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FAQ

ENDODONTICS [ROOT CANAL THERAPY]
- Root canal involves removal of entire infection from within the tooth; all canals in root are cleaned and medicament is placed. The tooth is then sealed to prevent routes of re-infection after RCT. The seal is complete with the placement of a crown (Cap) preventing seepage/ breakage of root canal filling and reinfection.
  
  After RCT is performed, post removal of all infection; the tooth becomes weak due to the loss of tooth structure. This is why post RCT; placement of a crown is extremely important for protecting the tooth. Placing a crown aids the tooth becoming strong and capable to withstand forces as the normal tooth.
  
  ROOT CANAL DEMYSTIFIED Is treatment painful?
  As, root canals are done under local anesthesia, it is a painless procedure. Moreover; with the rotary machines available today; the procedure is so much more faster than doing the same thing with hand filing.
  
  How long is the treatment?
  That depends on the degree of infection. However; now a days root-canal along with the crown can be completed in 2/3 sittings maximum in more than 90% of the cases and often within a week’s time. Only in cases of swelling or severe pain /infection;the number of sittings may increase.
  
  To what stage can a tooth be treated with root canal treatment?
  Unless the tooth is split in two or as long as atleast one mm of tooth is visible all around, the tooth can be treated by Root Canal Treatment. In such cases the tooth is reinforced with additional structure called Post and core,that acts as foundation of the tooth to withstand chewing forces.
  
  The post and core may be of metal or white colored fiber posts with composite core build up . The prognosis of such teeth depend on their position in the mouth and would be variable.
  
  Is not removal of the tooth a simpler option?
  Saving the tooth helps keep the surrounding bone intact and opposing teeth in ideal position thus preserving the adjacent teeth from excesss loading and collateral damage … thus maintaining the overall longevity of all teeth and minimizing future dental and gum diseases.
  
  How successful are Root Canal Treatments?
  As a result of the advanced materials available to perform the procedures today such as Apex locators and digital x-rays to ensure accuracy; rotary instruments and fiber posts with core build up materials to improve the strength of tooth and CAD-CAM precision crowns bonded chemically to the tooth; root canals have a success rate of more than 95%.
BRACES OR ORTHODONTICS
- Orthodontics or more commonly known as Braces is the treatment of aligning of teeth in an ideal position; both functionally and esthetically.
  
  Earlier limited in nature by the unappealing nature of materials used ; the art of aligning teeth in the digital age has seen major transformations in terms of both cosmetics and technology.
  
  Traditional Orthodontic treatment needs minimum of 8-10 months to align the teeth. However; few treatment modalities; where possible, considerably shorten treatment durations such as INMAN ALIGNERS and SIX MONTH SMILES…. While other technologies such as Clearpath aligners are such a breeze those treatment durations don’t matter as much.
  
  ORTHODONTICS [BRACES] DEMYSTIFIED:
  How long does it take to align the teeth?
  Orthodontic treatment usually requires minimum of 8-10 months to align the teeth. Whenever minor corrections for only front teeth are targeted, 6- 7 months duration completes the treatment. With use of Inman Aligners the treatment span can be further shortened to around 12-16 weeks. In the first visit the braces are attached ,followed by monthly visits to guide the direction of movements.
  
  What is the general Cost of orthodontic treatment?
  The cost depends on the quality of materials used for treatment and the technology used. The cost ranges from 25000 to 150000 INR.
  
  Metal – Rs. 23,000-25000
  Ceramic – Rs. 32000-35,000
  Hi-end ceramic(Clear) – Rs. 41000- 45,000
  Lingual – Rs. 99000-150000 INR [ all inclusive if for both the arches].
  Clearpath (invisible) aligners – Rs. 90,000-1,30,000 INR [ all inclusive if for both the arches].
  Inman Aligners – Rs70000-90000 INR [ all inclusive if for both the arches].
  Other varieties such as self- ligating etc are case dependant.
  
  Is tooth removal mandatory for my treatment?
  Not necessarily… It depends on the position of your jaws and your expectation from the treatment. Your dentist will take a series of x rays and co relate them to your expectation of outcome of treatment to determine whether removal of teeth is indicated.
  
  Am I a candidate for braces treatment or is cosmetic dentistry an option?
  If you are young and misalignment is the only concern, then braces or orthodontic treatment is the right path for you. However, if you are unhappy with the shape or colour or texture of your teeth then cosmetic dentistry is a sensible option. Even in such cases, braces can be used for pre-aligning the teeth where required. Here; pre aligning with use of recent advances like Inman aligners can considerably shorten treatment time. The golden rule to apply here would be – ‘Treat young patients Idealistically and treat adult patients Realistically’.
  
  How painful is the treatment?
  Slight discomfort may be experienced for the first week if present till the lips and teeth adjust around it. Which is almost negated in case of ceramic and clear braces compared to the metal ones.
  
  Will my mouth be full of metal during orthodontic treatment?
  Well, with the advancements in dentistry; that question is a non-entity. One can opt for ceramic /clear brackets or even bracketless systems (consisting of only series of trays) such as Clearpath aligners to avoid that problem.
DIASTEMA / SPACING
- Spacing is the presence of unaesthetic gaps or spaces between teeth. The term “Diastema” is most commonly applied to an open space between the upper incisors (front teeth).
  
  REASON FOR DIASTEMA AND IT’S MANAGEMENT:
  Diastema occurs whenever there is a discrepancy between the size of the teeth and the jaw. It is sometimes caused or exacerbated by the action of the labial frenum – a muscle tissue connecting the lips to the gum – or by tongue thrusting or spreading of teeth due to periodontal diseases.
  
  In adulthood; sudden appearance of increasing spaces between teeth is the first indicatin of loosening gums (periodontal disease).
  
  Management of these unaestheic spaces would be twofold-
  FIRSTLY- Treating the spaces
  
  SECONDLY – Treating the cause of diastema (occurrence of these spacings) so as to prevent recurrence. This involves treating either the underlying habit or any underlying gum disease simultaneously. If there is a thick labial frenum/ interdental papilla that is pshing the apart soon after spacing correction – this tissue needs to be removed which can now-a-days be done painlessly with the elp of LASERS. This procedure is called “FRENECTOMY.”
  
  There are two options of treating diastema or spacing in between the teeth: First involves orthodontically moving the teeth(braces/aligners) and this line of treatment usually requires around 10 months for correction. Second involves placement of porcelain veneers or metal free crowns.
  Porcelain veneers are wafer thin pieces of porcelain applied directly over the tooth structure after some initial tooth preparation. Once fused, they can re-establish the look of straight teeth and can close spaces without the use of braces. Additionally, the color, shape, and size of the teeth can be altered to the wishes of the patient for overall smile enhancement. The greatest advantage being that the treatment can be completed in only two painless visits.
  
  COSMETIC DENTISTRY / DIASTEMA TREATMENT DEMYSTIFIED:
  Which treatment option is preferred – braces or cosmetic correction?
  Gaps between the teeth can be closed by either pulling the teeth together with braces orthodontically or cosmetically by placing porcelain laminates, lumineers or metal free crowns. If only spacing is a problem then either of it is a good option; however if teeth are malformed or missing resulting in the presence of gaps then directly going in for cosmetic correction is a more viable option.
  
  What is cosmetic treatment or Smile designing?
  It is an artistic method to align your teeth and beautify your smile. In this we design the metal free laminates/crowns so as to close the gaps between the teeth. Laminates and Lumineers are relatively non invasive methods of achieving gap closure along with change in colour and shape of the teeth when the teeth are perfectly aligned.
  
  What would be the duration of procedure?
  Braces would require 6 months (+/- 2 months) while cosmetic correction is achieved in a week’s time.
  
  What would be the investment in terms of costs involved?
  The cost depends on the type and quality of materials involved. You can visit the treatment charges section and crowns/dental laminates and orthodontic treatment sections for further information.
  
  How painful is the treatment?
  As we numb the tissues and then the teeth during the procedure and you will be leaving the dental clinic with temporaries there is no fear of pain either during or after the procedure.
  
  Will the new smile look and feel natural?
  All cosmetic treatments involve CAD CAM technology and metal free materials (porcelain/zirconia) that ensure precise fit and translucency (naturality).
  
  Can anyone perform the procedure?
  Cosmetic dentistry requires thorough knowledge of the esthetic principles, a keen eye for esthetics and knowledge of handling superior materials such as rubber base, light body, bonding cements etc that play a key role in the outcome. Also, the art involves expertise in methodical sequencing of treatment to reduce the no. of visits and providing esthetics without compromising the integrity of the tooth. Hence, a Master’s degree and high experience of the concerned dentist are always recommended.
  
  Does it recur or Is it permanent?
  YES. The crowns/ laminates are permanently bonded/fixed onto the teeth. However, treating the cause of diastema (occurrence of these spacing) is equally important so as to prevent recurrence. This involves treating either the underlying habit or any underlying gum disease simultaneously. If there is a thick labial frenum/ interdental papilla that is pushing the teeth apart soon after spacing correction – this tissue needs to be removed which can now-a-days be done painlessly with the help of LASERS. This procedure is called “FRENECTOMY.” In some cases fixed retention is advocated after correction of spaces. Your dentist would be a better judge of that.
DENTAL IMPLANT [IMPLANTOLOGY]
- Implants are substitutes for lost teeth. In this procedure we need not cut down the teeth either side for crowns to support the bridge. Designed for toothless areas, this treatment involves implanting artificial dental roots made of titanium which is a special metal to the jaw bone for a natural feel as well as aesthetic satisfaction. The material is similar to the screws and plates placed in knee operations as is completely safe and can absorb heavy loading. This is safe and a better alternative to the existing bridge or denture.
  
  Placing an implant requires a small operation. It is carried out under local anesthesia, the same that is given for removal of teeth. Dental implants can be used to support a number of dental prostheses, including crowns, implant supported bridges or denture.
  
  IMPLANTS FOR COMPLETE DENTURE: Replacing all teeth in the mouth can be achieved by either placing the conventional removable complete dentures that get support from the gums or preferably by a fixed option as either Fixed complete dentures or fixed bridges;with the advantages of fixed replacement being; integration into bone preventing bone loss unlike crowns and bridges, thus delaying the signs of aging.Normal dentures often mean you can’t eat or speak well, due to the dentures moving about. But teeth attached to an implant don’t cause this problem.
  
  The number of implants required to replace all the teeth in one jaw depends mainly on the following factors;
  - The age of patient and esthetic quotient balanced with the financials.
  - Medical status and condition of bone present.
  - Diet considerations.
  For fixed complete denture in one jaw; depending on the above factors a min. of 2 implants to a max. Of 4 implants would be required per jaw for optimum results and longevity.
  
  In case of fixed ceramic bridge/Hybrid denture, a min. of 6 to a maximum of 8-10 implants would be required per jaw to bear the load and provide stability for long term use.
  
  In both cases a minimum healing period of 4-6 months would be required before placing the fixed prosthesis (replacement). In the interim period, a temporary denture would have to be used.
  
  FINANCIALS INVOLVED :Cost of the treatment would be around Rs. 30000-35000 per implant. [e.g; Rs 60000 for 2 implants and so on].
  
  The cost of prosthesis depends on the quality of dentures or the type of bridge one opts for. A good regular Complete denture set would cost Rs 15000.If you are looking for high end imported dentures they range from 25000-50000 depending on the quality and type. The whole process of fabricating the denture can be completed within a weeks' time. The prices are inclusive for upper and lower dentures both.
  
  For any further doubts and queries please feel free to contact us on 9986560009/9886644249.
  
  IMPLANT TREATMENT DEMYSTIFIED :
  Can anyone undergo Implants? How long will they last?
  First, you should decide whether implants could be right for you. Contact us to arrange an implant consultation and discussion and we will let you know the treatment options. In general; Implants are a well-established, tried-and-tested treatment. Generally we say implant would last for the lifetime. But it also depends on your bone changes.
  
  Implant placement also depends on the state of the bone in your jaw. Your dentist will arrange for a special radiograph to assess the amount of bone still there. If there is not enough, or if it isn’t healthy enough, grafting or placing of bone may be required prior to placing implants in that area first.
  
  If we have some of our teeth existing can we still undergo implant treatment?
  Yes. one single tooth to a complete set can be replaced with the use of implants.
  
  Do dental implant treatment procedures hurt?
  Placing the implants requires a small operation carried out under local anesthesia itself- the same that is given for removal of teeth. You may feel some discomfort usually due to having stitches and the normal healing process which is relived by the medication prescribed.
  
  Can I have the new teeth straight away?
  Sometimes yes; but mostly; the implants need to bond to the bone after they have been placed. This takes at least 3 months in the lower jaw and 6 months in the upper jaw. If you are having one, two or three teeth replaced, you will have a temporary restoration in the meantime. If you have complete dentures, then you can wear them throughout the healing period once they have been adjusted after the surgery. A lot depends on how complicated your treatment is. Your dentist will be able to give you a timetable once the surgery has been done. In the meantime however, immediate loading teeth or temporary crowns are placed.
  
  If I had gum disease earlier with my teeth, will it recur with the teeth attached to the implants?
  Only if you don’t care for them well enough. If you keep them clean, then you should not have any problems.
  
  Are the dentures or crowns attached to implants removable or fixed?
  Most artificial teeth attached to implants can only be placed and removed by the dentist. However, if you have complete dentures fixed to the implants by bars, then you’ll be able to take them out for cleaning.
  
  Do I need an implant for every missing tooth?
  No, unless you’re only having a single tooth replaced. Normally, four to six implants are used to replace all the teeth in one jaw, as each implant can usually support two teeth. For a few missing teeth, two or three implants may be sufficient.
  
  Are the teeth difficult to clean?
  Cleaning around the teeth attached to the implants is no more difficult than cleaning natural teeth. However, you’ll be shown methods to help keep your implant area clean and healthy.
  
  What happens in case the implant does not integrate with the bone?
  This happens very rarely. If the implant becomes loose during the healing period or just after, then it is easily removed and healing takes place in the normal way. Once the jaw has healed, another implant can be placed there. Or, the dentist can make a bridge, using the implanted false teeth that have ‘taken’.
  
  Is the treatment expensive?
  Unfortunately, yes. However, in many situations, the cost of the treatment is only a little more than the cost of more conventional treatment with crowns and bridges.
  
  There are advantages to it, too. An implant to replace a single tooth avoids the need to cut down the teeth either side for crowns to support a bridge. Also the implants serve a lifetime and not only till your adjacent teeth remain healthy like in bridges. Moreover, with age as all other teeth are lost, the implants already present can be used to provide fixed complete dentures. Normal dentures often mean you can’t eat or speak well, due to the dentures moving about. But teeth attached to an implant don’t cause this problem. Also, the implants integrate into bone preventing bone loss unlike crowns and bridges, thus delaying the signs of aging.