Frequently Asked Questions

 Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite material that cover the front surface of teeth to improve appearance.

 Porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years with proper care, while composite veneers may need replacing sooner.

Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining compared to natural teeth.

 Porcelain veneers usually need to be replaced if damaged, but composite veneers can sometimes be repaired.

No special care is required beyond good oral hygiene practices, though avoiding hard foods can prevent damage.

Signs include severe tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, or a pimple on the gum near the tooth. If you experience any of these, it’s best to see your dentist.

The procedure itself is usually painless thanks to anesthesia. Afterward, you may experience some discomfort, but it’s manageable with over-the-counter pain medication.

It typically takes one or two appointments, each lasting about 60 to 90 minutes. Your dentist will ensure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure.

Root canal treatment has a high success rate, around 90% or more. With proper care and maintenance, a treated tooth can last a lifetime.

In some cases, extraction (removing the tooth) may be an alternative. However, it’s best to preserve your natural tooth whenever possible, and root canal treatment is often the preferred option to save the tooth and maintain oral health.

Every six months is ideal. It helps keep your smile fresh and healthy!

Yes, it can! Teeth cleaning helps remove surface stains. However, severe or long-standing stains may necessitate teeth whitening for optimal results, giving you a brighter smile.

In many cases, yes! Most dental insurance plans cover teeth cleaning as part of preventive care.

Generally, no. You might experience mild sensitivity or gum tenderness, but it’s temporary.

Usually around 30 to 60 minutes. It’s quick and easy—like a refresh for your smile!

It’s usually not painful. You might feel some pressure or sensitivity, but it’s manageable and helps keep your smile healthy!

Most dentists recommend scaling every six months. It’s part of good oral hygiene, like brushing and flossing.

No, scaling is safe when done by a professional. It removes plaque and tartar buildup, protecting your enamel from damage.

Scaling below the gum line helps remove bacteria and plaque that can cause gum disease. It keeps your gums healthy and reduces the risk of infection.

Absolutely! Regular scaling removes bacteria and plaque from your teeth and gums, helping to prevent gum disease and keep your smile bright and healthy.

The entire process can take a few months, as it often requires multiple appointments for the implant, abutment, and crown placement.

Yes, with proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Dental implants have a high success rate, generally above 95%.

Absolutely! After a short healing period, you can eat normally just like with natural teeth.

Coverage varies by plan, but some insurance plans may partially cover the cost of dental implants.

An implant-supported bridge uses dental implants instead of natural teeth to support a bridge, providing a secure and stable solution for missing teeth.

The process can take several months, depending on the healing and bone integration of the implants.

Discomfort is typically minimal and managed with local anesthesia during the procedure and pain relievers afterward.

Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings are essential, just like with natural teeth.

Yes, they provide greater durability and stability as they are anchored to implants rather than relying on adjacent natural teeth.

Wisdom tooth extraction may be needed if they’re causing pain, crowding, or affecting nearby teeth. Your dentist will recommend it if necessary.

It’s usually not painful during the procedure thanks to anesthesia. Afterward, you may experience some discomfort, but pain medication can help manage it.

Recovery time varies but typically takes a few days to a week. Rest, follow post-op instructions, and avoid strenuous activities for a smooth recovery.

Like any surgery, there are risks such as infection, bleeding, or dry socket. However, your dentist will take steps to minimise these risks and ensure a safe procedure.

It’s best to have someone drive you home after the procedure, especially if you received anesthesia. Driving while under the effects of anesthesia can be unsafe.

Zirconia crowns are known for their strength, durability, and natural appearance. They’re resistant to chipping and cracking and can be customised to match your natural teeth seamlessly.

Yes, zirconia crowns are highly durable and can withstand the forces of chewing and biting. They’re a long-lasting option for restoring teeth.

Absolutely! Zirconia crowns are translucent and can be colour-matched to your natural teeth, resulting in a lifelike appearance that blends seamlessly with your smile.

Yes, zirconia crowns can be used for both front and back teeth. They’re versatile and provide excellent aesthetics and durability for various dental restorations.

Prices vary, but they’re generally competitively priced compared to other options.

PFM crowns can last around 10 to 15 years with proper care, but it varies depending on factors like oral hygiene and habits.

They’re generally durable and blend well with natural teeth. However, they may be slightly noticeable near the gumline, especially if the gum recedes over time.

Yes, PFM crowns can be used for front teeth, especially for strength and durability. However, newer materials like all-ceramic may provide better aesthetics.

While durable, PFM crowns may show a dark line near the gumline over time and require more tooth structure removal than all-ceramic crowns. They’re also not as translucent or natural-looking.

They can last for many years with good care, but it depends on factors like the material used and how well you maintain your oral health.

Yes, you can eat after the numbness wears off. Just be gentle and avoid hard or sticky foods for a few hours.

Generally, dental fillings are safe. However, rare risks include allergic reactions or sensitivity to the filling material.

Yes, if a filling wears out, cracks, or develops decay around it, it can be replaced. Your dentist will assess and recommend it if necessary.

The procedure itself is usually painless thanks to local anesthesia. Afterward, you may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity, but it’s temporary and manageable.

An inlay is a pre-molded filling fitted into the grooves of a tooth and does not extend over the cusps.

Inlays are used when the tooth decay or fracture is too extensive for a traditional filling but not severe enough for a crown.

Made from strong materials like porcelain or composite resin, inlays are durable and can last up to 30 years with proper care.

Inlays are made to match the natural colour of your teeth and are less noticeable than metal fillings.

Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential, just like for natural teeth.

An onlay is similar to an inlay but extends over one or more of the tooth’s cusps.

Onlays cover more of the tooth’s surface, providing extensive coverage and strength, especially for weakened cusps.

Onlays preserves more of the natural tooth than crowns and are highly durable.

With proper care, onlays can last up to 30 years, similar to inlays.

Onlays are made to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them virtually unnoticeable.

Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth and surrounding tissues, available as complete or partial sets depending on the number of teeth to be replaced.

Adjustment can take a few weeks, as your mouth gets used to the new dentures.

Initially, there might be minor difficulties with speaking and eating, but these generally improve as you acclimate to the dentures.

Dentures should be cleaned daily with a soft brush and kept in water or a denture solution when not worn.

Partial dentures are used to replace one or more missing teeth and are secured to your natural teeth with clasps.

They have clasps that attach to your natural teeth, holding the dentures securely.

Yes, after an adjustment period, you can eat normally, though it’s advised to start with soft foods.

They can be, especially after they’ve been adjusted for a perfect fit.

They typically need to be replaced or adjusted every 5 to 7 years due to natural changes in your mouth.

They are anchored to dental implants, which provides a much more stable and secure fit.

Yes, they can be either fixed or removable, depending on the design and your needs.

Yes, they offer a close fit and function much like natural teeth, improving speech and eating capabilities.

With proper care, they can last many years, often over a decade.

Clean them like natural teeth with brushing, and if removable, soak them in a cleansing solution.

Aligners are clear, custom-fit devices that gradually straighten teeth, offering a less noticeable alternative to braces.

Aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day for the best results.

For many cases, yes, especially for mild to moderate alignment issues.

Yes, you should remove aligners while eating and drinking anything other than water.

Clean them regularly with aligner cleaner or mild soap and lukewarm water; avoid hot water as it can warp the plastic.

Braces help correct misaligned teeth and jaws, improving oral health and aesthetics.

Most people wear braces for 1 to 3 years, depending on the complexity of their dental alignment issues.

Braces can cause discomfort, especially after adjustments, but this typically subsides within a few days.

You’ll need to avoid hard and sticky foods that can damage braces.

Regular brushing, using a special orthodontic brush, and flossing with a floss threader are essential.

A night guard is a protective device worn over the teeth to prevent damage from teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching during sleep.

Using a night guard helps protect your teeth from wear and tear, reduces jaw tension, and can alleviate pain associated with TMJ disorders.

Your dentist will make an impression of your teeth to create a custom-fitted night guard that is comfortable and effective.

Yes, when properly fitted by a dentist, night guards are designed to be comfortable to wear all night.

Clean it daily with a toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste or soap and water. Store it in a ventilated container when not in use.

Retainers are custom-made devices, typically made of wires or clear plastic, that hold teeth in position after surgery or any method of realigning teeth.

Wearing a retainer is crucial after orthodontic treatment as it helps maintain the position of straightened teeth.

The duration varies; some may need to wear them full-time for a few months and then only at night, while others might need to wear them nightly for several years based on their dentist’s recommendation.

It’s best to use a mild detergent or retainer cleaner because toothpaste can be abrasive and scratch the retainer, making it more prone to bacteria.

You might notice a slight lisp initially, but your speech will typically normalise as you become accustomed to wearing the retainer.

By their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears.

Make dental visits sound fun and positive. Read books, play pretend dentist games, and speak positively about dental experiences.

Cavities, early tooth loss, thumb sucking, and misalignments are common. Regular check-ups help manage these.

Every six months for cleanings and check-ups.

Encourage brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, limit sugary snacks, and promote healthy eating and drinking habits.

Yes, they’re safe when used sparingly and with precautions.

Contact your dentist immediately for any emergency, such as a knocked-out tooth or severe pain. Acting quickly can save a damaged tooth.

 Gum treatment, also known as periodontal treatment, focuses on diagnosing and treating gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.

Signs include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums, and loose teeth.

 Gum treatment typically involves deep cleaning procedures such as scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline.

 It may cause mild discomfort during the procedure, but local anesthesia is often used to minimise any pain.

 The duration depends on the severity of the gum disease and the specific treatment plan recommended by your dentist.

 In its early stages, gingivitis can often be reversed with proper oral hygiene and professional dental care. However, more advanced stages of gum disease may require ongoing management to control the condition.

Maintain good oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing daily, visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings, and avoiding tobacco use.

Aim for every six months. It keeps your smile healthy!

Your dentist checks for problems and might take X-rays. It’s pain-free!

Nope! They’re usually pain-free. Your comfort is a priority.

Yes, your dentist looks for signs. Early detection saves lives.

Absolutely. Some issues don’t cause pain at first. Prevention is key!

Smile design is a dental process involving various procedures to improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile through veneers, crowns, teeth whitening, and orthodontics.

Dentists use digital imaging technology to analyse your oral structure, facial features, and desired outcomes to create a tailored treatment plan.

Benefits include enhanced appearance, boosted self-confidence, and sometimes improved oral health resulting from better aligned teeth.

Depending on the complexity and types of treatments involved, it can range from a few weeks to several months.

Most cosmetic procedures involved in smile design are minimally invasive and require little to no downtime. Any discomfort can generally be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

A dental emergency includes severe toothache, knocked-out teeth, broken teeth, or injuries to the mouth or jaw. Anything causing severe pain or bleeding qualifies.

It’s best to seek emergency care as soon as possible, ideally within the same day. Quick action can prevent further damage and relieve pain.

Yes, many dental offices offer emergency appointments after hours or on weekends. Don’t hesitate to call and ask—they’re there to help, even outside regular hours.

Emergency dental care is often covered by insurance, but it depends on your plan. It’s a good idea to check with your provider to understand your coverage.

If you can’t reach your regular dentist, look for an emergency dental clinic nearby or visit the nearest hospital emergency room. Don’t wait—get help as soon as possible.

It involves extensive restorative procedures to improve the health, function, and appearance of the gums, teeth, and bite.

It’s ideal for individuals with extensive dental issues, including multiple missing teeth, severe wear, or complex bite problems.

Treatments can include veneers, crowns, bridges, implants, and more, depending on individual needs.

The process can span several months to a year, depending on the extent of the treatment required.

Discomfort can vary depending on the procedures involved but is generally well managed with anesthesia and pain relief options.