Dr. Div Gill

We all look at pictures of our favorite celebrities and long to have that perfect while smile showing off well-aligned teeth. However, due to various reasons, our teeth do not seem to be like theirs. Some of the reasons for the not-so-white teeth include:

1. Food habits like excessive cola, coffee, tea
2. Tobacco chewing and smoking
3. Fluoride deposits seen in people in which the community water has excessive fluoride content
4. Ageing
5. Side effect of medications like tetracyclines.

However, with teeth achieving major cosmetic value, a lot of developments have happened and now a set of white pearls need not just be a dream. Whether it is just one tooth which is oddly colored or the entire set has taken on a darker shade, teeth whitening procedure comes to the rescue. It is well within the reach of most people, with options that can be managed both in the office and at the convenience of your homes.

Whatever the technique, the basic chemical is the same, hydrogen peroxide, which is a well-known bleaching agent. This works very well on extrinsic stains and may take repeated visits to the dentist to whiten teeth with intrinsic stains like fluorosis.

Things to remember:

Before going ahead with teeth whitening, the dentist will inform you that:

1. Cavities need to be treated before teeth can be whitened
2. Receded gums need to be treated before teeth whitening
3. Any crown work that is pending should be done before the teeth whitening can be done.

Once all the above mentioned things have been take care of, the next step is to clean the teeth completely. This cleaning will ensure that your teeth are free of bacteria and other deposits. The patient's impressions are then taken to make customized trays.

The dentist will provide you with a kit, which contains the trays and the bleaching material. The material should be applied on to the trays, left in place in the mouth to produce the bleaching effect. This may need to be repeated for about 2 to 3 weeks.

Types:

Whitening can be done on vital teeth or on non-vital teeth-

1. Vital teeth are usually bleached in the clinic, where the bleaching agent is applied on the tooth. It is then activated by a laser light to produce the active chemical that whitens the teeth. If the staining is excessive, then in-house vital tooth whitening may be followed by a couple of home applications.
2. Non-vital teeth: Teeth which are root canal treated turn brown over a period of time. Whitening these root canal treated teeth is known as non-vital tooth whitening.

So, if you are not happy with your set of teeth, there is always a solution – get them whitened and see your smile broaden.

"Don't get wacko stop tobacco"

Say no to tobacco n tobacco products. It is harmful for your oral n general health and may even lead to life threatening cancer.

People loose lose their teeth for various reasons ranging from gum diseases, bone loss conditions,dental cavities, injuries and age. A missing tooth, particularly at the front of your mouth, can lead to changes in your smile and loss of confidence. Apart from aesthetic reasons, a missing tooth also impacts the way you talk, and eat your food. Over time, the bone mass which was supporting the tooth starts eroding and causes the loosening of your neighboring teeth. To prevent this and regain the confidence of a beautiful smile, most people, as well as doctors, prefer dental implants.

Why are dental implants the preferred option?

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth since they are the closest thing to getting back your original pearly whites. Most patients prefer implants to other tooth replacement options like dentures and dental bridges since they offer the maximum stability and durability. Patients maintaining their dental implants properly can expect them to last around 25-30 years and even more. Besides looking like real teeth, they also function like your natural ones. That alone is the reason why so many people consider them.

Now let's understand what are dental implants?

Dental implants are small titanium metal posts which are used to replace the roots of a missing tooth and support a custom made crown. They are placed in your jawbone through a minor surgical procedure that is done under local anesthesia at your doctor's chamber. To replace your missing tooth with an implant, the dentist will attach a crown that takes the place of your visible tooth. After your implant has fused with your jaw bone and healed, the crown will be changed to a permanent one that matches the colour of your teeth flawlessly. This process can be used to replace a single tooth or a number of teeth. Unlike bridges and dentures, crowns which are fitted to these implants do not shift or slip. The secure fit gives a more natural look. It also gives comfort while speaking and chewing food.

Is a dental implant very painful?

A dental implant is as painful as any other procedure done by your dentist, for eg a filling. Done under local anesthesia, an implant does not leave any open wound so the healing process is quicker. Minor discomfort after the placement of the implants can be relieved through normal painkillers like ibuprofen. Depending on which part of the mouth you have lost your tooth, your dental implant procedure should take less than an hour to complete.

Healthy gums for implants

If one is considering going for an implant, then you must know that implants need healthy gums with enough bone support. Oral hygiene is of utmost importance and regular dental visits should be made so as to ensure long term success of the implants.

Care of the Implants:

Usually dental implants are very successful and here are few steps to help you take care of them to get long term benefits:

• Good oral hygiene: Brush twice a day and make flossing a routine. Use of interdental brushes
• can help clean the areas around the implant.
• Abstain from smoking as it can make your bones weak and result in implant failure.
• Avoid putting too much pressure on the implants: Eating food items like gums and candies can
• break the crown of both artificial and natural teeth.
• Visit your dentist every six months.

If you wish to discuss about any specific dental problem, you can consult a dentist and ask a free question.