Smile for Life Blog » dentist http://www.smileforlife.com/blog Just another WordPress weblog Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:52:02 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.3 en hourly 1 How long do fillings usually last? http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/how-long-do-fillings-usually-last http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/how-long-do-fillings-usually-last#comments Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:19:02 +0000 Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/how-long-do-fillings-usually-last/
Q.
I just had a filling put in on my upper right teeth toward the back. I would just like to know the life span of fillings. Are they supposed to last quite a bit of time? Does this depend on the type of filling you receive?
A.

If a filling was all that was needed and it was performed in a conscientious manor than it should last many years.  Dr. Lemongello

]]> http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/how-long-do-fillings-usually-last/feed 0 What does gum contouring involve? http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/what-does-gum-contouring-involve http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/what-does-gum-contouring-involve#comments Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:12:55 +0000 Dr Kailesh Solanki http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/what-does-gum-contouring-involve/
Q.
My gums cover my front teeth too much in my opinion and I want to get this sorted out. I have been looking into gum controuing, but am worried about how painful the procedure will be. It doesn not sound a very nice procedure and was hoping you could enlighten me?
A.
Hi, many thanks for your email, there are many ways of doing gum contouring, the most traditional way would be to cut the unneccesary gum area with a scapal, then the underlying bone is also removed to maintain the biological width, which is basically the space between the gum and bone. The gum is then tacked back into place with very fine stitches and left to heal. The healing times are usually around 10-16 weeks for full maturation of the gums.

The second way would be to use a soft tissue laser to cut away the gums and a hard tissue laser to take away the bone. The procedure is less surgically based and sometimes does not require stitches. However, some of the more renowed periodontists still favour the more traditional method as it is more predictable.

Both treatments will require some healing time and soreness after, but will only generally last around 2-3 days. As long as you are ready for this then everything should be fine. Also, painkillers will make sure you remain comfortable.

Hope all this information is helpful.

Dr Kailesh Solanki

]]> http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/what-does-gum-contouring-involve/feed 0 Is there an age limit to teeth whitening? http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/is-there-an-age-limit-to-teeth-whitening http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/is-there-an-age-limit-to-teeth-whitening#comments Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:11:47 +0000 Dr Kailesh Solanki http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/is-there-an-age-limit-to-teeth-whitening/
Q.
My 13 year old daughter has said that she wants to get her teeth whitened, but I have told her no. Her teeth are a little discoloured and have always been so. Do you think there is an age limit in which a person should not have their teeth whitened?
A.
Hi many thanks for your email, i would say 13 is slighly too young for tooth whitening. My advice would be to maybe see a hygienist first to try to remove the staining. The youngest person i have ever done whitening for is 16, and i feel this should be the lower limit. Hope this is helpful.

Dr Kailesh Solanki

]]> http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/is-there-an-age-limit-to-teeth-whitening/feed 0 What can I do to treat my flurosis? http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/what-can-i-do-to-treat-my-flurosis http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/what-can-i-do-to-treat-my-flurosis#comments Tue, 12 Jul 2011 09:56:39 +0000 Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/what-can-i-do-to-treat-my-flurosis/
Q.
My dentist has informed me that I may have a case of flurosis, but that he will need to have a further look on my next appointment. Could you please tell me exactly what this is and how I can prevent it? My dentist did not seem too worried by it.
A.

Fluorosis is a benign condition where too much fluoride has been taken up into the tooth during its development and the enamel of the tooth is affected. There is no way for you to prevent it once the teeth have formed. It usually results in discoloration of the tooth. Other than a cosmetic issue it is not a problem.
Dr. Lemongello

]]> http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/what-can-i-do-to-treat-my-flurosis/feed 0 What treatment is available to fix gaps between front teeth? http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/what-treatment-is-available-to-fix-gaps-between-front-teeth http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/what-treatment-is-available-to-fix-gaps-between-front-teeth#comments Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:47:12 +0000 Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/what-treatment-is-available-to-fix-gaps-between-front-teeth/
Q.
Can you please inform me of the treatment options available to close the gap between the two front teeth. This has been the vain of my existence for as long as I can remember and I am desperate to get it sorted.
A.
There are 3 main treatment options to close the gap between your teeth, depending on the situation. They are Orthodontics (braces or Invisalign), composite bonding or porcelain veneers. All have advantages and disadvantages, so investigate them all prior to your final choice. Dr. Lemongello
]]> http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/what-treatment-is-available-to-fix-gaps-between-front-teeth/feed 0 What could be causing my tooh ache? http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/what-could-be-causing-my-tooh-ache http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/what-could-be-causing-my-tooh-ache#comments Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:38:59 +0000 Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/what-could-be-causing-my-tooh-ache/
Q.
For the past week a tooth toward the back of my mouth has been causing me great pain. I have been taking painkillers in the hope it would fade away but the pain is still there after a week. Would you be able to tell me what may be causing this tooth ache, and what I can do to prevent it? Should I see my dentist to see if there is a real problem, or will it fade away?
A.
It is impossible for me to speculate on what is causing your pain. See your dentist as soon as possible. Pain usually doesn’t go away it only gets worse!
]]> http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/what-could-be-causing-my-tooh-ache/feed 0 I have a fear of the dentist. Can you offer any advice? http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/i-have-a-fear-of-the-dentist-can-you-offer-any-advice http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/i-have-a-fear-of-the-dentist-can-you-offer-any-advice#comments Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:19:29 +0000 Dr Kailesh Solanki http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/i-have-a-fear-of-the-dentist-can-you-offer-any-advice/
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

]]> http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/i-have-a-fear-of-the-dentist-can-you-offer-any-advice/feed 0 How long does it take for wisdom teeth to erupt completely? http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-for-wisdom-teeth-to-erupt-completely http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-for-wisdom-teeth-to-erupt-completely#comments Mon, 27 Jun 2011 10:15:25 +0000 Dr George Kirtley http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-for-wisdom-teeth-to-erupt-completely/
Q.
How long does it normally take for wisdom teeth to come through? Mind started coming through but then stopped for a few months, and then start up again, only to stop again for a few months. It has done this about four times now, and it is really annoying becuase of the discomfort it causes. What is the normal time it takes for the wisdom teeth to come through?
A.
Eruption of wisdom teeth (3rd molars) can be aggravating.  The stopping and starting of eruption is not uncommon.  The attempt of the wisdom teeth to come through the oral tissues can be inhibited.  This is a result of blockage by another tooth (ie..there is not enough room for them to get through) or can be inhibited by gum tissue which is extremely thick thereby slowing the eruption attempt.  These senarios usually indicate a need to remove the wisdom teeth.
]]> http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-for-wisdom-teeth-to-erupt-completely/feed 0 What treatment is available for a cracked tooth? http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/what-treatment-is-available-for-a-cracked-tooth http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/what-treatment-is-available-for-a-cracked-tooth#comments Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:18:15 +0000 Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/what-treatment-is-available-for-a-cracked-tooth/
Q.
I cracked my tooth when playing footballl on sunday. I fell over and collided with another players boot. Nice. Anyway, I am getting quite a bit of pain from it, but it has been ages since I went to the dentist. What kind of treatment is available for this kind of thing?
A.
There are many different treatments depending on the extent of the damage. I am sure no matter what your needs are there is a good solution. You will have to consult with a dentist to find out exactly what is needed in your case.
Dr. Lemongello
]]> http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/what-treatment-is-available-for-a-cracked-tooth/feed 0 What are my options if I can not afford the dentist? http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/what-are-my-options-if-i-can-not-afford-the-dentist http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/what-are-my-options-if-i-can-not-afford-the-dentist#comments Fri, 24 Jun 2011 03:57:17 +0000 Dr George Kirtley http://www.smileforlife.com/blog/what-are-my-options-if-i-can-not-afford-the-dentist/
Q.
My dentist turned private over a year ago, but I could not afford to do this. I have been looking for an NHS dentist ever since but have not been able to find one with available places. Are there any special help services for people who are in my situation, like government initiatives?
A.
I am sorry, I am located in the US and we do not have NHS, only private practice.  You may consider going to one of the dental schools.  They often accept patients who need care but cannot afford private practice.
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