Q.
Can you please inform me of the treatment options available to close the gap between the two front teeth. This has been the vain of my existence for as long as I can remember and I am desperate to get it sorted.
A.
There are 3 main treatment options to close the gap between your teeth, depending on the situation. They are Orthodontics (braces or Invisalign), composite bonding or porcelain veneers. All have advantages and disadvantages, so investigate them all prior to your final choice. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
I am looking into gum contouring, but am also wanting to get my teeth whitened. I hate the way my teeth look as there is far too much gum covering them. Would you advise to get teeth whitening done before of after the gum contouring procedure?
A.
I would recommend having gum contouring done first, and then bleaching afterward.
Q.
One of my fillings feels loose when I floss around it. It is situated at the back of my mouth, and is becoming quite sensitive to cold liquids. I am concerned damage may be done to my remaining tooth if something is not done. Should I get it checked out as soon as possible, or is it okay to leave for a short while? Don’t want to imagine how much it will cost me to get sorted.
A.
Hi, many thanks for your email. The problem is the longer you leave it the bigger the problem will get. At the moment it sounds as though the tooth may just require a new filling. However, if left it could progress into the tooth getting decay and the decay progressing into the nerve of the tooth, which would then require
root canal treatment.
My honest advice would be to get it checked out by your dentist.
Hope this is helpful.
Dr Kailesh Solanki
Q.
For the past week a tooth toward the back of my mouth has been causing me great pain. I have been taking painkillers in the hope it would fade away but the pain is still there after a week. Would you be able to tell me what may be causing this tooth ache, and what I can do to prevent it? Should I see my dentist to see if there is a real problem, or will it fade away?
A.
It is impossible for me to speculate on what is causing your pain. See your dentist as soon as possible. Pain usually doesn’t go away it only gets worse!
Q.
I have never been all that happy with my teeth. They are not all that straight and I hate the look of them. I am looking into braces and veneers. Veneers becuase it seems like a quick procedure, but I also feel that it would be nice to have my teeth being completely natural. Would you have an opinion on such a matter, or is it down to individual cases?
A.
The choice comes down to this: once straightened, are you going to like the appearance of your teeth? Orthodontics can straighten alignment, but if the shape, size, or color of each individual tooth is not esthetically pleasing, you may still be unhappy with the appearance. I would suggest that you find a dentist who can offer a cosmetic imaging simulation through Envision A Smile software that can show your face with a newly designed smile before treatment is started. This will help you decide.
Q.
I am twelve years old and am terrified of the dentist. I get so worked up and anxious on the morning of an appointment that I end up being sick or getting a bad headache. I try to relax but I can’t halp but imagine what bad things may happen. I am worried I may stop going to the dentist altogether if this continues. Can you please offer any advice?
A.
Hi, many thanks for your email. The best advice I can give is to try to find a dentist you can get along with and build a relationship so you can start to trust him or her as this will then build confidence. As for the bad thoughts, the best advice is have an open mind and explain your anxiety to your dentist so they can slow things down for you and try to help you through it.
Dr Kailesh Solanki
Q.
Once treatment is complete for invisalign is that it, all finished? I understand there is the need to wear retainers, but I am concerned after reading that some dentists recommend you wear them ‘forever’. Is this true? Is the possibility of retention all that bad?
A.
After any type of orthodontic treatment life time retention is needed. If you dont wear the retainers at night the teeth will shift. Wearing retainers at night, especially the invisalign type is not that difficult. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
Are there different types of dentures, with some being better than others, and therefore more expensive? I am currently looking at dentures as an option but want to make sure I get the best treatment possible. Thank you.
A.
Hi, many thanks for your email. The better quality dentures are down to a stronger accrylic being used. The quality of teeth play an important role in the overall cost of the dentures. There are also better ways of achieving a better fit and bite, using systems such as Ivoclar BPS system which also adds onto the price. My advice would be to seek a dentist that either specialises in dentures to give you all the options available. Hope this is helpful.
Dr Kailesh Solanki
Q.
Dear Doctor.
Great Website.
I had an apicectomy done on my upper middle incisor 2 weeks ago following an infection. The incisior in question is part of a bridge.
2 weeks on from the operation, I have discomfort, numbness still and a lump like feeling right below my nose hig up on the gum above the tooth.
Is this normal. Could this be a problem with excess scar tissue?
Your thoughts are appreciated.
A.
Hello, Thank you for the compliments on the website. This can be normal. Bone takes 6-8 weeks to heal. The numbness and swelling should slowly diminish over the next few weeks. If it continues and you are still concerned consult with the Doctor who performed the procedure. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
Is it a simple procedure to have silver fillings replaced with the white type, whatever they may be? I want to do this as I hate seeing the silver fillings when I sometimes look in the mirror, and I can only imagine that other people are seeing the same thing.
A.
Yes, it is a simple procedure to have the mercury-containing metal fillings removed and replaced with composite, or white fillings. It should take no longer than placing a composite filling in the first place.
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