Most people don’t have enough knowledge about common dental treatments and are concerned about their dental procedures. Today there are different types of dental treatments available and each one works differently. It is good to acquire some basic knowledge before fixing any final appointments. We keep you updated with all the latest advancements taking place in dentistry but if you have any more questions, you can mail us at info@miamidentist.com and discuss your dental problems.

Q: What is tooth whitening and why go for tooth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a technique used for brightening discolored and stained teeth. Teeth whitening lighten the natural color of the teeth without the removal of any tooth surface. You can go for teeth whitening if your teeth have become discolored or stained due to reasons like age, drinking habits, injury, smoking, etc.

Q: What are the various tooth whitening procedures?

The most common procedure used for tooth whitening is bleaching in which the whitening product is applied on your teeth using specially designed trays that protect your gums. The teeth whitening process involves breaking down of hydrogen peroxide which makes the tooth color lighter. The total procedure takes up to 2 to 3 weeks time.

Now a day’s laser whitening treatments are also available in which rubber dam is used as gum shields and whitening product is painted on the teeth and laser light is used to activate the process. This technique is faster and more effective. You can ask your dentist for the suitable procedure for your teeth.

Q: How can I be sure that my teeth remain white for long?

The effects of whitening varies from person to person, you can have lasting effect of whitening by taking some basic precautions like brushing your teeth twice, using whitening toothpastes and by keeping a check on your eating habits. 

Q: What is TMJ disorder and what is the treatment procedure?

TMJ is the joint where the lower jawbone (mandible) join the temporal bone of the skull meet, it is also called temporomandibular joint (TMJ). These joints are on each side of the mouth and help in chewing, talking, and yawning and other mouth movements. 

TMJ disorders can be caused due to various forms of inflammation like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or degeneration of the joint and teeth clenching. The common symptoms of TMJ disorders are jaw pain, aching around the ear, difficulty in chewing, facial pain, locking of joints, uneven bites, dizziness, headaches, back pain, etc.

TMJ disorders can be treated by proper dental treatment. In severe cases of TMJ disorder, a surgery is required. In most cases a plastic guard is used that fits directly on the teeth and focuses on the resting of the jaw. It is very effective and proven method for treating TMJ disorders.

Q: What are dental bridges?

Dental Bridges are used to fill gap caused due to the missing teeth. A false tooth is fitted by attaching crowns to the adjacent teeth also called abutment teeth. The false teeth or bridges are called pontics and are made of gold, silver alloys or porcelain. Dental Bridges help to restore your smile and improve your chewing and speaking ability. Dental Bridges also help in maintenance of the overall facial structure by preventing drifting of the other teeth. 

Dental bridges are of three types:

Q: What is a Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is used to treat infections caused due to pulp disorders or because of infected tooth or tooth decay. The dental is a soft tissue that consists of nerve fibers, arteries, veins, lymph vessels, and connective tissues. The process involves cleaning of the root canal chamber or the infected pulp tissue and filling it with medicated dental filler which help to hold the tooth in place and get rid of pain, discomfort and avoid further infection. Root canal therapy is followed by crowning which necessary for the restoration of the tooth. The tooth on which root therapy is performed becomes insensitive to heat, pressure, etc. therefore proper care should be taken after the therapy is completed in order to avoid swelling and discomfort.

Q: What is periodontal disease?

The word periodontal literally means “around the tooth.”  Periodontal disease is defined as a chronic bacterial infection that damages the support of the teeth or the gums - it is also called gum disease. Common symptoms of periodontal disease are red, swollen, and tender gums, gums that bleed easily, persistent bad breath or bad taste, formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums, loose teeth, Painful chewing, etc. Periodontal disease is treated with periodontal surgery which is only recommended if your teeth cannot be treated non-surgically. The types of surgical treatments available are Pocket Reduction Procedures, Regenerative Procedures, Crown Lengthening, and Soft Tissue Grafts.

Q: What are Porcelain veneers and how can they help in smile makeover?

Porcelain veneers is the best method for smile makeover. It helps you to restore naturally beautiful and straight teeth that enhance your smile and overall look. Porcelain veneers are customized according to personal needs of the customer to generate best results and create amazing smiles. The shape, color, and size is selected according to the person's facial structure in order to make the smile look more natural and attractive. The process involves shaping of the teeth by fixing fractured and chipped teeth and straightening of crooked or misaligned teeth without using braces. It also includes whitening of the discolored or stained teeth and filling the extra gaps between the teeth. It improves the cosmetic appearance and is an ideal procedure for smile makeover.