Here are some of the most frequently asked questions.
• What is tooth decay?
Teeth are the hardest substance in our body, but since mouth is a very harsh environment with hundreds of different bacteria in it, even teeth breakdown.
Plaque is clear or white bacteria laden film that forms on our teeth. The bacteria in plaque interacts with starches and sugars we eat & form an acid which breaks down & or de-mineralizes our teeth.
Our saliva tries to re-mineralize teeth, but when the process of de-mineralization is faster than re-mineralization tooth decay occurs.
Proper brushing and flossing and removal of plaque help to slow down or prevent this process.
Regular visits to the dentist are very important to detect early decay along with dental cleaning and fluoride application.
'Diagnodent' used by Dr. Bal is an extremely useful tool to detect early decay. This is a minute high strength Laser that helps Dr Bal detect decay in your teeth in the deep grooves on the surfaces of your teeth.
At our office, on your regular cleaning and examination visit we also provide you with tools to keep your mouth healthy and happy. this package includes ergonomic high quality toothbrush, toothpaste with fluoride, floss and reading material to help you keep good dental health.
• What is Gum disease?
Gum disease is known as periodontal disease or periodontitis.
It is a major cause of tooth loss. Gum disease attacks the foundation of our teeth and loosens them thus resulting in tooth loss. The BONE is the foundation of our teeth and is surrounded by gums, so any disease in the gums eventually goes into the bone.
Once the bone is affected it is literally eaten away and dissolves and this loosens the teeth & they fall out. Gum disease can occur at any age.
Bleeding gums are the first sign of gum disease. Sometimes however bleeding gums are not present in severe cases of gum disease.
Routine and regular visits to your dentist are the best way of detecting gum problems in its early stages before too much damage has been caused.
Gum disease will not go away by itself or with improved home care. The only way of removing plaque or tartar deep under gums is by deep cleaning by a dental professional.
Once you've had a gum problem you will always be susceptible to recurring problems, so be sure to see your dentist on regular basis- every 3-4 months unless he/she recommends otherwise.
• What is tooth whitening and how can I whiten my teeth?
Whitening teeth with carbamide peroxide under the supervision of a dentist has been shown safe for teeth and gums. Some patients have experienced increased tooth sensitivity and some temporary discomfort of their gums. These symptoms tend to disappear within 1-3 days after stopping the process. Usually after the sensitivity disappears the whitening process can be started again and usually the sensitivity does not return. In any case, any reaction should be reported immediately to your dentist or hygienist for their special instructions.
Over-the-counter quick bleaching kits may cause problems that you may be unaware of such as irritation of the gums and surrounding soft tissue. Over zealous use of over the counter home bleaching can wear away tooth enamel, especially due to the fact that these solutions have a very high acid content. We cannot over emphasize that these types of procedures are best controlled at your dentist's office. Your progress will be monitored carefully which will certainly reduce most secondary effects. Only a dentist can make your teeth their whitest.
There are various other procedures your dentist can do for you to whiten your teeth. These include:
· Permanent Porcelain crowns
· Porcelain Veneers
• What are sealants?
Sealants are plastic coatings on the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent or slow down decay. These too are a prevention step that places protective coat to prevent cavities. Sealants are a very good way of protecting the biting surfaces of teeth that have never had a filling and have no decay. Sealants are a made of clear or white plastic material, which is applied on the biting surfaces of the teeth. The purpose of sealants is to smooth over the normal crevices of the teeth were germs could easily accumulate, thereby protecting the teeth from decay. It is one of the best-cost effective ways to slow decay: it can typically cost about one third or one fourth of the cost of a filling. In fact, the more up to date insurance companies realize that it would rather pay for these rather than pay for a filling. If your plan does not pay for these, switch plans. If your dentist is not willing to place these on your children ages 6 to 14, switch dentists. Note: without proper brushing and flossing, you may still get cavities from the sides of the teeth, and sealants will not do any thing for these areas.
• Do I really need X-rays?
In general, x-rays are very safe at the dentist. There are many things that expose you to more radiation other than the dentist, and you should be aware of these.
Dental x-rays are taken routinely by your dentist. There are many diseases and dental defects, which can not be seen by the naked eye, especially where teeth are concerned. These may include such things as decay under old fillings, teeth trapped below the gums, cavities between the teeth, bone loss as a result of gum disease and changes in either jaw bone structure which can be affected by many systemic diseases.
If you are a new patient, your dentist may recommend x-rays to check the current status of your mouth and to check for hidden problems. At your first visit to the dentist he or she will usually take a full series of x-rays consisting of 14 - 18 films. A different type, called a panoramic x-ray film, may show a greater area of your jaw bones and may be needed to comfortably and competently examine your surrounding tissue areas. Every six months or so, your dentist may take a small series of x-rays consisting of four to six films. A six-month period is a long time in the life of a cavity and it is for this reason that a visit to the dentist every six months is so important.
• Is it Safe to have X-rays taken?
Yes. Dental x-rays are very low in radiation, unlike their medical counterparts. Numerous precautions and advances in x-ray equipment help protect patients from receiving unnecessary radiation. The amount of radiation received from a dental x-ray exam is extremely small compared to other naturally occurring sources of radiation, including minerals in the soil, radon and cosmic radiation from outer space. A full-mouth series of films, using state-of-the-art technology, will deliver an effective dose that is equivalent to about 19 days of exposure to naturally occurring environmental radiation. In taking bitewings, you may get the same amount of radiation as getting into a commercial airplane and going across the country because you are higher in the atmosphere.
The reason for this is that the amount of radiation needed to expose a film as small as a dental x-ray is very small. Areas in your mouth that are being x-rayed are far less dense than other areas of your body and therefore require less radiation in order to pick up the image. The beam of radiation is a very narrow one and passes only through the cheek and out of your body. Since it is a focused beam, the rest of your body does not get exposed. Make sure you wear a lead apron so that the rest of your body is shielded from any stray particles.
Dental X-rays may reveal:
· the number, size, and position of teeth
· impacted teeth, extra, or un-erupted teeth
· bone damage (such as from periodontitis)
· gingivitis or periodontitis
· abscessed teeth
· fractured jaw
· impacted teeth
· malocclusion of teeth (poor alignment)