Dr. Gupta Dental Care
+91-20-26855770/ +91 9822026351
FAQ
Cosmetic Dentistry
Q. What is cosmetic dentistry?
A. Cosmetic dentistry is the art and science of designing wonderful smiles. It involves all aspects of general dentistry with a special emphasis to ensure that the individual teeth, as well as the smile, look their very best.
Q. Should I consider Cosmetic Dentistry?
A. If your teeth are dark or worn and make you look older, if gaps or chips make you feel self-conscious, or if crooked or discolored teeth stop you from smiling fully, Cosmetic Dentistry can help.
Q. How long does it take to get a new smile?
A. Although each case is unique, some new smiles can be completed in a single visit.
Q. Can I afford Cosmetic Dentistry?
A. Cosmetic Dentistry offers many different options. All your questions and doubts are answered and treatment fees are discussed before the treatment begins.
Q. How do I get started on cosmetic dentistry?
A. At the time of the first Consultation, Dr. Gupta will help you evaluate your smile and understand your desires and discuss the available options. Call today to take the first step towards a beautiful smile.
Q.Paying for cosmetic Dentistry?
A. Let the dentist know your budget. He will plan accordingly. Sometimes he can do the job in stages or he will allow you to pay in installments.
Teeth Whitening / Bleaching
Bleaching will lighten teeth in 90% of the cases. Teeth that are yellow are the easiest to lighten. Teeth with dark brown teeth egg .tetracycline stains are very difficult to bleach. Sometimes porcelain veneers are required as well. Also discolored fillings and crowns cannot be bleached. They can be replaced after teeth bleaching
At Gupta Dental Care, there are 2 main methods of tooth whitening.
One system involves constructing custom made bleaching stents to hold the bleaching agent in the correct position against your teeth. This system involves wearing the stents for one to three hours per day for up to two weeks. As it is self-administered sensitivity and amount of shade change can be controlled.
The second technique is used specifically for the situation of a “dead” tooth that has changed color. Bleach can be placed internally to dramatically whiten and brighten the single crown.
Porcelain Veneers
Q. What are porcelain veneers?
A. Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic material, which are bonded to the front of a tooth. This procedure requires little or no anesthesia, and can be the ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front teeth. Porcelain veneers are placed to mask discolored teeth or change the appearance of teeth. The veneers are bonded to the teeth with very strong resin cement. One is able to control the color of the veneers or the shape of the teeth. These porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining.
Q. Why porcelain veneers?
A. Porcelain veneers are an excellent alternative to crowns in many situations. They provide a much more conservative approach to changing a tooth's color, size, or shape. Porcelain veneers can mask undesirable defects, such as teeth stained by tetracycline, by an injury, or as a result of a root-canal procedure, and are ideal for masking discolored fillings in front teeth. Patients with gaps between their front teeth or teeth that are chipped or worn may consider porcelain veneers. Generally, veneers will last for many years, and the technique has shown remarkable longevity when properly performed
Smile Makeover
Smile changes can be as simple as bleaching or involve veneers, crowns, bridges and implants. To create the perfect smile, we look at each element completely. From the length of your teeth, to the shape of the crowns, the position of your gums and their relationship with your smile are all assessed in detail.
No smile is too easy or too hard to transform and you are completely involved in helping its design.
Invisible Fillings / Cosmetic Bonding
Technology now offers attractive options for cavity restorations in dental care. Called composites, these new tooth-colored fillings are excellent choices for front teeth and other repairs that might be visible. Composites duplicate the natural appearance of a tooth in restoring decayed teeth or repairing a defect.
Q. Besides Their Cosmetic Value, What Other Benefits Do Composites Provide?
A. The bonding process used in restoration provides strength to the tooth, making it more structurally sound. It also seals the tooth, decreasing the chance of sensitivity to hot and cold. Some composites made with materials releasing fluoride are ideal for treating root decay, a condition when gums recede, exposing tooth roots to more cavity-causing plaque. These fluoride-releasing materials also are useful for filling decayed baby teeth.
Cosmetic Bonding
Bonding is a tooth-colored material applied and adhered to the surface of the tooth without reducing the structure of the tooth in most cases. Then the material is sculpted to create a natural-looking tooth. Bonding corrects chipped and broken teeth, discolored teeth and in some cases can correct gaps. It is less expensive than veneers but doesn’t last as long and can stain. A benefit of bonding is that generally, the natural structure of the tooth can be maintained.
Tooth stains and discolorations that resist professional tooth whitening procedures may also be masked with bonding. Although bonding may not be as long lasting as porcelain veneers or crowns, it can last for a number of years with proper care.
Gaps Between Teeth
One of the most widely used ways to minimize gaps in teeth is through traditional braces. Braces can help to bring them closer together or back into line, thus eliminating gaps. Braces can take 1-2 years to close the spaces, however for more minor gaps; they may not be the best solution.
For smaller gaps caused by teeth that are misshapen or slightly twisted, bonding or veneers can be a good solution. Because it is unlikely that these smaller gaps could be solved with braces or surgical realignment, bonding and veneers can be used to change the overall contours of a tooth or several teeth and help it to match its neighboring teeth in a more uniform fashion. For veneers, the offending tooth will be shaven down in order to provide a surface that can be covered with porcelain that is specifically shaped to match surrounding teeth. Bonding works in a similar manner but uses a resin-based substance to help contour your teeth to the overall look of your mouth.
Crowns
Crowns are indicated for cracked teeth and teeth with deep cavities; to protect teeth that have been filled by root-canal treatment; to provide extra support for bridges; and to cover poorly shaped or discolored teeth. Crowns may be made of metal, porcelain, or newer restorative materials like metal free ceramics. They are custom-made and fitted for each patient in conformation with the size and length of the natural teeth.
Crowns typically last five to eight years, but can last much longer with proper oral hygiene.
Bridges
When restoring a space with a fixed partial denture that will crown the teeth adjacent to the space and bridge the gap with a dummy tooth, the restoration is referred to as a bridge.
There are different types of bridges, depending on how they are fabricated and the way they anchor to the adjacent teeth.
A bridge is fabricated by reducing the teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth by a preparation pattern determined by the location of the teeth and by the material from which the bridge is fabricated. In other words, the abutment teeth are reduced in size to accommodate the material to be used to restore the size and shape of the original teeth in a correct alignment and contact with the opposing teeth.
The materials used for the bridges include gold, porcelain fused to metal, or in the correct situation porcelain alone. The amount and type of reduction done to the abutment teeth varies slightly with the different materials used. The recipient of such a bridge must be careful to clean well under this prosthesis.
Full Mouth Rehabilitation
Imagine being able to turn back the clock 20, 30 years or more. Full Mouth Rehabilitation is a comprehensive and complex process that involves restoring the teeth, bite, and muscles back to their natural looking and youthful feeling condition. Look younger - feel better.
Full mouth rehabilitation cases are one of the most difficult cases to manage in dental practice. This is because such cases involve not only replacement of the lost tooth structure but also restoring the lost vertical dimensions. Full mouth reconstruction is basically a set of procedures that are aimed at correcting an improper bite position as well as restoring chipped or worn out teeth. Improper jaw position is implicated in various neuro-muscular disorders as well as in headache and neck ache. Correcting the jaw position not only restores proper function, but also helps in enhancing the cosmetic appearance of the patient.
Dentures
Full and Partial Dentures
Full Dentures are designed for individuals who have only a few or no healthy teeth remaining in their mouth. Full dentures will provide you with a warm, natural looking smile that you can enjoy for many years to come. These dentures utilize the muscles of the tongue, cheeks, and lips for comfortable positioning and stability.
Conventional dentures are placed after a patient’s gums have healed following the extraction of any remaining teeth. Patients who are reluctant to be without teeth during the healing process can have their dentures placed immediately after the extraction of their remaining teeth. Dr. Gupta will help you figure out which type of denture placement is best suited for you needs.
Although dentures may initially make it difficult to eat certain foods and pronounce certain words, with a little practice, you will be able to enjoy most foods and have little trouble pronouncing even the most difficult words.
Partial Dentures are an excellent option for people who wish to fill the spaces left by multiple missing teeth. Unlike full dentures, partial dentures are anchored in place by clasps or hidden devices called precision attachments. Because they fit snugly and comfortably between existing teeth, partial dentures can eliminate discomfort associated with biting and chewing, as well as improve speech impediments caused by missing teeth. These Dentures also provide the support necessary to prevent teeth from shifting and causing gum damage.
Partial dentures are composed of prosthetic teeth, usually plastic, set in pink or gum-colored bases joined by a metal frame. These dentures are customized to match the size, shape, and color of your existing teeth to give you a full, natural looking smile.
Endodontic (Root canal therapy)
Why would I need an endodontic procedure?
Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. In addition, an injury to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.
What are the signs of needing endodontic treatment?
Signs to look for include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, tenderness to touch and chewing, discoloration of the tooth, and swelling, drainage and tenderness in the lymph nodes as well as nearby bone and gingival tissues. Sometimes, however, there are no symptoms.
How does endodontic treatment save the tooth?
The dentist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the canal, a channel inside the root, then fills and seals the space. Afterwards a crown or other restoration on the tooth is placed to protect and restore it to full function. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.
Will I feel pain during or after the procedure?
Many endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure.
For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Follow the dentist’s instructions carefully.
Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your endodontic treatment is completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure or pain that lasts more than a few days, call your dentist.
Gum Therapy
GUM DISEASE
Gum Disease (also known as Periodontal Disease) is the single most common cause of tooth loss in the western world today. It will affect approximately 90 per cent of the population at some time. It is a disease that destroys the supporting structures of the teeth, without which the teeth become loose and are eventually lost.
Stages of Gum Disease
During its early stages, gum disease is known as Gingivitis. This literally translates as inflammation of the gums. With treatment, it is a reversible condition and no long term damage is sustained.
If left to progress, untreated Gingivitis may lead to a more destructive and severe form of the disease, known as Periodontitis. This involves the destruction of bone and soft tissues that hold the teeth in place. Pockets develop between the teeth and gums making good oral hygiene very difficult to maintain.
What is the cause?
All gum disease is primarily caused by plaque bacteria. After 48 hours of growth, these bacteria start to release toxins which irritate the gums and initiate inflammation. This is the beginning of the process that leads to gum disease.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Signs to look for:
- Redness or tenderness of the gums;
- Bleeding gums with brushing or flossing;
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth; or
- Loose teeth or teeth that appear to have moved
Treatments of gum disease
Treatment involves professional cleaning of the teeth and the removal of harmful bacteria that cause the disease. This may involve a series of appointments with the dentist, depending on the severity of the condition. Oral Hygiene instruction features heavily in the treatment of gum disease. The daily removal of plaque is essential if treatment is to be a success and in the prevention of future episodes.
Orthodontics
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry specializing in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities (malocclusion). Orthodontics are sometimes required as part of a cosmetic dentistry treatment plan, as well as for functional purposes.
What are the Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is generally performed to improve a person’s appearance by straightening their teeth. However, an attractive smile is just one of the benefits.
Crowded, overlapping teeth are harder to clean and can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, and eventual tooth loss. Having your teeth straightened will make it easier for you to look after them.
A malocclusion may also contribute to speech impairments and can increase the risk of trauma if teeth are prominent.
Teeth surfaces can wear unevenly if there is poor alignment of the teeth or jaws.
In summary, bringing the teeth, jaws and lips into proper alignment results in better functionality, easier cleaning and increased confidence and self esteem.
What are the types of Orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatment can be accomplished by several means. The most commonly known are braces which consist of the bonding of metal or porcelain brackets to the teeth and the application of forces to the teeth via the brackets by means of wires and elastics.
However, there are other types of orthodontics such as functional appliances and removable appliances. While functional appliances produce forces that correct the jaws (dental orthopedics), removable appliances focus their forces onto the individual teeth to correct tooth position.
Surgical Orthodontics will correct jaw discrepancies that cannot be adequately treated with functional appliances or traditional brackets.
Lingual braces are attached to the back side of the teeth, which makes them completely non-visible. This advanced method makes lingual orthodontics particularly well-suited for adults, who often want to improve the look and function of their teeth without letting anyone else know about their treatment.
What are the different types of brackets?
There are basically 2 types of brackets: metal or porcelain.
Metal brackets, while more visible are easier for both the dentist and patient to control and result in faster movement.
Porcelain brackets are tooth colored but are more fragile and susceptible to breakage and therefore may slow treatment time
Oral Surgery
Here is a list of common problems that are treated by oral surgery:
Tooth loss: When a patient loses a tooth from disease or injury, a dental implant can be placed into the mouth. This is an alternative to removable dentures, and can be more natural looking. A dental implant must be anchored into the jawbone for stability, so ideally patients must be healthy, hygienic, and have good bone density.
Impacted teeth: Most cases of impacted teeth are related to the wisdom teeth. These are the last molars to emerge in a fully developed mouth. Impacted teeth are the result of insufficient room in the jaw for these large molars. As they grow, the wisdom teeth can become trapped in the gum tissue. This condition often results in swelling, pain, and some bleeding. Impacted teeth can also change the alignment of your other teeth by adding pressure. Most dentists wouldn't recommend that you keep impacted teeth because of the health problems they raise, so surgical removal is the common treatment.
Jaw alignment: as you grow, the upper and lower jaw can fail to align properly. This creates a slew of problems with speaking, chewing, swallowing, and breathing. While some of these alignments can be fixed with braces, the more serious cases require surgery to change the position of the jaws.
Pre Prosthetic Surgeries: People with missing teeth often opt for dentures instead of implants. However, some pre-emptive surgery may be required to make room for the dentures to fit properly.
Others : There are many more problems associated with the face that can be treated with oral surgery. Things like infection, growths, damage from accidents, and facial deformations can all be treated effectively.
Oral Medicine: Oral mucosal problems like non-healing ulcers, burning sensation, swellings, persistent red and white areas, as well as problems with saliva can be successfully managed by an appropriate specialist, viz., an Oral Physician.
If you have problems with the Temporomandibular Joint (in front of your ears) like clicking, pain and reduced mouth opening, you need to be thoroughly examined by an Oral Physician as soon as possible, as these problems tend to worsen with time.
Tobacco both in smokeless and smoked form is the leading cause of oral cancer in the world today. Oral Physicians are trained to detect the earliest signs of oral cancer and they also effectively counsel patients to quit tobacco habits and monitor them on a long term basis.
Children’s Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry can be the single most rewarding group of patients to treat. The key to creating an entirely positive experience for the child is to alleviate their fear of the unknown. This is accomplished through excellent communication with the child and by informing them of each procedure before it is performed, thereby earning their trust and respect.
Children should come in for an orientation around age 3 when all the primary teeth are in the mouth. Visits should then occur at regular six-month intervals. This early start can prevent any major problems from developing.
In the event that a child requires basic or extensive restorative care, this can be accomplished easily and without significant discomfort with the use of IV Sedation or general anesthesia.
Preventive Care
Sealants
Children should get sealants on their permanent molars as soon as the teeth come in - before decay attacks the teeth. The first permanent molars come in between the ages of 5 and 7. The second permanent molars come in when a child is between 11 and 14 years old. Other teeth with pits and grooves also might need to be sealed. Teenagers and young adults who are prone to decay May also benefit from sealants.
Bruxism Splints (Night Guard)
It usually occurs unknown to the patient during sleep and is usually the result of stress imbalance in one's life. Bruxism splints consist of a hard clear acrylic material that covers either the upper or lower biting surfaces of the teeth, thereby offsetting the grinding of the natural tooth surface. It is usually worn during sleep, but in severe cases is worn at all times except during meals.