All posts by SD Team

Causes of Toothache Or Tooth Pain That You Must Know

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Toothache is a nightmare for anyone and everyone. It is very difficult to ignore tooth pain irrespective of its severity. A toothache or tooth pain is nothing but a pain that is felt around the tooth. It is generally a sign that is something is wrong with the tooth or the surrounding gums. The severity of tooth pain may range from mildly annoying to excruciatingly painful. Sometimes the pain may be referred pain due to other causes. The causes of toothache or tooth pain may be dental or non-dental.

Dental Causes of Toothache

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay may cause toothache whose severity can range from mild to severe. The cavities may penetrate the enamel and the underlying dentin of the tooth leading to tooth pain. In more severe cases, the infection reaches the pulp of the tooth causing abscess formation and excruciating pain.

Tooth Damage

One of the most common causes of toothache is damage to the tooth structure. A tooth that is chipped or broken due to trauma may lead to tooth pain. In some cases, broken or damaged filling, dental implant, etc. may also cause toothache.

Gum Disease

Gum disease may cause redness and swelling of gums that may contribute to tooth pain and gum pain. Dental pain can be caused due to gingivitis where there is plaque buildup. This leads to red and swollen gums. If remain untreated, it may cause periodontitis, and the inner layer of the gums pulls away from the teeth. There is a pocket formation where food debris and bacteria get collected leading to pain.

Non-Dental Causes of Toothache

In some cases, the tooth pain is not related to the tooth and there can be some non-dental causes that cannot be ruled out.

Cluster Headache

The pressure caused by cluster headache is found to be associated with tooth pain.

Nerve Disease

A neurotic condition known as trigeminal neuralgia is known to cause sharp pain on one side of the face.

Sinus Pain Infection

The pressure of fluid-filled sinuses creates pain in the back corners of the mouth leading to tooth pain. If an individual suffers from sinus infection regularly, then it may lead to tooth pain near the sinus cavities.

Diabetes

Uncontrolled levels of blood sugar may increase the chances of tooth decay leading to toothache.

Vitamin Deficiency

Inadequate vitamin B12 is also known to be associated with tooth pain.

The patient needs to visit the best dentist in order to identify the cause of the toothache. The dentist will help in relieving the pain by giving proper treatment.

Six Smile Enhancing Procedures Offered by a Cosmetic Dentist

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A smiling face is considered a beautiful face. It is an inexpensive way to improve the looks of an individual. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the aesthetics and appearance of an individual. The field of cosmetic dentistry has become so advanced and popular as it gives an individual a picture-perfect smile. There are different procedures that are offered by cosmetic dentists for enhancing the smile.

1. Teeth Whitening

This procedure is also known as teeth bleaching and allows the dentist to brighten and whiten the discolored or stained teeth. This process can be done at home or in the dental office. But, the at-home kits are usually not as effective as the procedure done by an expert dentist. The process of teeth whitening is painless and quick. There are different in-office teeth whitening brands like Philips ZOOM, LumaLite, BriteSmile, etc.

2. Dental Bonding

This is a procedure that helps in repairing decayed or chipped teeth, closing gaps, and changing the shape of crooked teeth. A durable plastic resin is bonded to the teeth which is the same color as the teeth. It is quicker and less expensive and does not compromise the original structure of the teeth.

3. Dental Veneers

Veneers are a thin shell that is made of composite or porcelain material. They are customized according to the patient and are cemented to the front side of the tooth. They are dyed to match the color of the natural tooth. The process is time-consuming as compared to dental bonding. The porcelain veneers are usually more preferred as they are stain-resistant as compared to the resin veneers and can reflect light more naturally.

4. Enamel Shaping

In enameloplasty or enamel shaping, a dentist reshapes the tooth by filing or removing some part of the enamel for aesthetic purposes. It is an easy way to fix small chips, uneven enamel, and irregular tooth shape. The process is painless and can produce immediate effects.

5. Gum Reshaping

Gum contouring or gingival contouring is a procedure that helps in treating gummy smiles. It can also be done to cure gum recession along with cosmetic reasons. A new gum line is directly drawn in the mouth and the procedure is done under local anesthesia.

6. Orthodontic Treatment

This treatment is not only for kids but also for adults. Adults seek orthodontic treatment plans for cosmetic reasons. If the patient has crooked teeth or buck teeth, then this is an ideal choice of treatment.

Wisdom Tooth: Pain, Symptoms, and Treatment

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The wisdom tooth or third molar is generally the last tooth to erupt in the oral cavity. Many people face issues with their wisdom teeth as in several cases, the tooth is impacted and is the cause of tremendous pain. It is important to notice the warning signs of a troublesome wisdom tooth. Some people may experience continuous pain while some may have pain only while eating or touching that particular tooth.

Causes

● Impacted wisdom teeth might be because of insufficient space availability for tooth eruption.
● The mouth is too crowded for the normal eruption of wisdom teeth.

Symptoms

It is not necessary that impacted teeth may always cause symptoms. But, if it shows signs of infections, then there might be the presence of signs and symptoms like-

● Swollen or red gums
● Tender and bleeding gums
● Swelling around the jaw
● Pain in jaw
● Halitosis or bad breath
● A peculiar and unpleasant taste in the mouth
● Trismus or difficulty in mouth opening

Treatment

The dentist examines the wisdom tooth and takes an x-ray. After visualizing the x-ray, the dentist will suggest the best possible treatment plan. It might include:

Medications

The dentist may advise antibiotics to clear the infection present in the wisdom tooth. It is usually advisable to take it at least a week before getting the tooth removed or repaired. It helps in healing the infection and prevents the further spread of infection. If the patient suffers from pain, then the dentist may also prescribe pain medications.

Conservative Approach

Once the infection is treated, the dentist may have a good look and decide on the removal of the tooth of a conservative approach that might help in saving the tooth. The cavity can be filled which helps in avoiding trapping of food and curbing bacterial growth.

Removal

If the tooth is not salvageable, then the dentist might decide to remove the tooth. Minor dental surgery is required to remove the infected wisdom tooth. This helps in reducing the further spread of infection.

It is difficult to prevent the occurrence of impaction of wisdom tooth but it is advisable to do a regular dental check-up at least twice a year. This allows the dentist to monitor the growth and emergence of the third molar and help in preventing any complications.

Save Your Tooth With Root Canal Treatment

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Nothing can function better than a natural tooth. Regular brushing, flossing, and check-up with the dentist help in keeping the teeth healthy for a long time. But, sometimes, a tooth may get infected or decayed that may require additional care. Many people prefer to get their infected tooth removed as it is easier and cost-effective. But, it is best advisable to save the natural tooth that helps in better functioning. If the infection has reached the pulp of the tooth, then the dentist advises a root canal treatment.

What is the Root Canal Treatment?

The root canal treatment is used to repair an infected tooth and save it. The pulp of the tooth is infected due to decay which is removed during the root canal procedure. The inside of the tooth is cleaned and then filled with a biocompatible material.

Signs for Getting Root Canal

● Sensitivity to hot or cold
● Sharp pain while biting or chewing
● Chipped or cracked tooth
● Swollen or painful gums
● Deep decay reaching the pulp
● Pimples on the gum near the affected tooth

Procedure of Root Canal

The root canal procedure can be performed by an endodontist or dentist. The procedure involves:

Anesthetic

The dentist applies a numbing medication on the gums near the affected tooth. Once the effect starts, local anesthesia is injected into the gums. The patient remains awake during the procedure but will not feel any pain.

Access Opening

The dentist makes a small opening on the top of the tooth to expose the pulp. All the decayed portion is removed and access is made to remove the pulp.

Removal of the Pulp

Once, the infected, pulp is exposed, it is removed with the help of special tools called files. A series of root canal files are used to clean the pulp chamber to the full length of the tooth. Saline or sodium hypochlorite is used to flush out the debris.

Sealing of the Canal

Once the canals are thoroughly cleaned, sealing is done. Some dentists may wait for some time to seal the tooth to see if any infection is left behind. A sealer paste and a thermo-plasticized material called gutta-percha are used to seal the root canal. A filling is used to close the open cavity.

Restoration

A root canal is done when there is extensive decay. Hence, it becomes important to palace a zirconia crown above the tooth in order to prevent it from breaking and restore the full function of the tooth.

A root canal is a relatively simple and painless procedure and helps in conserving the natural tooth. With proper care, root canal-treated teeth may last for a lifetime.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction – The Painless Way

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Wisdom tooth extractions is the last recommendation given by any dentist. Most people fear dental pain and the procedures associated with it. The dentist always tries to preserve the tooth but resort to extraction if the tooth is impossible to save.

Reason for Extractions of Wisdom Tooth

● Severe Infection: If there is a severe infection, then the dentist advises extraction of the third molar.
● Impaction: If the third molar is impacted, then it is better to remove it as it may lead to pain and inflammation.

Procedure for Painless Removal of Wisdom Tooth

It is very important to get rid of the infected tooth as it may pose problems with the other tooth. The dentists make use of advanced dental technology that helps in carrying out the procedure efficiently and the patient does not feel pain during the procedure. Some procedures used by the dentist are:

Less pain at the injection site

Most patients are afraid of the pain caused due to injections. But, now dentists make use of numbing sprays or paste and apply it on the injection site. Once, the area becomes numb, the dentist injects the local anesthesia that causes almost negligible pain.

Avoiding the use of drills

The noise of the drill scares the patient a lot. But, the dentist has started making use of a laser technology system that gives easy access to the tooth and clears away infection. This causes less pain and discomfort to the patient.

Experience of the dentist

The over the years experience of the dentist matters a lot while removal of wisdom tooth. An experienced dentist knows the procedure well with the least discomfort and pain. Hence, it is advisable to get the tooth removed only from an experienced dentist.

Protecting Your Smile with Proper Teeth Care

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A pearly white smile is enough to create a long-lasting impression while a tight-lipped smile has the opposite effect on the person. It is very important to take proper care of teeth in order to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. The dentist in India recommends some tips that help in keeping the teeth and gums strong and give a healthy smile to an individual.

Proper Maintenance of Oral Hygiene

Maintaining proper oral hygiene is very easy and requires just a little bit of discipline. Every individual should brush their teeth twice a day. It is recommended to gargle after every meal either with warm water or alcohol-free mouthwash so that there are no food particles stuck in teeth. Flossing also plays a vital role in maintaining oral hygiene.

Healthy Eating Habits

Some foods help in keeping the teeth healthy. Food like cheese helps in lowering the level of acidity which in turn prevents erosion of enamel. Calcium-rich food helps in keeping the teeth strong and gives strength to the jaw. Apple helps in stimulating the blood circulation to the gums and rinse away the bacteria.

Avoid Sugary and Acidic Foods

Sugary and acidic food is very harmful to the teeth. It causes the enamel to erode and stimulates plaque formation. It is recommended to consume this food in moderation. Sugary stuff should be consumed in a sitting position where the saliva helps in washing away the sugar. Constant snacking stimulates the growth of bacteria that damages the teeth.

Avoid Stain-Causing Substances

Coffee, aerated drinks, and smoking cause stains on the teeth. It is advisable to reduce the excessive consumption of coffee. Smoking should be quit as it not only damages the teeth but also the overall health of an individual.

Regular Visit to the Dentist

It is recommended to visit the dentist every six months. The dentist can examine the oral cavity and check if there is any problem. It is best to treat any problem at an initial stage rather than making it worse. Scaling or cleaning of the teeth should be done every six months so that there are absolutely no deposits in the teeth that may cause gum diseases if left untreated.

Taking proper care of the teeth is very easy and the individual needs to follow a proper oral health maintenance regime. It is advisable to consume healthy food and avoid food that might damage the tooth structure. If the teeth are healthy, nothing can take away.

Ceramic Braces – Conveniently Acquiring A Great Smile

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Ceramic or clear braces are one of the most used braces for treatment by orthodontists in India. They are an excellent option especially for adults who are seeking discreet orthodontic treatment. They offer the patients a comprehensive and less visible form of braces that are capable of correcting various types of malalignment. They work just like any other traditional braces but are made of clear brackets that easily blend with the natural tooth.

Benefits of Ceramic Braces

1. Aesthetics

The ceramic braces make use of clear brackets and tooth-colored wires that makes it less visible. As they are transparent in nature, they easily blend with the natural teeth and hence, make it difficult to detect.

2. Comfort

The ceramic braces are made of an innovative material that is less abrasive and provides a comfortable experience. It does not aggravate or irritate the gums and hence, there is no chaffing of the gums. There is a slight discomfort only when there is tightening of braces which is generally manageable.

Ideal Candidate for Ceramic Braces

● Any candidate who has all the adult teeth present.
● Any person who is seeking a less noticeable form of braces.
● The person having mild to moderate spacing and crowding.
● Ideal for patients who take good care of their teeth by regular brushing and flossing.

Contraindications for Ceramic Braces

There are some conditions where ceramic braces are not indicated. They are:

● Patients with severe alignment or bite issues.
● Patient with poor oral hygiene.
● As the brackets are clear, it can be easily stained if the patient is a smoker.

Cost of Ceramic Braces

There are many factors that decide the cost of braces. But, on average, the ceramic braces cost may range from $4000 to $8000. The patient can check with their dental insurance plans if the treatment is covered by them, which will help in further reducing the cost. The orthodontist will guide with the proper cost of the treatment.

Caring for Ceramic Braces

All the braces require special care so that it does not break and helps in accelerating the treatment procedure. It is important to follow some tips that helps in taking care of the ceramic braces.

● Avoid food that may leave stains on the ligatures that hold the wires to the brackets.
● Smoking and drinking should be avoided as that may cause stains.
● It is important to brush teeth twice a day.
● Flossing is recommended and orthodontic floss can be used to clean the area below the wires.

Ceramic braces are an excellent option to keep the braces low-key. The orthodontist is the best person to guide regarding the choice of braces that can help in better alignment of the teeth.

How to Get the Perfect Hollywood Smile

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Everyone dreams of a perfect Hollywood smile and the recent technological advances have made it possible to achieve it easily. A perfect smile with pearly white and straight teeth can be easily achieved through cosmetic dentistry. As the trend is growing, there is an increase in the demand for cosmetic dentistry procedures. There are a wide variety of treatment options available and the patient can opt for them according to their requirements and budget.

Teeth Whitening

It is a teeth cleaning procedure that can remove the stains and discoloration and transform the smile. It does not change the shape or size of the teeth but a change in color gives a fresh and aesthetically-pleasing smile.

Dental Veneers

Veneers are thin-shell-like structures that are generally made of porcelain. It is a permanent way to improve the shape, size, color, and alignment of the teeth. Only a small amount of healthy tooth has to be removed and the customized porcelain veneer is fixed on it. With proper care and maintenance, it can last for about 15 years.

Replacement of Missing Teeth

A gap created due to missing natural teeth can affect the smile. Dental implants can be used effectively to fill the gap that helps in enhancing the appearance and bite. In cases where the implant is not possible, the dentist may prefer dental bridges for replacing the missing natural teeth. This is an effective way to restore the smile.

Dental braces or Invisalign

An orthodontist may make use of dental braces or Invisalign to correct the form of teeth. It can help in filling the gaps and straightening the teeth. The patient who is reluctant to put on metal braces can go for Invisalign that are almost invisible trays used for correcting malignment and enhancing the look and smile.

Regular Maintenance

A healthy smile can be easily maintained by taking proper care of teeth. It is recommended to brush the teeth twice a day and making use of mouthwash. Flossing also helps in preventing bacterial infections. If proper care is not done, then it may deteriorate the condition of oral health. It is important to visit the dentist at least twice a year in order to ensure that there is no plaque accumulation. The dentist can also detect any caries and stains that will get immediate attention. Practicing all these techniques can help in preserving the Hollywood smile.

Cost for Different Braces – An Important Bracing Factor in Decision Making

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Dental braces are the devices used to craft a beautiful smile by aligning the teeth. There are different types of braces available in the market for treating malalignment and creating beautiful smiles. The prices of different braces vary throughout the country and depend on different factors. The orthodontists in India examine the oral cavity and decide on the treatment plan and the budget of the complete process. There are different factors that have an impact on the cost of braces.

Complexity of the Case

The cost of the braces depends upon the type of correction that is required to achieve a beautiful smile. If the condition is minor and requires only a few brackets then the cost is less as compared to complex situations that require more supplemental attachments.

Length of Treatment

The length of time that a patient wears the braces play a decisive role in the cost. The progress of the treatment also depends upon the co-operation and active participation of the patient. If patients take good care of the braces, then the treatment procedure can be faster as compared to patients who can keep breaking their brackets.

Type of Braces

The cost of braces varies according to the type of braces that the patient opts for. The traditional metal brackets are cost-effective as compared to other options like Invisalign. But, the popularity of Invisalign is increasing tremendously and have become quite affordable.

Aftercare Retainers

Once the braces are removed, it is important to retain the achieved results. As the teeth have a natural tendency to shift back, retainers play a major role in keeping them in place. The retainers can be removable or fixed and require extra cost.

Expertise of an Orthodontist

This is a very common factor that affects the cost of treatment. The more experienced and in-demand orthodontists will charge higher price for the services offered by them. The orthodontists spend extra years in getting expertise in moving teeth and crafting smiles that influence the treatment cost.

Average Cost of Dental Braces

The cost of braces varies from patient to patient and case to case. The dental insurance can help in shaving off some of the costs but it also varies according to the insurance plan of an individual. The average cost can be as follows:

● Metal Braces- $3500 to $6000
● Ceramic Braces- $4000 to $8000
● Lingual Braces- $8000 to $10,000
● Invisalign- $4000 to $8000

Braces can be expensive but are the most effective method to gain a beautiful smile. The patient can consult the orthodontist in India and choose the most pocket-friendly treatment option to go ahead on the path of transforming a smile.