Q.
Would smoking about three times every fortnight have a really bad effect on teeth and gums or is this not too bad as it is quite a minimal amount? I clean my teeth regularly so that shoudl really keep it in check I think?
A.
Smoking is not good for your health. There is no way to qualify that a little smoking is better than a lot of smoking. Maintaining good oral is hygiene is important regardless of your smoking.
Dr. Lemongello
Q.
How long do implants take to fit from first consultation to last? I work overseas and will be back in the country for a whirlwind visit. My teeth are on there last legs and my goal is
dental implants, but at a pinch I would get temporary dentures. thanks
A.
There are a number of factors that need to be considered. With traditional treatment typically the time frame is 3-6 months start to finish. You can plan the treatment in about a week and transition to a set of temporay dentures so you will never be without teeth. After the implants heal, you can return and have the denture attached or fitted to the implants. The other option is plan the treatment and if at least 5-8 implants can be placed the dentures can be attached that day. You then heal and return in about 3 months for a final set of detures. If necessary we can coordinate these appointments for you. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
I have had a top denture for 38 yrs with no problem, however I have had my lower bridges removed and one implant put in at the front, not having had bottom back teeth for 38 yrs and having lost a lot of bone my dentist is having difficulty with the fitting which is very painful and I am going back sometimes 2 or 3 times a week for bits removed or added but after 10 month I am getting desperate that I will never again be out of pain, on top of that I have had a new denture made and my palate is red sore and burning at times I am in tears with it, my doctor said it is not thrush and my dentist does not know what is causing it as the top denture fits well. I do have allergies to certain things and wondered if I could be allergic to the new denture, the lab have said they will make a top denture without monomer on the palate but the gums will have it in. Please please could you advise me I am now getting so depressed over it my life is a nightmare of constant pain. could I have a full top denture made with something other than acrylic and also a bottom one that could house my implant? I would appreciate any help you can give me.
thank you
regards
A.
I am sorry to hear of your unfortunate situation. I would see if the dentist and laboratory are willing to fabricate you a denture out of a material low in or without monomer. It may be the monomer causing the discomfort. Unfortunately, lower dentures are very, very difficult under the best circumstances to fit and make comfortable. I would consider having at least 4 implants placed in the lower jaw so the denture can attach to it. This will stabilize it and provide stopping points on the implants instead of the delicate gum tissue with little bone causing pain. I understand this will be a significant investment but may be your best chance for success. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
I had a deep cleaning a few weeks ago. The dentist did the operation without a nurse and at one point he had me hold the spit sucking thing in my own mouth. There was fluid flying all over my face. I had to ask him to stop to wipe my eyes. When he started he said he decided not to use novicane. So any spot that was too sensitive he just skipped. He did remove most of the stains ( I’m a smoker) but my teeth still had plaque all over them. Not only do i feel like he rushed me through and did maybe half of the work i paid for, but i paid for the novicane and laughing gas that he didn’t use. What can I do to get my teeth cleaned properly?
A.
I would recommend you express your concerns to the doctor and let him know how you feel about your visit. If the doctor charged you a fee for something he didn’t perform than that would be inappropriate and requires an explanation. Ultimately, you need to be treated by a dentist who you are comfortable with and who performs the procedures at your level of satisfaction. Perhaps this is not the right dentist for you. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
To what extent can cavities heal themselves without having to go to the dentist?
I was pretty depressed for a while last year and shamefully neglected pretty much everything in my life, including my dental hygiene. About six months ago I pulled myself together and started really paying attention to looking after my teeth which feel alot healthier and stronger. I am on a pretty low income so if possible I wold refer to avoid the dentist. So my question is how much can I prevent/reverse cavities just by paying lots of attention to brushing/rinsing/flossing?
A.
once you have decay, it will not go away until you remove it. Therefore, the dentist is your last hope or you can allow this to go on and then you lose teeth….that costs….then you have holes in your smile…that doesn’t look good…then you have to spend more money and more time to fix those things that would have been much cheaper to do earlier!!! My point is simple…deal with it now>
Q.
Hi Doctors
I went for an X-Ray at my dentist the other day and i was shocked by how little protection I was offered. I have been reading up on the effects of radiation recently as a result of the situation in Japan. Could dental X-rays cause thyroid cancer as this is a part of the body that is particularly susceptible to radiation? Also what prcautions do you take when giving X-rays? is it something you have given much though to?
A.
We take dental x-rays very seriously and so do most dentists. We would never recommend an x-ray unless there was a need or benefit to taking it. We offer a full body shield and neck collar. We also use digital x-rays which offer the advantage of using the lowest dose of radiation possible. Fortunately, dental x-ray exposure is extremely small in regards to the amount of radiation. Lower than almost all other x-rays you receive. You are exposed to more radiation on a daily basis from natural sources than during a dental x-ray procedure. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
hiya
I went to the dentist to get veneers as I have badly discoloured teeth.
I have an overjet and the dentist said he could also deal with that, I agreed.
When I was having the treatment I looked in a mirror in the bath room and noticed that the dentist has shave off nearly 3/4s of my teeth. I has not agreed to this amount and I was pretty unhappy. The dentist had intimated that the procedure would be pretty straightforward and non-invasive. becasue he took so much off I had to have crown fitted instead of veneers on some of my teeth.
Now that the process is finished you can STILL see the discolouration through the crowns/veneers.
what can I do about this?
A.
If you still have discoloration and see through the crowns bring this to the attention of the dentist. If it is not acceptable to you, he may have to re-treat these teeth making the veneer/crown thicker. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
Hello,
I have two teeth missing on my upper jaw and I have been for a consultation with my dentist who tells me that my jaw bone may be too shallow for implants and that if i wanted the procedure, would have to undergo a bone graft. I just wondered what does this entail? I have also heard mention about cow bones, is it true that you use them and is that successful? Also, Around how much would the Traditional Bridge cost for only two front teeth?
A.
It is quite common when considering implants that not enough bone remains due to the removal of the tooth. A bone graft procedure simple entails adding bone to the site with the implant to provide a larger foundation of bone for support. Many different sources of bone graft material are available from synthetic to natural sources. Discuss with your doctor what type of bone graft material you are comfortable with. And the cost of a traditional bridge for 2 front teeth varies greatly depending on where you live, the type and materials used and the expertise of the doctor. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
Hello doctor. I have a conundrum for you today. I go to the dentist every six months as recommended and attempt to take pretty good care of my teeth. Up untill now I have never has any cavities which has been good. However the last time i went to the dentist he tole me that i now have seven cavities that will probably need filling.
How could this have happened? I have not in any way knowingly changed anything in my lifestyle that could be the obvious cause of this. Could the dentist have missed them previously? or could there be some other cause?
any speculation/inkling? What is your opinion please doctor?
A.
Hello. Thank you for your enquiry. In your particular case it could be all of the above. The best case scenario is to seek a second opinion. This will give you at least a clearer view of what is going on to help with your case. I hope this has helped you. Dr Kirtley
Q.
Hello Dr Lerner & Lemengell. My problem is that i have very severe stains and discolouration on my teeth from drinking too much of the usual suspects. i.e. tea, coffee and the nightmare that is red wine,. Yes, the three main culprits. I have taken time out to have a look at your selection of teeth whitening options and was wondering which of them would you recommend as the best out of zoom, enlighten and the at home teeth whitening sets? I would like to thank you very much for your time
A.
Hello and thank you for your enquiry. Teeth whitening can in some cases be unpredictable but for the best results to be achieved I would recommend using at home whitening kits which utilize custom trays and whitening gel provided and supervised by the dentist. This is a professional route that can be done at home and delivers great results. Warm regards. Dr. Lemongello
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