Frequently Asked Question

Posted by Neem Dental on February 17th, 2020

1. WHAT IS GUM DISEASE?

Gum disease(gingivitis) or periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss today. The reason you lose teeth from gum disease is because this disease attacks the gums as well as the bone, which are the foundation in which your teeth rest. As the bone dissolves away from around your teeth, your teeth become loose and eventually fall out. Anyone, at any age, is susceptible to gum disease. Gum disease is caused by plaque. If the plague is not removed on a daily basis it will form calculus, which is the breeding ground for the germs which cause periodontal disease.

Bleeding gums are the first sign that there may be a problem with the gums. Puffy, tender red gums are also a sign that there is an infection present. Bleeding gums, however, are not always present even in severe cases of gum disease. Gum disease will not go away by itself or with improved home care. This is because the plaque has become cemented to your teeth like a hard calcium deposit. The only way of removing plaque deep under the gums is with professional cleanings. Routine and regular visits to your dentist are the best way of catching gum disease in its early stages, before too much damage has been caused.

2. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GO TO MY DENTIST FOR A CHECK-UP?

Some people tend to have a rather strange attitude towards checkups. If the dentist does not find something wrong, their time has been wasted. As a matter of fact, a series of successful visits can discourage them from ever seeing their dentist and hygienist again. The idea that you should only see the dentist when something is wrong is not only ridiculous but can end up costing you a lot of money, comfort and time!

Your dentist is trained to detect and treat many problems before you are even aware of them. The goal is prevention - prevent disease, decay and tooth loss. Your dentist can help you but only if you make the appointment. It all comes back to teamwork. Only you, your dentist and your hygienist can determine how often to make a visit, but for most people, twice a year is sufficient. Checkups should not be a one-time event. They are necessary for regular assessments of the condition and the well being of your mouth. Check-up procedures vary with each dentist, but basically will contain: a review of dental and medical history, an overall examination of the mouth including oral cancer screening, a professional cleaning, possibly a fluoride treatment, and a general assessment of hygiene at home. Regular checkups are a MUST in the fight against gum disease.

3. I'M INTERESTED IN CHANGING THE SHAPE OF MY TEETH. WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Several different options are available to change the shape of teeth, make teeth look longer, close spaces between teeth or repair chipped or cracked teeth. Among the options are bonding, crowns, veneers, and re-contouring.

# Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material (a durable plastic material) is applied to the tooth surface and hardened with a special light, which ultimately "bonds" the material to the tooth.

# Dental crowns are tooth-shaped "caps" that are placed over teeth. The crowns, when cemented into place, fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.

# Veneers (also sometimes called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates) are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-coloured materials that are designed to cover the front surface of teeth. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth.

# Re-contouring or reshaping of the teeth (also called odontoplasty, enameloplasty, stripping, or slenderising) is a procedure in which small amounts of tooth enamel are removed to change a tooth's length, shape or surface.

Each of these options differ with regard to cost, durability, "chair time" necessary to complete the procedure, stain resistant qualities, and best cosmetic approach to resolving a specific problem. Talk to your dentist to see if one is right for you.

4. I AM AFRAID OF GOING TO THE DENTIST ... WHAT CAN I DO?

Fear of the dentist is quite common for many people. Neem Dental Clinic aware of the prevalence of dental anxiety and we are properly trained to work with you in helping you to overcome these fears.

You will find we are eager to work with you to make your visits comfortable and pleasant. Asking questions about your mouth and proposed treatment will help to remove fear of the unknown and give you an opportunity to become involved in your dental health.
Most importantly, remember that your Neem Dental Clinic’s team is eager to work with you, not just on you, in order to achieve a mutual goal - maintaining the health of your smile.

Source: https://www.google.com/search?q=neem+dental+clinic&oq=neem+de&aqs=chrome.0.69i59l2j69i57j35i39j0l2j69i60l2.3286j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#lpstate=pid:6886941605689039245,av

Author Bio: Allen Christian is a retired Emergency South Harrow Dentist and an oral surgery specialist, currently working as a digital content developer for a private magazine publisher’s in Wembley UK. He is sharing his knowledge by developing content for the health column of the magazine.