Frequently Asked Questions

The root canal treatment procedure begins with an intra-oral X-ray, which shows the extent of tooth decay or the rounded black spot at the end of the roots indicating a decrease in the density of bone due to infection. After local anesthesia to the concerned tooth, access is gained to the nerve area by a dental drill and a hole is made which leads to pulp chamber. Cleaning the tooth out to remove bacteria, degenerated nerve and debris is then done using RC files. These files are a series of increasing diameter used with a twisting motion as well as up and down in tooth to scrape and scrub sides of canals. The tooth is periodically flushed with saline or water. Once the tooth has been thoroughly cleaned, the interior is sealed by placing a root canal filling material either the same day or subsequently. The most common RC filling material, a rubber compound called 'gutta percha' comes in performed cones that are sized to match the files used to clean the canals. The cones are placed into the root canal (coated with a sealer) exactly to the tip of tooth, length is confirmed with an x-ray. The crown of tooth is then filled with amalgam (silver) filling which seals tooth from above.

• You are missing one tooth or more
• You are wearing a full or partial denture/loose dentures
• You have problems with existing crowns or bridges

• Avoids grinding down healthy teeth for conventional bridgework
• Avoids bone loss and gum recession associated with tooth loss
• Makes dentures secure
• Improves speech
• Helps promote long-term facial integrity

Common causes of periodontal / gum disease:

• Poor oral hygiene: The root cause of gum disease is plaque.
• Diet: Nutritional deficiencies (e.g. Vit. C deficiency), excessive alcohol consumption.
• Habits: Smoking, pan chewing, tobacco chewing, excessive use of toothpicks.
• Dental causes: Large unattended cavities, irregular teeth ill-fitting dentures, and ongoing braces treatment.
• Medical Causes: Diabetes, pregnancy, use of oral contraceptives, steroids, etc.

A composite resin is a tooth - coloured plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide). Composites are not only used to restore decayed areas, but are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the colour of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth.

Following preparation, the dentist providing cosmetic dentistry places the composite in layers, using a light specialized to harden each layer. The dentist then shapes the composite to fit the tooth and finally polishes the composite to prevent staining and early wear

Asethetics are the main advantage, since Cosmetic Dentists can blend shades to create a colour nearly identical to that of the actual tooth to support the remaining tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes.

Good dental health is established early in life. Oral care should begin soon after the babies' birth. Gums should be cleaned after each feeding. You can begin brushing your child's teeth as soon as they appear, using a super soft toothbrush.

Ideally, your child's first dental visit should be by the first birthday. Your dentist will check for decay and other problems, teach you how to clean your child's teeth and identify your child's fluoride needs. By starting dental visits early, you will help your child build a lifetime of good dental habits.

Yes. When babies are teething they often have sore and tender gums. The usually can be soothed by gently rubbing the baby's gums with a clean finger, a small, cool spoon or a wet gauze. Teething does not cause fever or diarrhoea. If your child has an elevated temperature, it needs to be addressed as a separate medical concern.

Yes, even though they will eventually fall out, milk teeth can get dental cavitities and need to be treated. As soon as teeth appear in the mouth, decay can occur. One serious form of decay among children is Baby Bottle tooth decay. Babies shouldn't fall asleep with bottles in their mouth - the sugar in juices or milk formulas can cause tooth decay, leading to dental cavities, dental discomfort, and even tooth loss. Plain water is usually best.

Teeth can discolour due to a variety of reasons. The commonest discoloration is dye to smoking or tobacco. Food and beverages such as tea, coffee, colas and red wine can be the culprit. Age can cause a natural darkening of teeth. Certain medications such as tetracycline, taken at a very young age. Increased exposure to fluorinated water. Dental infection, faulty or old dental fillings, and dental treatment such as a root canal treatment.

Dental Bleaching is a procedure where by certain bleaching agents are applied to the teeth in order to remove external and internal stains thus leaving the teeth several shades lighter. Various concentrations of hydrogen peroxide are available for this use.

Teeth Bleaching is basically of 2 types: Office Teeth Bleach : this is done by your dentist at the Medi Smile using a higher concentration of teeth bleaching material.
Home Teeth Bleach: This is done by yourself at home using teeth bleaching material and a special tray dispensed by your Dentist.
Depending on your type of dental staining and your time restriction, the dentist will advise either one or a combination of both of them.

Porcelain laminate veneers are coatings crafted out of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of a tooth. These dental veneers greatly enhance the look of your smile with as little discomfort as possible. These dental veneers are made to suit the patient's individual needs and are indistinguishable from natural teeth.

The process of having a dental veneer made for your tooth involves a few short visits to your Dentist. The procedure is simple and relatively painless. Your dentist will first analyse your smile to determine which teeth require veneers. Depending on how much tooth shaping is required, you may or may not require anesthesia. Minimal shaping of your teeth is then done and an impression is taken. Ceramic veneers take between 1-2 weeks to be made. During that period, your teeth may be fitted with temporary veneers to prevent sensitivity. Ceramic veneers are bonded to the teeth using special adhesives. Once fixed, these veneers are exceptionally strong. It takes only a day or two to get used to them.

A dental crown, often called a "cap" covers the entire tooth, unlike a dental veneer, which covers only the front surface of a tooth. A dental crown requires more shaping of the tooth structure and is often used to strengthen a weak or broken tooth. Dental crowns are extremely durable, aesthetic and are commonly used in the front and the back of the mouth.