POPULAR COSMETIC DENTISTRY TREATMENTS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

 

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. The constant search for obtaining that perfect smile has made cosmetic dentistry popular, Cosmetic dentistry is a method of professional oral care that focuses on improving the appearance of your mouth and  teeth and ensures that you get that billion dollar  smile. Most cosmetic dentistry procedures are usually elective, rather than essential. However a few of these treatments may provide benefits of restoration to the teeth as well.

Cosmetic dentistry can restore teeth that are missing, decayed or damaged and can also address concerns of stains and misshapen or mal-aligned teeth.

The major cosmetic dentistry treatments that you can choose from, are:

 

1.Tooth Whitening

 

Whitening (or bleaching) is the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatment. It is relatively inexpensive and uninvasive, thus making it a very attractive procedure. The best results are typically achieved through in-office professional whitening treatment.

 

The procedure starts with cleaning the teeth and removing any plaque or accumulated debris. A whitening agent is then brushed onto the teeth. In some cases a light for activation of the agent or a whitening tray may be used. The agent is allowed to act on the teeth for 30 minutes before being rinsed. The whitening agent will continue to brighten the shade of the teeth for 24 hours after application. Various preparations of home whiteners are also available that allow self administration, albeit after proper consultaion with your dentist.

 

Depending on the particular variety of teeth whitening treatment you opt for, you may be able to lighten teeth color by two to nine shades. Results are temporary and may last several months (depending on how well you care for your teeth).

2. Veneers

Dental veneers are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored porcelain or resin that cover the front surface of the teeth. This shell is fabricated to fit over a prepared tooth to correct worn enamel, uneven alignment/spacing, chips/cracks, and/or discoloration. Around half-millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface is removed, impressions may be taken and sent to the lab for veneer fabrication. These thin shells are then cemented onto the front of the teeth thus changing their color, shape, size, or length.

Veneers are especially useful for those for whom teeth whitening is not an option, either due to stubborn intrinsic tooth staining or other functional concerns. However, unlike whitening, veneer application is an invasive procedure that requires the permanent alteration of your natural teeth.

Traditional porcelain veneers last on average between 10 to 15 years and are often called “Hollywood teeth." 

3.Invisible braces

To achieve that perfect smile, it is not only children and adolescents who turn to braces but also adults. Braces are not only for aesthetics. This dental procedure can correct misalignment causing pain like chronic headaches as well. For those looking for an orthodontic solution without a mouth full of wire and bracket braces, invisible braces may be a consideration. There are a number of invisible braces variants, including ceramic tooth-colored brackets, inside braces (placed on the back of teeth) or clear aligners such as invisalign. Invisalign braces are a great option for adults because no one can tell you’re wearing them! Though these invisible braces cost a significant amount more than the traditional ones, the benefits truly warrant the investment.

4.Gingival Contouring

A common smile concern many people share is a  gummy smile, in which an excessive amount of gum tissue is exposed when smiling. Also called excessive gingival display, gummy smile is treatable in a variety of ways, including laser treatment, surgical lip repositioning, orthodontics, maxillofacial surgery and gingival sculpting. Gingival contouring treatments often are performed by specialists such as periodontists, orthodontists or in some cases an oral surgeon.

 

5. Dental Bonding

In dental bonding, a tooth-colored resin material is placed on the tooth and hardened with an ultraviolet or laser light, bonding the material to the tooth. The dentist then trims, shapes, and polishes it. Bonding can repair decayed, chipped, cracked, or misshapen teeth; it is also a good cosmetic alternative to, or replacement for unaesthetic silver fillings. Bonding takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
Though  not the most glamorous of the cosmetic dentistry treatments, bonding is nonetheless popular, much more so than some of the more elaborate procedures.

 

6.Crowns

Crowns are also known commonly as caps and are custom made to fit your entire tooth. It is an invasive procedure and requires the dentist to cut your tooth from all sides and reduce its size. They are usually made of acrylic, ceramic or porcelain that is fused over metal and are capable of withstanding biting pressure. Crowns can be used to treat teeth that are poorly shaped, badly decayed, broken, chipped, have had large fillings or to cover spaces between the teeth. The crown fits above the gum line and restores the tooth’s shape, size, strength and appearance.

 

WISDOM TOOTH REMOVAL: WHAT TO EXPECT?

 

Overview

Wisdom teeth are the teeth that grow at the very back of the mouth. These are also known as the third molars and come into the mouth between the ages of 17 and 25. There are a total of four wisdom teeth, one in each quadrant of the mouth.

Sometimes, there is not enough room in the mouth for these wisdom teeth to erupt into the right position. They might come out through the gums at an angle or only come through partially. This occurrence is called as impaction of wisdom teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth may lead to problems such as pain or infections. Some people may not have any wisdom teeth at all.

 

Problems due to impactions:

·         Pain- that could be localized to the area of the tooth or radiating to other areas of the head and neck.

·         Swelling

·         The impacted wisdom  may  apply pressure on the adjacent tooth and cause cavities or resorption of the root.

·         Reduced mouth opening.

 

Preparation:

·         Ensure that you take a suitable appointment and keep to it.

·         Eat a decent meal prior to the surgery, nothing too heavy. Don’t be on an empty stomach.

·         Discuss any medication you may be on with the surgeon so that they can plan / modify the treatment accordingly.

·         Ensure that the medications prescribed by the surgeon are taken prior to surgery.

·         Wisdom teeth extraction is an outpatient surgery, which means you arrive and leave the surgery center on the same day. 

 

 

Procedure:

·         The Dentist will take an X ray to determine the location of the wisdom tooth, whether it is angulated and its proximity to various vital structures in the jaw.

·         The Dental Surgeon will then administer local anaesthesia around the impacted wisdom tooth  to numb the area.

·         If the tooth hasn't erupted into the mouth or is partly covered by the gums, a small cut  will be made through the gums to reach the tooth. In certain cases, a part of the bone covering the tooth may also have to be cut and removed.

·         As the dentist performs the procedure, a certain amount of pressure may be felt by you.

·         Stitches may be placed as required and if these are non resorbable, you will need to visit the surgeon after 7 days to get them removed.

·         The length of time it takes to remove a wisdom tooth depends on the tooth and the difficulty of the surgery.

 

Post surgery:

·         Sometimes, the surgery causes bruising, swelling, and pain, which will also require time to heal

·         Wisdom teeth recovery usually takes three to four days.

·         If your teeth were impacted, it could take as long as a week or two to heal.

·         Pain usually lasts from three days to one week

·         You may find difficulty in opening the mouth

·         Slight bruising of the cheeks and lips

 

 

Post surgical instructions:

·         The dentist will place a piece of cotton or gauze and ask you to bite on it. This can be removed 30-45 minutes after extraction.

·         Eat or drink cold foods and beverages throughout the day

·         Avoid any activity that applies pressure on the mouth, such as sucking, spitting, whistling, blowing a balloon, etc

·         Avoid  foods that can easily get into the sockets and in teeth and cause pain and damage to the healing wounds, like: Sticky candy Chewing gum Hard, crunchy food like chips, pretzels, nuts, and seeds and extremely hot food

·         Rinse your mouth with luke warm water in which salt has been added, 3-4 times a day after 24 hours of removal to speed up healing.

·         Eat the medicines prescribed by the doctor.

·         Gently open and close your mouth to exercise your jaw.

·         Avoid smoking and drinking for a few days after removal.

 

Follow up

·         Ensure that you visit the dentist for a follow up as and when scheduled so that the stitches (if any) can be removed and the healing process can be evaluated.

ITS Dental Hospital

 

WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?

WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Dental implants as we know them today were invented in 1952 by a Swedish orthopedic surgeon named Per-Ingvar Brånemark. Today, they are considered the standard of care for prosthetic replacement of missing teeth.

In dentistry, a dental implant is a surgical fixture that is placed into the jawbone and allowed to fuse with the bone over the span of a few months. It acts as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth. In turn, this "artificial tooth root" serves to hold a replacement tooth.

Having a dental implant fused to the jawbone is the closest thing to mimicking a natural tooth because it stands on its own without affecting the nearby teeth and has great stability. Most dental implants are made of titanium, which allows them to integrate with bone.

ARE IMPLANTS SAFE AND HOW LONG WILL THEY LAST?

Implants are a safe, well-established treatment. Much like natural teeth, implants will last for as long as you care for them.

How well you look after your implants, and whether you go for your regular maintenance appointments will have the biggest impact on how long they will last. If you don't look after your implants they will develop a coating similar to what you get on neglected natural teeth. Left untreated, this can lead to

Gum infection,

Bleeding,

Soreness

General discomfort, similar to what would occur with natural teeth.

ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?

The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS?

There are many advantages to dental implants, including:

• Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.
• Improved speech. With poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip.
• Improved comfort. Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
• Easier eating. Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
• Improved self-esteem. Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.
• Improved oral health. Dental implants don't require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.
• Durability. Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.
• Convenience. Removable dentures are just that; removable. Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.

Uses:

         

• Replacing a Single Tooth

                                                      

• Replacing SeveralTeeth

                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

• Replacing All of Your Teeth                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
  

HOW LONG DOES THE TREATMENT TAKE?

Some false teeth can now even be fitted at the same time as the implants (these are called ‘immediate implants').

Usually the false teeth are fitted 3 to 4 months after the implants are put in. Sometimes treatment takes longer and your dental team will be able to talk to you about your treatment time.

WHAT CAN you EXPECT AFTER RECEIVING A DENTAL IMPLANT?

Your own teeth require conscientious at-home oral care and regular dental visits. Dental implants are like your own teeth and will require the same care. In order to keep your implant clean and plaque-free, brushing and flossing still apply!

Periodic follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your implant, teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy.

ITS Dental Hopital, Greater Noida has a dedicated implantology centre and highly trained doctors, skilled at placing implants. Visit us to know more!!

Sources: https://www.perio.org/consumer/dental-implants

    https://www.medicinenet.com/dental_implants/article.htm

     https://www.dentalhealth.org/dental-implants

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental treatment for removing infection from inside a tooth. It can also protect the tooth from future infections.

A "root canal" is not a treatment, but part of a tooth. It is the hollow section of a tooth that contains the nerve tissue, blood vessels, and other cells, also known as the pulp.

A tooth consists of a crown and roots. The crown is mainly above the gum, while the roots are below it. The roots attach the tooth to the jawbone.

Inside the crown and the root, or the root canal, is the pulp. The pulp nourishes the tooth and provides moisture to the surrounding material. The nerves in the pulp sense hot and cold temperatures as pain.

The name of the dental procedure commonly referred to as a "root canal" is actually endodontic therapy, which means "inside the tooth."

However, the term "root canal" has come to be commonly used to talk about the procedure.

What are the steps?

Read more

LAUGH YOUR FEARS AWAY: DENTAL LAUGHING GAS

WHAT IS LAUGHING GAS?

Laughing gas is actually nitrous oxide gas and is commonly denoted as N₂O. It is a colourless, virtually odourless gas and has a very faint sweet smell.

In dentistry, it can be administered along with oxygen to reduce pain and anxiety. Nitrous oxide is effective as a sedative because it relaxes the patients with the pleasurable feelings it emits. Nitrous oxide's usefulness also stems from how quickly it works and that its effects are reversible

WILL I BE UNCONCSIOUS IF NITROUS OXIDE IS USED?

No. Nitrous oxide does not cause loss of consciousness. It is a popular method of conscious sedation.

WHAT WILL I FEEL WHEN NITROUS OXIDE IS ADMINISTERED?

Your dentist will place a mask covering your nose and ask you to breathe normally. You will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions the dentist may have. Within a few short minutes you should start to feel the effects of the nitrous oxide. You may feel light-headed or a tingling in your arms and legs. Some people say their arms and legs feel heavy. Ultimately, you should feel calm and comfortable. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off soon after the mask is removed.

IS NITROUS OXIDE SAFE FOR CHILDREN?

Nitrous oxide is not only safe , it is in fact the preferred method used especially for anxious children. It allows the child to undergo the treatment in a better manner, ensures more co-operation and may also be associated with procedural amnesia, all allowing for a positive dental attitude to be inculcated in the child.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

Only a minority of patients experience any negative side effects. They can occur if the nitrous level is too high or if the amount being inhaled quickly changes. Potential side effects are as follows:

Headaches

Shivering

Excessive sweating

Nausea and/or vomiting

Fatigue

Once the nitrous oxide has been turned off, a patient needs to receive oxygen for at least five minutes to avoid a headache or vomiting. The oxygen purges any remaining gas from the lungs while aiding the patient in becoming alert and awake.

Meals are another focus point when receiving nitrous oxide. It's a good idea to eat lightly prior to your procedure and avoid a big meal afterwards

ARE THERE ANY SITUATIONS WHERE NITROUS OXIDE SHOULD NOT BE ADMINISTERED?

Yes, please inform your dentist in the following scenarios:

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease),

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency

Cobalamin deficiency

If you are receiving treatment using bleomycin sulfate

Have a history of emotional issues or drug addiction

Pregnancy

The Department of Pedodontics at ITS Dental Hospital, Greater Noida has a well setup conscious sedation facility and doctors trained specifically in the technique to treat your tiny tots in the best possible, anxiety free manner.