Q.
Are sugar-free gum okay for your teeth? I know they say they are sugar free but there must be something in them that gives them their flavour? Any help?
A.
Sugar free gum is completely safe. Studies show that even regular gum is safe due to the cleansing action of gum against your teeth. The flavor has nothing to do with sugar content.
Dr. Lemongello
Q.
I had a tooh removed over two years ago now because there was an infection and have had a crown put in since as a replacement tooth. But every now and then I notice some sensitivity around the area where I had the tooth removed. Is there the chance that some nervew remain? The pain is very minimal but every now and then I will feel it. Could it be a problem?
A.
This type of sitiuation would require a x-ray to reveal any possible problem that may be in the area where the tooth was extracted. See your dentist for this.
Q.
Can you wear the inman for 14hrs a day and see any results? Obviously i would expect treatment time to be increased
A.
I would not recommend this little amount of wear. You will effectively be moving your teeth back and forth in the same position with little progression.
Dr. Lemongello
Q.
I am looking into get
dental implants but have come across what is called mini implants. Would you be able to tell me in simple terms what the difference is and which one would be best for me having only one tooth missing?
A.
Mini implant are thin/narrow implants that are placed right through the gum tissue and are considered a less permanent method than true cyolinder implants. My suggestion is always to opt for what is more permanent.
Q.
I read an article about oral cancer screening, it may have been on this site. Anyhow what I would like to know is if cancer oral screenings are a part of common practice at regular check ups at the dentist? I had my 6 month check up the other day but did not have anything that I would have thought to do with oral cancer screening?
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.
Q.
Would yo be able to tell me how much the treatment costs to get a gummy smile fixed? I am in my early teens and have had low esteem because of this problem for ages. I have had enough and want to get it sorted once and for all, if you could give me any advice for it?
A.
There are numerous options. Sometimes it as simple as contouring the gum tissue with a laseer. More involved methods require lip surgery to immobilize the lip from raising up so far and thereby diminishing the display of gum tissue. Botox can also be given to immobilize the lip. Howver, this is only temporary.
Crown lengthening wihich requires elevation of gum tissue and reduction of bone also works well, but is the most involved of the choices.
Q.
Is it me or is there little difference between veneers and lumineers? Do they botht do the same job or is one made of better material. Basically, what is the differece?
A.
There is little difference in that veneers and Lumineers are both made of porcelain and share the technique of being minimally invasive. However, traditional porcelain veneers fabricated by a skilled technician are much more artistically crafted in regards to beauty and natural appearance. Traditional veneers also have a better fit on the tooth and can be made of better materials than Lumineers.
Dr. Lemongello
Q.
I have had TMD for what I would consider pretty bad for the past two months now. It not only hurts my jaw but can also make my neck and shoulders ache and gives me really irritating headaches. Is this somwething that is able to go awaty on its own or is there any special kind of treatment to help with it?
A.
Managing the crisis of TMD can be daunting. Medications can aid by reducing the tension in the musculature. TMD appliances can be made to help this situation. A night guard appliance can often help by countering the forces of grinding. This translates into less muscular tension and thereby can diminish headache tendencies.
Q.
My mother got a dental bridge quite a few years ago for a tooth she had knocked out by accident. Over the years her teeth have become a bit discoloured and she now wants to get her teeth whitened. Now, the dentist said the bridge can not be whitened and that only the other teeth would be whitened. He said she would need to get the bridge changed if she wants it to look natural but that this would shoot up the price. Is this true?
A.
Only natural teeth will whiten and it is unpredictable how much they will improve. The bridge will not change color. If your mother wants all the teeth to match then a new bridge will be needed. Since this requires a new bridge the fee will increase.
Dr. Lemongello
Q.
What would you say is a good level of cleaning teeth? just brushing twice a day or is floossing and mouthwash really all that important?
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