Expert Answers

Why does dentist say my denture needs relining?

Q.
I have now had my denture for a total of four years and have not had any problems with it as far as I can see, but now my dentist has said that it going to need to be relined? If everything seems okay as far as I know then is it really necessary, and more to the point I don’t really even know what denture relining is? could there be a problem that I am not aware of? Thanks, Bob.
A.
Bob,

Relining is indicated when the denture and soft tissue beneath it do not closely adhere.  This causes movement in the denture while in function causing irritation of the gum tissue and resorbtion of bone.  Good fit of the denture is imperitive to maintain optimum soft tissue and bone health.; 

dr george kirtley

Dr George Kirtley

Smiles By George
7465 East 82nd Street, Indianapolis IN 46256
Web: www.smilesbygeorge.com Tel: 317-841-1111

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What is the average cost of porcelain veneers?

Q.
About two years ago now I get two dental veneers for my two front teeth. They were crooked and I did not want to go with braces. Anyhow, now one of them has broken off with a bit still visbile on my real tooth. I guess my only option is to get a replacement and that it is too far gone after initial treatment for it to be given free. Would you be able to give me an estimate for a dental veneer as I expect the prices have changed somewhat since I had them done?
A.
Unfortunately the fee for a veneer varies greatly depending on where you live and if a qualified doctor is performing the treatment. You would need to do research in your area to find out. The fee has not changed significantly for porcelain veneers over the last few years so the fee may be similar to what you paid the first time or a little higher. Dr. Lemongello
dr lerner & dr lemongello

Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello

Lerner & Lemongello
5602 PGA Blvd, Suite 201, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida FL 33418
Web: www.lernerlemongello.com Tel: (561) 627 9000

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Is it normal for gums to be itchy around dental implant?

Q.
It is now two weeks since I got my dental implant. The soreness and pain has eased away but I now have a problem where it feels strangely itchy around the area where the implant was performed. Could this be a sign of any problem or am I just worrying over nothing?
A.
hi many thanks for your enquiry, as long as the area is not inflammed, or sore i dont thing there should be any problems, however for piece of mind it may be good to check with your dentist.

Dr Kailesh Solanki

dr kailesh solanki

Dr Kailesh Solanki - UK Practice of the Year 2007

Kissdental
157 Woodsend Road, Flixton, Manchester, M41 8GN
Web: www.kissdental.co.uk Tel: 0161 748 5250

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What treatment is available for pericorontitis?

Q.
I have got really annoyingly painful pericorontitis becuase my wisdom teeth are coming through. The pain is really bad and is affecting me during the day? Do you know if there is anything I can do to help ease the pain? My dentist said the wisdom teeth were not impacted so he would rather not remove the wisdom teeth and just recommended that I use pain relieving medication. Do you have any other more helpful advice or is there all that can be done?
A.
Find a new dentist.  Pericoronal infections are not very pleasant and can evolve to more complicatied conditions.  Removal of the wisdom teeth is quite often the choice of treatement.  Occasionally, removal of the infected overlying tissue can resolve the problem.
dr george kirtley

Dr George Kirtley

Smiles By George
7465 East 82nd Street, Indianapolis IN 46256
Web: www.smilesbygeorge.com Tel: 317-841-1111

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What treatment is available for TMJ?

Q.
I was recently diagnosed with TMJ, and find at times that my jaws just lock up and it is hard dame work to get them open again. Is there not some kind of treatment or dental procedure that can help to alleviate this condition, or is it something that will only get better with time?
A.
This situation may improve slightly on its own over time as your joint accommodates the dislocated position of the joint cartilage but it also may get worse. There may be treatment to improve this but you need to seek treatment from a specialist in TMJ dysfunction. Do research in your area for someone who is trained to treat this situation. Other dental specialists like Oral surgeons may be able to provide a referral to a joint specialist if they do not treat your situation.
Dr. Lemongello
dr lerner & dr lemongello

Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello

Lerner & Lemongello
5602 PGA Blvd, Suite 201, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida FL 33418
Web: www.lernerlemongello.com Tel: (561) 627 9000

View My Profile Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello

What is bone grafting?

Q.
I am going to be getting three dental implants but have been told by my dentist that I am going to need bone grafting. What exactly is this procedure?
A.
hi many thanks for your enquiry, a bone graft is taking bone from one part of your body and placing it into another area which requires the bone, generally for dental implant work the bone is harvested from somewhere else in the mouth or if a large amount is needed the hip.

there are many dentists which now use artificial bone as a substitute and mix this with the harvested bone to bulk the area out. 

hope this is helpful.

Dr Kailesh Solanki

dr kailesh solanki

Dr Kailesh Solanki - UK Practice of the Year 2007

Kissdental
157 Woodsend Road, Flixton, Manchester, M41 8GN
Web: www.kissdental.co.uk Tel: 0161 748 5250

View My Profile Dr Solanki

Why does mouthguard keep falling out at night?

Q.
I grind my teeth at night. This is a problem that I have for quite some time and I am fearful that it is damaging my teeth. I do have a mouthguard but I always wake up to find that it is on the floor and I must have spat it out in the night. Are there any other choices available to me or a special moutguard of sorts?
A.
I would evaluate the type of mouthguard you have.  The fit of the mouthquard or bruxing appliance should be snug enough to resist displacement.
dr george kirtley

Dr George Kirtley

Smiles By George
7465 East 82nd Street, Indianapolis IN 46256
Web: www.smilesbygeorge.com Tel: 317-841-1111

View My Profile Dr Kirtley

Should the dentist give oral cancer screening?

Q.
When I go for regular dental appointments should the dentist look out for signs of oral cancer? What do they do to check this? Is only keeping good oral hygiene the only thing you can to prevent this condition from developing?
A.
The dentist and or the dental hygienist should be completing some form of cancer screening examination yearly. You may not realize they are doing this examination if it is part of the routine examination. If you are unsure, ask your dentist to perform a cancer screening examination for you at least yearly during your regular check up. Oral hygiene has little effect on this but avoid tobacco and alcohol and take care of your overall health.
Dr. Lemongello
dr lerner & dr lemongello

Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello

Lerner & Lemongello
5602 PGA Blvd, Suite 201, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida FL 33418
Web: www.lernerlemongello.com Tel: (561) 627 9000

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What services are available for dental phobia sufferers?

Q.
I have heard that some dentists offer special services to help people who suffer from dental phobia. I am one such person and would like to know what exactly this specialist service incorporates?
A.
hi many thanks for your email, the special services can range from:

1:more time
2:oral sedation
3:inhalation sedation using nitrous oxide.
4:intravenous sedation

hope this is helpful.

Dr Kailesh Solanki

dr kailesh solanki

Dr Kailesh Solanki - UK Practice of the Year 2007

Kissdental
157 Woodsend Road, Flixton, Manchester, M41 8GN
Web: www.kissdental.co.uk Tel: 0161 748 5250

View My Profile Dr Solanki

Mouthguards you can wear during the day?

Q.
I know there are mouthguards that you can wear at night time but are there any that you can wear during the day. If there are any just how discreet are they?
A.
You can wear them anytime.  Designs can be very slight and relatively unnoticeable.
dr george kirtley

Dr George Kirtley

Smiles By George
7465 East 82nd Street, Indianapolis IN 46256
Web: www.smilesbygeorge.com Tel: 317-841-1111

View My Profile Dr Kirtley