Q.
Hi Dr Kirtley, just how important is dental flossing? Recently I am hearing in the news how important it is but I don’t do it and feel like I am lagging behind! What would you say?
A.
Only floss the teeth you want to keep….that is an old saying and is very true. Nothing replaces flossing.
Q.
Hi, i’m having horrible problems with my lingual braces. I’m not sure how it has happened but I managed to snap them in the middle and now the wire is sticking into my gum. I’m waiting to see my ortho but can you suggest I do anything till then? My mouth keeps bleeding. Thanks
A.
If possible get some orthodontic wax and put it around the end that is cutting into your gum. This should act as a cover to the broken wire. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
Hello, I had a tooth extracted a few week ago and I have noticed that it may be infected. The gums are very swollen around the tooth and it’s still bleeding (the socket) is this normal after a tooth extraction? (it was my bottom wisdom tooth) or should I go and see my dentist? I don’t want to make a fuss out of nothing. Thank you
A.
Always opt to see your dentist….this could be an infection.
Q.
Hello i’ve been wearing the lingual braces for a few months now and i’m not spotting any difference in teeth movement, how long does it take for the teeth to move? i don’t have long left with my treatment now and i’m a little concerned. Any advice would be great, thanks.
A.
Each case is individual. What may appear as minimal movement now can quickly change once the teeth do move. Also, there is no set time it takes to move teeth. Generally you are given a range like 12 months. Sometimes it takes a little less or a little more. The important thing is the result and not removing braces before treatment is complete. Give it a bit more time. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
Hello, I have a big fear of injections and I need a tooth extracted! What can I do? I don’t want to go without any
sedation but I can’t take injections, please help!
Q.
Hey, i had two porcelain crowns fitted over a week ago on two of my front teeth, they had to replaced because my old ones were very worn, the thing is i’m experiencing some pain from them. My two front teeth feel very sensitive, painfully sensitive, is this normal? or are they just settling? Thank you for your time!
A.
It is not uncommon for new crowns to be a little sensitive initially. If it has been more than two weeks and they are still very sensitive and not improving, consult with the dentist who placed them. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
Hello, I purchased a home whitening dental kit from my dentist recently I’ve been using the kit as directed but i’m not noticing any changes in colour. My teeth are quite badly stained but i did pay a lot for this kit. What should I do?
A.
Let your dentist know….maybe he will credit back some of the treatment costs….understand he did incur some expense in the design of your retainers and product.
Q.
Is
dry mouth a problem that is supposed to occur when beginning Invisalign treatment? I am getting this at the moment and it is a real nuisance. I thought it was supposed to be more saliva that was produced when you wear braces or at least that’s what I heard but I am not getting this. Any tips to help combat the issue would be appreciated.
A.
This may be as a result of the Aligners causing you to have your mouth open rather than closed. Try to drink water during the day as often as you can. This may help. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
I have bad teeth starting from when I was little, my mom didnt believe in taking us to the dentist. My teeth are horrible and I dont want to talk to anyone or do anything because I am ashamed of them. One major problem I am having is I constantly bleed from my mouth and my nose, could this be from my teeth or should I see a ENT for this problem? I have a class reunion coming up in October and I was trying to find someone to help me out with getting my teeth pulled and either implants put in or dentures. I dont have
dental insurance so its kinda hard to have anything done.
A.
It would be important for you to see an ENT especially if you are bleeding from the nose. That would not indicate a likely dental problem.
Q.
Hi my teeth are quite strange and i was wondering how i would go about getting them fixed, i need to know if it would be an orthodontic procedure or i’d have to undergo surgery. My teeth at the front are all perfectly in-line but as you get towards the back they are mishaped and pushed back. When i smile you can see all of my gums at the back and it looks really silly. What can I do about this?
A.
Start by consulting with a dentist and an orthodontist to explain and review your options. You should get a pretty good perspective of what is possible. Dr. Lemongello
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