Frequently
Asked Question

Q

I Have A Cavity, But How Come It Doesn’t Hurt?

Decay starts in the outer layer of the tooth known as the enamel. This tooth layer has no nerves, so when decay is present there is no pain associated with it. It is only once the decay grows to moderate in size that most people experience pain. That is because now the decay is very close to the inside nerve of the tooth or already into the nerve of the tooth.

Q

Does Teeth Whitening Damage Your Teeth?

No! Teeth whitening does not soften, demineralize, or weaken the teeth in any way. It has been proven over the years be safe and very effective

Q

Will Tooth Whitening Work For Me?

There are many causes of tooth discoloration; things like coffee, colas, and smoking are among the most common. Some medications, old fillings, and aging can also cause your teeth to stain over time. Dr Brijesh Patel will determine why your teeth are discolored, and then recommend the best whitening system for you. In most cases the final results are striking!

Q

Is There A Link Between Gum Disease And Heart Disease?

Studies have found that the incidence of heart disease is about twice as high in people with periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease may increase your risk for a variety of health concerns including: Diabetes, Stroke, Weakened Immune system, Lung Disease, Preterm low birth weight babies, Respiratory Disease, Osteoporosis, and Stomach ulcers. By keeping regular maintenance appointments with your dental team, you will help increase your chances for a long and healthy life.

Q

Is It Difficult To Eat After Putting Dentures?

Initially eating requires practice. One should start eating soft food that is cut into small bites. Food should be chewed using both sides to avoid tripping of dentures. The quantity of food can be gradually increased. One should not chew hard/ hot food, biting hard objects should be avoided.

Q

How To Take Care Of The Denture?

Dentures should be cleaned regularly as tarter/plaque can get accumulated on false teeth. One should brush the denture after every meal. Bleaching agents should be avoided as they may discolor the acrylic of the gum line.

Q

Is Denture Adhesive A Solution To Old/Loose Denture?

Denture adhesive are used for extra retention and support to a well fitted denture. Loose dentures should be replaced or realigned immediately because loose dentures can cause irritation and develop sores. One should consult the dentist immediately. Denture adhesive should never be used for loose teeth

Q

Do you think extra fluoride would help prevent cavities, or is there enough fluoride in toothpastes?

Fluoride has reduced the rate of cavities more than any other method of decay prevention. However, too much ingested fluoride can cause unesthetic spotting on teeth. Most community water supplies in our area are optimally fluoridated, so between using fluoridated toothpastes and using community water supplies, additional fluoride might not be needed for most people. However, for added cavity protection for teens and adults, daily rinsing with fluoride mouthrinses also can be beneficial. If you see a dentist who determines that you are at high risk for development of cavities, he/she might prescribe some prescription dispensed fluoride that is even more concentrated, so consult your dentist to determine how much fluoride is best for you

Q

Can I help prevent oral cancer?

Your dentist should look for signs of oral cancer in your mouth at every routine checkup. You can help your dentist by advising him/her of any unusual color changes in the tissues in your mouth (red or white areas), abnormal growths, ulcerated areas that don't heal, areas of numbness or pain, or any problems with chewing or swallowing. Oral cancers often are found on the sides of the tongue, under the tongue, and on the soft palate, though they can occur on any soft tissues throughout the mouth. People who drink alcohol or smoke are more likely to get oral cancer, but anyone can get it, which is why early detection is so important.

Q

I thought cavities were a problem for kids but not adults. As an adult, can I still get cavities?

As long as you have teeth, you can get cavities. Cavities result from bacteria in your mouth that feed on carbohydrates in your diet. As the bacteria feed on the carbohydrates, they release acid that dissolves away tooth structure. As people age, they tend to get cavities around old fillings or crowns, or on root surfaces that have become exposed due to receding gums. People with dry mouth tend to have more problems with cavities than other people who have normal salivary flow. Everybody has bacteria in their mouth, so if you still have teeth and still eat carbohydrates, you can still get cavities.

Q

How can I close spaces between my front teeth without braces or crowns?

One of the best ways to close spaces between front teeth is by bonding composite resin to natural tooth structure to change the width of the teeth. This technique requires minimal or no removal of tooth structure, therefore does not affect the strength and vitality of the natural tooth. The dentist can select composite resin from a variety of shades, making sure the restorations blend perfectly with the rest of the dentition. The composite resin becomes an extension of the natural tooth and the distinction between the two is imperceptible. This treatment option provides excellent esthetic results while being very conservative, entirely reversible, fast and economical in comparison to braces or crowns.

<Q

I would like to improve my smile. What options do I have?

Many options are available nowadays to improve people's smiles, such as braces, whitening or bleaching, crowns and porcelain veneers. Every smile change needs to start with a proper diagnosis to evaluate individual considerations and desires, your bite and your smile. We believe in minimal and conservative intervention to improve your smile. We have all the diagnostic knowledge, experience, and state-of-the-art tools to provide you with an understanding and with realistic treatment options so that we can help you select the best way to achieve the smile you seek.

Q

Should I have the silver fillings in the back of my mouth replaced with tooth colored ones?

There are excellent options for placing tooth colored fillings in the teeth in the back of the mouth. These include restoration with directly placed composite resin, porcelain inlays, or crowns. Tooth colored fillings cannot be placed in all situations, however, and may have limitations such as reduced longevity or increased cost. Silver fillings can provide excellent long term service in the mouth. Research studies have not shown silver fillings containing mercury to cause health related problems. Their replacement should be for reasons due to restoration failure, decay or esthetic improvement purposes.

Q

I do not like the spaces between my front teeth. What can I do?

Before we can present you with appropriate options, we first need to determine why you have those spaces. Depending on your individual circumstances, the options may range from braces to bonding. Bonding a tooth colored material to your existing tooth, to close those spaces, is quite often the most conservative and reversible option. In most cases this “Bonding” option does not require removal of any part of your tooth. New materials are capable of imitating natural tooth structure very realistically, so nobody can tell you have had anything done!

Q

My teeth are sensitive when I drink something cold. What can I do about it?

Tooth sensitivity can be due to a variety of causes. These can include decay, faulty fillings, and exposed root structure. It is best to visit your dentist to determine the cause. If it is decay or defective fillings, the problem should be fixed by the dentist. If it is exposed root structure, there are a variety of options including varnishes or solutions that the dentist can apply in the office. There are also other at home options such as fluoride gels and desensitizing pastes. Some sensitive situations will resolve and not return, but others may have to be retreated periodically.

Q

My child has a baby tooth that has been loose for some time but it hasn't come out yet. I can see the permanent tooth coming in behind it. Do I need to do anything?

You should see your dentist or pediatric dentist to evaluate your child's teeth if a loose tooth does not come out on its own or if the permanent teeth proceed to erupt when the primary teeth is still in place. They will examine the area and make radiographs. They may recommend removal of the primary tooth to facilitate the eruption of the permanent tooth in a timely fashion.

Q

My seventeen year old daughter told me that she wants to get her tongue pierced. I don't feel comfortable with this. What do you suggest?

Common symptoms after oral piercing include pain, swelling, and occasionally infection. It may also induce a slight change in speech and periodically contribute to chipped or cracked teeth. The oral cavity is very vascular, especially the tongue. If a blood vessel is penetrated during the piercing severe bleeding can occur which may be difficult to control. As mentioned earlier, swelling of the tongue can be a common side effect. In extreme cases the swelling can become so severe that it can compromise the airway and prevent breathing. I would advise against it. She may think it's fashionable now but many young people are not aware of the potential complications that can occur

Q

Is it necessary to have teeth removed for braces?

Your orthodontist may or may not recommend removal of teeth as part of your treatment. The most obvious reason is for severe crowding or protrusion of teeth. However, there may be many other reasons for the removal of teeth. For example, in young patients, extraction of baby teeth may be necessary to help the eruption of the permanent teeth and to prevent a tooth from being “impacted” or unerupted. In adult and adolescent patients, extraction of teeth may be necessary to correct a bite problem.

Q

My children need to go to the dentist but we can't afford it. Can you help?

Routine dental care is important for all children, but many families cannot easily afford dental care for their children. Depending on your income, you may be eligible for state programs that include dental care as a benefit. Have you applied for Medicaid (Title XIX) or “Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (hawk-i)? You can apply for these programs through your county's Department of Human Services office. There are other programs available state-wide for specific circumstances (for example, if your child has a disability). Also, if your children are treated in the student clinics at the College of Dentistry, the cost is generally about half of what you would pay in private practice.

Q

I heard somewhere that if my child has a tooth knocked out in an accident I should put it in milk. Is that true?

When a child has a permanent tooth knocked out, the most important thing is to put the tooth back in the socket as soon as possible. This should be done immediately if possible by someone at the scene of the accident. The tooth should be picked up by the crown (don't touch the root) and if dirty it should be quickly rinsed off. Then the tooth should be placed back in the socket and the child should be transported to a dentist who will splint the tooth in place. If it is impossible to get the tooth back into the socket, it is important to store the tooth in a liquid that will keep the cells on the root surface alive. Cold milk is one of the best storage media for this.

Q

I have gum recession around a tooth. Can anything be done to fix this problem?

There are various causes of loss of gum tissue resulting in root exposure. The most common causes are aggressive tooth brushing or gum disease. The first step in treatment of recession is to correct the cause. For patients who have healthy gums and normal support for their teeth, it may be possible to cover exposed root surfaces with gum grafts. For individuals with a history of gum disease, root coverage will be less predictable. Gum grafting involves the use of either your own tissue from another spot in your mouth or the use of commercially available tissue materials. For these procedures, the gum graft is stitched in place at the site of recession. With current techniques, post treatment discomfort is usually minimal, and the healed tissues usually provide a good match with the adjacent tissues.

Q

Show a lot of gums when I smile. What can I do about this?

There are several potential causes for excess gum tissue or “gummy smile.” This situation can be caused by certain medications, genetics, tooth wear, the position of the teeth in the jaw, or the growth pattern of the jaw bones. The situation can be worsened by poor oral hygiene. It is important that your periodontist determine the cause to select the proper treatment, which may include removing small areas of excess gum tissue and reshaping of the smile line. Because the results are immediately visible, patients are often surprised at how much their smile has improved.

Q

If I have all my teeth pulled and dentures made will I ever have to see my Prosthodontist again?

The answer is yes. When teeth are pulled the bone that once supported those teeth resorbs, or shrinks as it heals. The denture you have made will fit for awhile, but as time goes on will loosen. This can be problematic as the dentures can rub and irritate the soft tissues that the denture rests on. Overgrowth of the tissue, inflammation, and sore spots can follow because of poor fit. So it is advised that you continue to see your Prosthodontist every 3-6 months during the first year and then yearly for recall after that. They will check the bite and fit to determine if a reline is needed. So even if you wear dentures you should routinely visit your Prosthdontist for check ups