Q.
I am twelve years old and am terrified of the dentist. I get so worked up and anxious on the morning of an appointment that I end up being sick or getting a bad headache. I try to relax but I can’t halp but imagine what bad things may happen. I am worried I may stop going to the dentist altogether if this continues. Can you please offer any advice?
A.
Hi, many thanks for your email. The best advice I can give is to try to find a dentist you can get along with and build a relationship so you can start to trust him or her as this will then build confidence. As for the bad thoughts, the best advice is have an open mind and explain your anxiety to your dentist so they can slow things down for you and try to help you through it.
Dr Kailesh Solanki
Q.
Once treatment is complete for invisalign is that it, all finished? I understand there is the need to wear retainers, but I am concerned after reading that some dentists recommend you wear them ‘forever’. Is this true? Is the possibility of retention all that bad?
A.
After any type of orthodontic treatment life time retention is needed. If you dont wear the retainers at night the teeth will shift. Wearing retainers at night, especially the invisalign type is not that difficult. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
Are there different types of dentures, with some being better than others, and therefore more expensive? I am currently looking at dentures as an option but want to make sure I get the best treatment possible. Thank you.
A.
Hi, many thanks for your email. The better quality dentures are down to a stronger accrylic being used. The quality of teeth play an important role in the overall cost of the dentures. There are also better ways of achieving a better fit and bite, using systems such as Ivoclar BPS system which also adds onto the price. My advice would be to seek a dentist that either specialises in dentures to give you all the options available. Hope this is helpful.
Dr Kailesh Solanki
Q.
Dear Doctor.
Great Website.
I had an apicectomy done on my upper middle incisor 2 weeks ago following an infection. The incisior in question is part of a bridge.
2 weeks on from the operation, I have discomfort, numbness still and a lump like feeling right below my nose hig up on the gum above the tooth.
Is this normal. Could this be a problem with excess scar tissue?
Your thoughts are appreciated.
A.
Hello, Thank you for the compliments on the website. This can be normal. Bone takes 6-8 weeks to heal. The numbness and swelling should slowly diminish over the next few weeks. If it continues and you are still concerned consult with the Doctor who performed the procedure. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
Is it a simple procedure to have silver fillings replaced with the white type, whatever they may be? I want to do this as I hate seeing the silver fillings when I sometimes look in the mirror, and I can only imagine that other people are seeing the same thing.
A.
Yes, it is a simple procedure to have the mercury-containing metal fillings removed and replaced with composite, or white fillings. It should take no longer than placing a composite filling in the first place.
Q.
I have had a dental bridge for around eight years now and not had any problems with it…until yesterday. While eating my dinner part of my bridge broke off and the bridge now has a sharp edge. Is it possible to get the bridge repaired or will I need to get a new one?
A.
You will need to have this evaluated by your dentist. Depending on the situation sometimes the bridge may be repairable but this might not be the best treatment. Most often a new bridge is needed, depending on the severity of the break. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
While playing rugby I managed to hurt and damage one of my front teeth. The dentist has told me that I will need to have it removed and get an implant. Would you please be able to give me an estimate of how much this would all cost. Thank you in advance.
A.
Hi, many thanks for your email. The average cost for a single tooth
dental implant including crown ranges from £2000 – £3000. Hope this is helpful.
Dr Kailesh Solanki
Q.
I had my
wisdom teeth extracted a week ago under
sedation. One has healed fine but the other is causing me great pain. It does not seem to have healed properly, and the painkillers are doing little to alleviate it. Should I see my dentist to be sure it is nothing too serious?
A.
Yes, you should see your dentist right away. You could be experiencing complications in the healing process that may require treatment to correct.
Q.
My daughter’s filling has fallen out. The dentist said this would probably happen after examining my daughter’s teeth(we changed dentists as our other was shoddy)but that he would leave it for the mean time as it was still a baby tooth, unless any problems arose. Now that it has fallen out I am worried what damage may be caused to my daughter’s tooth. I have booked an appointment for a few weeks away but think I should get the appointment brought forward. It is not casuing her any discomfort but food gets stuck quite easily in the area where the filling was. Should I get the appointment as soon as possible in your opinion?
A.
I would contact the dentist and explain your concern that this is a problem that cannot wait. The doctor should be available to at least evaluate the situation and let you know if it can wait.
Q.
I have a crown at the side of my upper teeth. It’s colour is now quite discoloured compared to my real teeth. I would like to know what my options are to improve its colour. Will I have to get another crown or can the colour of it be improved?
A.
Hi, many thanks for your email. Unfortunately, you can not change the colour of a crown, so the only option to improve the colour would be to replace the crown.
Dr Kailesh Solanki
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