Q.
There seem to be red bumps on my tongue toward the back of my mouth. Are these just normal or could there possibly be a problem? They do not look very nice.
A.
These are usually normal, but if you are concerned I suggest that you see your dentist for a clinical evaluation.
Q.
Would you please be able to recommend me a good teeth whitening home kit? I want one that is actually proven to have results, rather than just wasting my money.
A.
I would say that any product that is prescribed by a dentist is going to get you favorable results. The products that can be bought over the counter are usually not strong enough to gain good results.
Q.
I use atoothbrush that has bits on the back to clean the tongue. When I do so I try to get my tongue properly clean but when I go past say the middle area of my tongue it makes me gag. Do you have any tips for cleaning the tongue?
A.
hi many thanks for your email, there are many other devices you can use to help clean your tongue such as tongue scrapers which i personally find easier to use than the toothbrush varieties.
Dr Kailesh Solanki
Q.
Why is it necessary not to smoke after a tooth is extracted? Also, how long is it after the extraction before you are able to smoke again? I have an appointment set for early next week, and am not looking foward to missing out on my habit.
A.
Of course, you should ask your dentist and go by his/her recommendations. The reason why it is recommended that you do not smoke is because smoking can prolong healing, and can also cause a ‘dry socket’, which is very painful. A dry socket is caused by the suction when inhaling, which can pull the blood clot from the socket. Treatment is required by a dentist or oral surgeon to remedy this situation.
Q.
Near enough three weeks ago I had a filling while under
sedation from a numbing injection. My jaw is still hurting, but I have never had this problem before after a filling. Should I be concerned? There does not seem to be any infection when I look at the area, but the pain is worrying.
A.
hi many thanks for your enquiry, if the injection was for the treatment of a lower tooth this can sometimes cause discomfort after the filling for sometimes a few weeks. if this pain is not getting any better in the next week my advice is to go back to your dentist to have it investigated.
Dr Kailesh Solanki
Q.
I am confused by what exactly a smile makeover is. Could you please give me an example of what kind of treatment would be able to be done in a smile makeover, and the average cost if possible?
A.
A smile makeover can consist of a number of treatments and it usually pertains to cosmetic treatment aimed at improving the appearance of one’s smile. This can include porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges or a combination of treatments. The purpose may also be to replace defective dental work or broken down teeth, but one of the benefits would be a more attractive smile. It would be difficult to give you an average cost because this would require a clinical evaluation.
Q.
Is bone grafting a safe option when it comes to
dental implants? It sounds like quite a dangerous method to get the necessary amount of bone. Are there any alternatives, or are these not as good?
A.
hi many thanks for your email, the grafting material is dependant on the site to be grafted and the size of the graft needed. if the size of the graft is large then my advice would be to use your own bone as this will integrate far better than artificial graft material. if the size of the graft needed is small you could use artificial bone mixed with your own bone to graft the site which research has shown is just as good. it is all dependant on the site and the comfort zone of the surgeon. a common artificial graft material is bio-oss it is derived from bovine bone.
hope all this information is helpful.
Dr Kailesh Solanki
Q.
My daughter has just started
teething. How long does it normally take for this to go on?
A.
This can occur for about 3 to 6 months as the teeth begin to show through the gums.
Dr. Lemongello
Q.
If I were to have lumineers would I still be able to chew gum, and eat snack foods during the day like sweets and crisps?
A.
Yes to all the above….just use common sense in regards to the hardness of those products. Veneers are strong, but just like natural teeth they can break with injudicious care.
Q.
What is the difference between invisalign and lingual braces? Are they not both supposed to be practically invisible when wearing them?
A.
hi many thanks for your email, invisalign is a removable clear brace which works by using many aligners to move the teeth, each aligner is designed to move the teeth slightly, each aligner is worn for two weeks and then replaced with the next aligner in the sequence. the aligners look like a see through gum shield so when wearing the aligner its practically invisible.
lingual braces is a fixed metal brace, but instead of it being fixed to the front of the teeth(traditional method) it is attached to the back of the teeth(lingual surface) so they are practically invisable unless you look careful at the back of the teeth.
hope this clears that up.
Dr Kailesh Solanki
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