teeth loosen. Either waxed or unwaxed floss will do the job. Using floss picks or interdental brushes is another easy option.
Sealants protect against cavities that can form in the natural tiny holes and cracks outside teeth. Kids from about 6 to 12 benefit from having sealants painted and hardened onto the chewing surfaces of their back teeth or molars. Adults can get sealants as well to protect teeth that don't have fillings. Dentists or dental assistants put sealants on in an office visit, and it's painless. They last around 2-4 years.
Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is mainly caused by plaque and bacteria buildup that is not treated in its early stage. Other causes of periodontal disease include tobacco use, teeth grinding, some medications, and genetics. Gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease and, if detected, is treatable. Gingivitis left untreated may turn into gum disease. Advanced gum disease will lead to tooth and bone loss and is a permanent condition. Brushing your teeth regularly and visiting the dentist every six months will help prevent gingivitis and more severe cases of periodontal disease. Common signs of gum disease:
- Red, irritated, bleeding, or swollen gums
- Chronic bad breath
- Loose teeth, or loss of teeth
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
- Receding gum line
- Abscessed teeth
Fluoride helps make teeth strong and prevents decay. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Dental Association (ADA), and the CDC agree that kids should use fluoride toothpaste for brushing, taking care not to swallow it. Adults benefit from using fluoride to protect their teeth, too.
Regular exams help spot trouble early to prevent more extensive and more costly treatments later. A dental hygienist will start by cleaning the buildup from your teeth. Then the dentist will probe spots on the surfaces and near the gum line with special tools. If it's been a while between appointments, you may have some sore and sensitive areas.
You should get an analysis every six months or more often if your dentist recommends it. Find one who makes you feel at ease and lets you know what to expect. The dread of seeing the dentist often becomes significant relief when the visit is over, and you have a care plan set up. Being positive as a parent can help your kids overcome any of their fears.
Buy toothbrushes with soft bristles. Medium and firm ones can damage teeth and gums. Use gentle pressure for 2 minutes, two times a day. Both powered and manual toothbrushes clean teeth well. Manual brushes with mixed bristle heights or angled bristles clean better than those with all flat, even bristles. Powered toothbrushes may be easier if you have trouble using your hands.
Set a reminder to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Toss it sooner if the bristles look bent or splayed out. Bent bristles don't clean as well. (They're also a sign you may be brushing too hard.). If cold or hot food or drinks make you cringe, pick toothpaste for sensitive teeth and let your dentist know.
Mouthwashes for cavity protection, sensitivity, and fresh breath may help when you use them with regular brushing and flossing -- but not instead of daily cleanings. Your dentist can recommend the best type for you. Some people need twice-daily rinses for gum health or alcohol-free washes for dry mouth. Kids under six shouldn't use mouthwash to avoid the chance of them swallowing it.
Visit a dentist if you have any of these issues or see your child having trouble chewing or complaining of soreness:
- Mouth sores
- Jaw pain
- Redness
- Swollen face or gums
- Tooth sensitivity
- Broken teeth
- Dry mouth
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
Getting checked out right away prevents more serious problems and infections.
Medical and dental experts study the use of X-rays and set limits for their safety. Your dentist should take as few as possible. Sometimes dentists may recommend X-rays to diagnose a particular problem. Advancements in technology mean today's digital X-rays release much less radiation and are safer than before.
Expect to get them during a first exam after not seeing a dentist for a while. This helps check tooth and gum health. If you have gum disease, the dentist may want pictures every six months. For regular checkups, it's about every two years, depending on your dentist's plan. Kids have more X-rays done than adults because their teeth are changing and getting cavities more easily.
Stores sell many whitening products, and you can get take-home gels and trays from your dentist, but neither is as strong as procedures done in a dental office. If you want to try an over-the-counter whitener, look for one with an ADA seal. Check with your dentist for advice before buying, especially if you have dental work or dark stains. And don't keep using them, or you could damage your teeth.
Caps and crowns cover problem teeth by surrounding them in a material that looks like a natural tooth. They use the root and inside of the tooth as a base to build on, then attach with special cement. Veneers and bonding improve your smile by sticking a layer of smoother and whiter materials like porcelain or resin to the natural tooth. Talk with your dentist about which fix is right for you.
Yes, sweets and foods with acid, like candy and soda, could stick to teeth and lead to cavities. Smoking and chewing tobacco can cause oral cancer and gum disease. While teeth are strong enough to chew ice and tear open packages, this can break them and stress your jaws. Gritting or grinding down on teeth when you're stressed may crack them. Biting your nails is another bad habit. It pulls your jaw out of position and changes how your teeth fit together.
Visiting the dentist regularly will help keep your teeth and mouth healthy and help keep the rest of your body healthy. Dental care is important because it:
- Helps prevent tooth decay
- Protects against periodontal (gum) disease, which can lead to tooth and bone loss
- Prevents bad breath – brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist regularly will help reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath.
- Gives you a more attractive smile and increases your self-confidence
- Help keep teeth looking bright by preventing them from becoming stained by food, drinks, and tobacco.
- Strengthens your teeth so that you can enjoy healthy, beautiful smiles for the rest of your life.
Your teeth may feel fine, but it's still important to see the dentist regularly because problems can exist without you knowing. Your smile's appearance is essential, and your dentist can help keep your smile healthy and looking beautiful. With so many advances in dentistry, you no longer have to settle for stained, chipped, missing, or misshapen teeth. Today's dentists offer many treatment choices that can help you smile with confidence, including:
- Professional teeth whitening
- Fillings that mimic the appearance of natural teeth
- Tooth replacement and full smile makeovers
Choosing a dentist who "clicks" with you and your family is essential, and you may wish to consider several dentists before making your final decision. During your first visit, you should be able to determine whether the dentist is right for you. During your appointment, consider the following:
- Is the appointment scheduled conveniently?
- Is the clinic easy to get to and near?
- Does the clinic appear to be clean and orderly?
- Was our medical and dental history recorded and placed in a permanent file?
- Does the dentist explain techniques for good oral health?
- Is the information scheduled about cost presented to you before treatment?
- Always remember to brush your teeth at least two times a day and floss at least once!
- Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities.
- Avoid foods with much sugar (sugar increases the number of bacteria that grow in your mouth, causing more plaque and possibly cavities). Avoid tobacco (this can stain your teeth, cause gum disease, and eventually lead to oral cancer).
- Don't be afraid to brush your tongue! By brushing your tongue, you will remove food particles and reduce the amount of plaque-causing bacteria. Tongue brushing also helps keep your breath fresh.
- Be sure to schedule your routine checkup. It is recommended that you visit the dentist every six months.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children first see a dentist as early as six months of age and no later than one year. During this time, your child's baby teeth will be coming in, and your dentist can examine the health of your child's first few teeth. After the first visit, be sure to schedule regular checkups every six months.
Children, teens, and adults should see the dentist for a regular checkup at least once every six months. Patients at a greater risk for oral cancer or gum disease may be required to see the dentist more than just twice a year. Your doctor will help determine how often you should visit the dentist for regular checkups.
Your toothbrush will eventually wear out, especially if you brush your teeth twice a day for two to three minutes each time. Your dentist recommends that adults and children change their toothbrushes every three months. If you are using an electric toothbrush, be sure to read the directions because you may not need to change toothbrush heads as frequently. Patients with gum disease are encouraged to change their toothbrushes every four to six weeks to prevent bacteria from spreading. After brushing, rinse your toothbrush with hot water to kill germs and keep the bristles clean. If you've been sick, be sure to change your toothbrush as soon as possible.
Yes! It's even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can't reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to ensure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.