Studies estimate that oral diseases affect around 3.58 billion people. And dental cavities in permanent teeth? They are the most prevalent condition. 

Periodontal diseases (that affect the surrounding structures of teeth) are also notoriously prevalent, affecting and compromising your quality of life.

The earlier such problems are detected, the better it is for your health. 

Here’s why a regular dental checkup should be a part of your life:

DETECT EARLY SIGNS OF CAVITIES

If you have a tiny cavity that could damage your tooth further, the dentist might start you on fluoride treatment or restore the cavity with a dental filling. Early treatment of caries can save your tooth’s life. You may or may not need an X-ray, depending on how much your tooth is decayed. What’s more, your dentist can identify any abscess or cysts that could be a hindrance to your normal oral health.

PREVENT CALCULUS FORMATION

Calculus is hard and mineralised, and is famous for sticking to your teeth in such a way that normal brushing or flossing is not enough. Stains and calculus make your teeth look shabby, and might also cause gum problems. Since these deposits cannot be cleaned at home, getting your teeth cleaned and polished twice a year at your dentist’s is an excellent bet. 

DETECT ORAL CANCER

Your dentist will check your oral cavity for any abnormal lumps, patches or other symptoms. Detection of cancer at an early stage can be very effective. The longer it stays, the worse it gets. Your dentist to look for potential signs and lesions of the oral mucosa.Moreover, a general examination will make you aware of any other systemic infection that can progress to worse case scenarios. 

DETECT GUM DISEASES

Having healthy gums is vital for your teeth to sustain. You should notify your dentist if you see signs such as soreness and bleeding gums. If treated early, it can prevent periodontal diseases, and even save you from losing teeth!

FOSTER PREVENTIVE DENTAL CARE:  If you frequently consume tobacco, alcohol or have a diet excessively rich in sugars, you might be more prone to dental problems. You can take your first step to maintain a healthy mouth today by asking your dentist for preventive measures.

STILL NOT CONVINCED? IMAGINE THIS:

Let’s say you have a small cavity right now. 

You leave it untreated, and bacteria eat up into your hard tissues. It hurts, but you’re not ready to go to the dentist yet. 

What’s next? The bacteria dig deeper, finally irritating the nerves of the tooth.

Now you’ve got yourself a root canal treatment recommended.

But it’s been a month and your boss won’t give you a leave. You forget about it.

Now we have a highly inflamed pulp infection that solicits an extraction. You still need to eat and function normally, so now we’re getting implants worth thousands.

While this is not the usual norm, imagine the pain you could have saved yourself if you just went to the dentist for a regular checkup earlier. 

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT DENTAL CHECKUPS:

• How much does a dental check up cost?

The cost of a regular dental checkup is definitely less than the cost of negligence. 

If you have a small cavity right now and don’t get it fixed right away, the chances of it progressing to worse-case scenarios are rather high. We’ve reiterated that enough by now, haven’t we?

• Do you need to see a dentist every 6 months?

A 100% yes. 

If you’re someone who is prone to dental problems, we’d recommend visiting the dentist every 3 months.

• What does a dentist do at a dental checkup?

When you go for a regular dental checkup, your mouth is examined with the help of an instrument called a mouth mirror. 

The dentist will check for any visible lesions, stains or tartar formation.

In order to check if your gums are healthy, he might use a dental probe. 

Depending on your tooth status, he may also suggest an Xray.

Your treatment plan is devised accordingly.

• When should you schedule your first dental appointment?

Don’t wait for your tooth to ache. Most dental problems can be prevented, and you might have a great chance of saving money and maintaining good oral health if you get regular checkups. Visit your dentist every 3-6 months to prevent potential problems. 

• How long does a dental check up take?

On an average, it takes only 5-20 minutes for a quick checkup. But the time may vary according to your needs. 

• Checkup and cleaning with braces

If you have braces, you might be annoyed with the care routine. Getting them cleaned by a professional is always a good option. 

• What should you do between two dental visits?

Visiting the dentist is not the only key in maintaining good oral health. Limited use of alcohol, tobacco and high sugar diets, along with proper brushing and flossing ensures complete oral hygiene.

• What will the dentist ask me on the first dental visit?

The dentist might ask you about your past medical history, and if you’re on any medications or not (diabetes, hypertension, etc)

He might also want to know your past dental history and oral hygiene practices. Remember, being honest with your dentist is crucial for planning a proper treatment plan. Be it alcohol use, tobacco consumption or fear of injections- let your dentist know everything on the first visit itself.

• How to pass a dental checkup?

It’s not an exam.  No dentist will ever judge you for the condition of your teeth. As professionals, it is our duty to advise the best treatment plan and ensure that you have preventive care, all at the right time! 

History has it that “later” is never a good option in healthcare. Complex dental procedures like getting an implant or getting your tooth pulled out can be avoidable if treated at an early stage. 

So when was the last time you visited a dentist? 

Call to book your appointment or visit 32 Intact Dental and Cosmetic Clinic and get your teeth checked today!

Maybe you lost your tooth to decay, or a periodontal disease came your way. Irrespective of the reason, replacement of missing teeth can help you avoid compromising on your quality of life.

Here are the best dental options to consider for replacing missing teeth:

DENTAL IMPLANTS

Think of implants like a fixed artificial replacement of your tooth’s root.

Implants are made up of biocompatible materials, and they fit snugly into your jawbone. 

They’re an effective option to consider, and the best dental treatment available for missing teeth. However, implant surgery requires time and is relatively costly.

ADVANTAGES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS

• They’re almost like natural teeth, enabling you to chew, speak or smile normally as you would with your teeth!
• They last for many years, and don’t require any special hygiene habits.
• Your other teeth need not be modified (as is done in bridges)

DISADVANTAGES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS

• Implant surgeries are invasive, taking a couple of months to complete the whole process.
• They can be costly.

Implant-supported crowns, bridges and dentures are all effective options to replace missing teeth. Visit our clinic to know more about the best implant options that will help you have your teeth back for years to come.

REMOVABLE PARTIAL DENTURES

Removable partial dentures are a cost-effective solution if you have a number of missing teeth. 

In cases where implants or bridges won’t work, removable partial dentures are a safe bet.  They can be easily removed from your mouth, without any help from a professional.

Conventional partial dentures also have clasps that hold onto the surrounding teeth for support.

ADVANTAGES OF REMOVABLE PARTIAL DENTURES

• Removable partial dentures restore the normal function of teeth
• Removable partial dentures are relatively affordable
• Removable partial dentures are less invasive

DISADVANTAGES OF REMOVABLE PARTIAL DENTURES

• You may experience discomfort during the initial days of wearing the denture.
• Removable partial dentures could potentially increase buildup of plaque around the tooth that supports the denture.
• You might have to take extra care of your dentures for better results.

FIXED BRIDGE

Dental bridges take the support of adjacent teeth and form a bridge over the missing portion. They allow for fixed replacement of teeth,and are especially useful if you have one or more missing teeth in an area. 

ADVANTAGES OF DENTAL BRIDGE:

• Just like the other options, they restore your smile and help you chew and speak normally-all while preserving your facial structures.
• They’re relatively inexpensive compared to dental implants.

DISADVANTAGES OF DENTAL BRIDGE

• In order to gain support for the bridge, your natural teeth need to be modified.
• If these natural teeth undergo decay, the bridge might be compromised.
• You need to pay special attention to cleaning the area around the bridge.

COMPLETE DENTURE

If all your teeth are missing, you might consider getting a complete denture. Imagine going from no teeth at all to a new set of teeth! A complete denture will replace all your teeth and give you your smile back.

ADVANTAGES OF A COMPLETE DENTURE:

• You can flash a big bright smile- totally! Plus, it has good aesthetics, enhances speech and helps you preserve facial structures. 
• If maintained well, they can be pretty long lasting.
• Conventional complete dentures are not that harsh on your pocket.

DISADVANTAGES OF A COMPLETE DENTURE:

• They may be uncomfortable at the beginning, especially lower dentures which do not stay stable.
• Ill-fitting dentures can cause other oral problems too.

Now that you have a brief knowledge about your options, why not consult your dentist and give yourself the smile you deserve?

Visit 32 Intact Dental

You’re anxious. 

You’re confused. 

What if you knew some dental terms that could help you understand the situation better? Don’t worry- we’ve got you covered!

Dentists usually try to explain what’s wrong in a simple manner. However, you can have an edge at understanding your dental problems by knowing these dental terms.

Read on to know 37 terms dentists often use, and what they mean:

ABSCESS: Dental abscess occurs when pus (that is a mixture of your blood cells) builds up in your teeth or gums. This happens because of bacteria invading your teeth through a cavity, or through a crack in the skin. It can be painful and progress into worse cases, so you should be visiting your dentist right away.

AMALGAM: Amalgam is the silver filling that is used to fill cavities. Although it’s not tooth coloured, amalgam is still the go-to material for many dentists because of its ability to last for a longer time in your oral cavity.

ALIGNERS: Aligners do just what their name suggests- they align your crooked teeth. They’re transparent and removable, making them an effective choice for people who do not want to opt for traditional braces.

ALVEOLAR BONE: That part of your jaw bone where your teeth are embedded. Along with other supporting structures, the alveolar bone makes sure your teeth are intact and in place.

ANESTHESIA: If the dentist says he is about to give you anesthesia, it means you won’t feel a thing as your nerve sensations are blocked. Pain won’t pass through the area where you are injected. This is why you don’t feel a thing when we pull your wisdom teeth out!

BRIDGE: Bridges are used to replace missing teeth. When placing a bridge in your oral cavity, the adjacent teeth are also prepared and used as support.

BRUXISM: Do you often find yourself clenching your teeth hard? Chances are you might hear your dentist say you have “bruxism”. Bruxism can be controlled by behavior modifications or wearing a mouthguard.CARIES: Caries is a fancy term for cavities. Dental caries is any infection that is caused by bacteria that eat up into your hard tooth structures. Cavities are the root of many dental problems, which is why we stress on getting them treated as early as you can.  

COMPOSITE: Tooth coloured filling that is used to fill your cavities.

CALCULUS: Calculus consists of hard and mineralised deposits that won’t go away by simple brushing. Brushing and flossing regularly is important to avoid buildup of calculus. 

CBCT: CBCT is an imaging technique that records fine details of your bones, nerves and other soft tissues. It helps your dentist plan his treatment efficiently. CBCT stands for Computed Cone Beam Tomography, and you could most likely be sent for one if you’re getting an implant.

CROWN: Think of crowns like the “caps” of teeth. They are custom made and are used to restore the normal function and appearance of missing or damaged teeth.

CUSPID: A cusp is an elevation on the tooth. Your canines and premolars are called cuspids and bicuspids (two cusps) respectively.

DENTIN:  Ah, sensitivity! Dentin is the yellowish portion of your tooth that lies beneath the enamel. If your dentin is exposed, then having hot tea or ice cream acts as a stimulus affecting the dentinal tubules which are filled with fluid. This fluid movement disturbs your nerves- which can cause sensitivity. 

DRY SOCKET: Dry socket is a painful condition that can develop after a permanent tooth extraction. It often happens if your blood clot is dislodged from that site. No worries though, it’s a condition that is easily treatable.

ENAMEL: See that white portion on the crown of your teeth? That is enamel. It’s hard and mineralised, and is often the structure that gets destroyed first when you get cavities. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but bacteria can destroy it if you aren’t keeping your mouth clean.

ENDODONTIST: An endodontist is someone you’d go to if you’re having problems related to the dental pulp. Root canal treatment and other endodontic procedures fall under the expertise of endodontists.

GINGIVITIS: A condition where the gums (pink portion around your teeth) are inflamed.

HALITOSIS: Bad breath is also called halitosis. It can occur due to poor oral hygiene, smoking, gum diseases, diet, etc.

IMPACTED TOOTH: Do you have any tooth that hasn’t completely erupted? That is what dentists call an impacted tooth. Your teeth fail to erupt properly because they do not get enough space, or other factors. Impacted wisdom teeth pain is a universal headache- and your best bet is to tend to it at the earliest.

IMPLANT: An implant is a fixed dental prosthesis made up of durable materials. It sits into your jawbone and makes a sturdy artificial replacement for your tooth.

MASTICATION: Mastication is a fancy term for chewing. Sometimes we wonder why we complicate things for all.

ORTHODONTIST: An orthodontist is concerned with correcting the alignment of teeth and jaws, and is your go-to person for anything to do with crooked teeth. Do you dream of those beautiful well-aligned smiles in Colgate ads? An orthodontist can turn that into a reality!

ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEON: An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is specialised in treating pathological conditions, injuries or defects of your face, jaw and oral cavity.

OCCLUSION:   When teeth are in perfect occlusion, it means that the upper and lower teeth are in a relationship that allows proper form and function of your teeth.

PERIODONTIST: Periodontists are dentists with specialised training to diagnose and treat any condition related to the periodontium (gums, alveolar bone, cementum and periodontal ligament)

PERIODONTITIS: A condition where the supporting structures of the tooth are inflamed.

PEDODONTIST: Or paediatric dentist, is your safest option for all dental procedures involving kids.They specialise in giving appropriate oral care advice for children.

PROSTHODONTIST: A prosthodontist is someone you’d go to if you have missing teeth and jaw structures, and want replacement for the same. Implants, crown, bridges, dentures- prosthodontists have a number of solutions to give you the smile you deserve.

PULP: Pulp is the vital tissue that sits protected by enamel and dentin. When your tooth aches, it is likely that your pulp is infected or involved.

PLAQUE: Plaque is soft and forms a sticky biofilm on your tooth surface. It’s nasty as it keeps coming back, which is why dentists stress on regular brushing. .

ROOT CANAL TREATMENT:  A root canal treatment will be recommended to you if your tooth decay has reached the pulp. The infected pulp is removed and replaced with dental materials, saving your tooth.

TOOTH NUMBERING SYSTEM:  In order to communicate efficiently, dentists use numbers for each tooth. When a dentist says “take an X-ray of 46”, he means take an X-ray of the first molar on the lower right side. There are many different numbering systems that we use.

You are now familiar with dental jargon that is used in everyday life; we bet your next dental visit will be a lot more enriching!