Q.
Is there a particularly effective way to floss teeth. Whenever I do it there still seems to be bits of food stuck in my teeth, and what’s more, I can not get the piece of string between some of my teeth. Can you help?
A.
Seek the direction and care of a quality preventive dentist to aid you with this. There is a proper technique in doing this.
Q.
I chipped my front tooth a week ago. There was little pain at the time but it has gradually got worse and it doesn’t look all that nice anyway. What treatment is available to fix this. Is there a chance I have gone down to the nerve and this is why it is hurting. When I eat or drink something it is quite painful.
A.
It is possible you have involved the nerve and why it may be hurting. Treatment options can range from bonding to placing a porcelain veneer or crown depending on how much is broken and what you want to accomplish. The pain will only get worse so consult a dentist as soon as possible.
Dr. Lemongello
Q.
I noticed some swelling of my gum and a bad clouring, and after looking on the internet I think it is an abscess. Is there any specific treatment available for this?
A.
Yes, there is and it is critically important that you seek the care of a dentist to help you in this diagnosis.
Q.
Is a dental bridge a suitable option if I do not have the money currently to afford a
dental implant? I know there are payment options but I am paying off far too many things at the moment anyway.
A.
hi many thanks for your email, of course a dental bridge is an option. the options given to you by your dentist are based on clinical experiance, however the choices are made by patients on many different grounds such as:
longevity(how long it lasts)
cost
clinical recommendations
level of dental treatment, ie how invasive a procedure it is.
hope this is helpful.
Dr Kailesh Solanki
Q.
I have been approved for invisalign but am also thinking about getting fixed braces, as I don’t care if people can see the braces. However, I was wondering if you could tell me which would be the quicker treatment?
A.
The speed of treatment is usually faster with fixed braces. This is generally because there is not the compliance concern as there is with invisalign when the patient has to be depended upon to wear the appliances.
Q.
Every now and then I will get sensitive bumps on my tongue. I have had this for a while. They will go away and then come back. They are hard to distinguish from the natural colour of the tongue but are sometimes a pailer colour. Do you have any clue as to what they could possibly be?
A.
These usually are irritated taste buds or papillae. This may be brought on by trauma or diet. There isn’t any treatment and usually are benign.
Dr. Lemongello
Q.
If you have
toothache is it advised that you see your dentist, or is it more likely nothing and then pain will soon go away?
A.
See the dentist!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Q.
Could you please give me the cost for the various methods of teeth whitening and bridging? Thank you.
A.
Regarding teeth whitening, the cost can be minimal, maybe $20 for over the counter whitening. Traditional take home tray whitening from a dental office may be $300 – $800. Laser whitening could be up to $120o in a dental office. It is not possible to provide a fee for a dental bridge. The cost will vary greatly depending on the material and technique used as well as the number of teeth involved. This also varies greatly depending on where you live and the expertice of the doctor providing care. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
I would just like to know what a regular check up at the dentist includes? I have just started with a practice and am paying monthly, but would like to know what the routine check up should include usually?
A.
In our office a regular check up includes an examination by the hygienist and the doctor, oral cancer screening, checking the teeth for cavities, checking the gum pockets, checking the bite and a complete cleaning and polishing of the teeth. X-rays will be taken at the proper interval for the patient depending on need. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
Is it safe to use toothpaste which contains fluoride, if I know that the water in my area is also supplemented with fluoride? Will this not lead to an overdose of sorts and just damage the teeth?
A.
No, you will not get too much flouride from toothpaste.
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Dr Kirtley
