Q.
I awoke yesterday to find that my left cheek was swollen, and there was a pain coming from my mouth at this side. I thought it would go away but I still have it today. I presume this must be a dental problem, but would like to know if you have any ideas what it may be? I am going to give my dentist a call tomorrow if the problem remains, but would like your opinion first?
A.
Hi, many thanks for your email, it does sound as if you have a swelling which is originating from a tooth. If this is the case, my advice would be that the tooth in question is infected and is causing the swelling. Call your dentist tomorrow as I feel you may also require some antibiotics to initially clear the infection. Hope this is helpful.
Dr Kailesh Solanki
Q.
I have always had a fear of the dentist since I was young. I must have had a traumatic experiene or something. However, I worry that my fear will stop me from getting any serious dental problems dealt with, and that this will give me a horrible smile. Do you have any advice as to how I can overcome my anxiety?
A.
My advice is to see your dentist often when there aren’t any problems. This way your dental visits can be fun, uneventful and with good news of healthy teeth at the end of the visit. Once you become accustomed to easy dental visits you will find that there isn’t anything to fear. Preventive dentistry is the best way to avoid a fearful situation. Communicate with your dentist and let him know how you feel. This way they can use a little extra TLC.
Dr. Lemongello
Q.
I am now in my 50s but am still yet to get rid of my fear of the dentist. I am able to go to appointments for the small things but am not keen at all on anything too painful. One of my front teeth is now in a bad state due to my fear, and the dentist has said that I will need to get a denture. I have said I don’t want this as I fear it falling out, and am wondering if an implant could be a good choice. Is this procedure able to be carried out with the patient fully asleep, or does this carry too many complications?
A.
Hi, many thanks for your email. The main options for a gap are 1: denture 2: bridge 3:implant or 4:nothing at all. if the denture is a worry, the two fixed options would be a bridge or an implant. If feesible my advice would always be to go for an implant as its the longest lasting of the two options and most conservative.
The procedure of an implant could be performed under IV sedation, which would mean you’re unaware of the treatment while it is taking place.
Hope this is helpful.
Dr Kailesh Solanki
Q.
Are you in the know on what kind of treatment
dental insurance will cover? Do any of your patients use insurance to cover the price of their treatment? I am guessing it won’t cover cosmetic treatments such as invisalign.
A.
All insurance policies are different and what they will and won’t cover varies by what is stated in the contract. You would need to read your contract or speak to someone at the insurance company to find out what is covered. If your insurance policy covers orthodontic treatment some percentage or specific dollar amount of the cost of Invisalign would be covered. You would have to speak to your dentist or the insurance company to find out how much.
Dr. Lemongello
Q.
Hi, I am having 2 implants fitted and a 4 tooth bridge. Can I use an electric toothbrush on this. Thanks,
A.
Hi many thanks for your email. Yes, it is fine to use an electric toothbrush on this.
Dr Kailesh Solanki
Q.
My dentist has informed me that I may have a case of flurosis, but that he will need to have a further look on my next appointment. Could you please tell me exactly what this is and how I can prevent it? My dentist did not seem too worried by it.
A.
Fluorosis is a benign condition where too much fluoride has been taken up into the tooth during its development and the enamel of the tooth is affected. There is no way for you to prevent it once the teeth have formed. It usually results in discoloration of the tooth. Other than a cosmetic issue it is not a problem.
Dr. Lemongello
Q.
My teeth are too tightly packed together for dental floss to work. Are there any special floss’ available on the market for such cases?
A.
Hi, many thanks for your email. There is dental floss which is like a piece of string or there are also dental tapes. Try both to see which will work best. The other thing to mention is it is unusual to not be able to floss as the teeth are too tight but you can if needed use interdental brushes to make sure the areas inbetween your teeth are cleaned throughly.
Hope this is helpful.
Dr Kailesh Solanki
Q.
I have a complete upper denture and have had this for quite some time now. However, their colour has gotten darker over time and they are not looking quite so good at the moment. Is it possible to get dentures whitened, or are there any other alternative options?
A.
It is not possible to whiten your existing denture. Is that what you really want? As the denture material ages it starts to look artificial and collects bacteria that cannot be removed. The teeth start to wear and it gives an aged appearance. You may be surprised to hear that dentures should be replaced or relined every five years. The only way to improve it is to have a new one made. With today’s new denture materials and smile design techniques we can create beautiful, natural looking smiles with dentures.
Dr. Lemongello
Q.
My dentist has informed me that my teeth have weak enamel and that this could lead to further problems unless I take better care of my teeth. Are there any toothpaste of mouthwas which are particularly good for upholding tooth enamel?
A.
Hi, many thanks for your email. The toothpaste which springs to mind is pronamel by sensodyne, which has been proved to help strengthen enamel. Also, a fluoridated mouthwash will also help keep teeth healthy and strong. But, remember, dental decay is more down to frequency of sugar intake. Try to limit your main sugar consumption to the three main meals of the day. Hope this is helpful.
Dr Kailesh Solanki
Q.
I am now into my late 20s and have a problem where my front teeth slightly protrude. Are braces able to fix this easily enough, or is another treatment a better option? Hope to hear from you soon.
A.
Braces are an option for most alignment issues. Treatment time can be lengthy and wearing braces can be uncomfortable. Porcelain veneers are also an option, and can be done in just a few appointments. A porcelain veneer is a thin porcelain covering on the face of the tooth that can change the shape, position and color of a tooth.
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Dr Solanki
