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Most Frequently Asked Dental Questions
There are so many questions in people's heads that frequently pop up in their heads (and in Google to be honest) because of uncertainty, fear and perhaps because this is a new experience for many.
This is why we have tried our best to collect a series of questions that may help people navigate and get prepared for what it is come at the dentist office.
Let us know what other questions you would like us to add to this list on our Contact page.
This is why we have tried our best to collect a series of questions that may help people navigate and get prepared for what it is come at the dentist office.
Let us know what other questions you would like us to add to this list on our Contact page.
Can I pull a broken tooth out myself?
Your adult teeth are permanent and under no circumstances should you pull a broken tooth out of your mouth. You should always seek professional dentist to help you fix this issue with possibly an extraction.
If you attempt to do this on your own, you may risk getting a serious infection and complications that may require a lot more complicated surgery that is just not worth the risk.
If you attempt to do this on your own, you may risk getting a serious infection and complications that may require a lot more complicated surgery that is just not worth the risk.
How much is an extraction at the dentist?
Extractions are dental scenarios when a tooth has decayed or damaged so much, it is beyond saving and in order to prevent more serious complications, it needs to be removed.
The cost of extraction at a private dentist clinic varies by region in the UK but typically (or at least in Lancashire) you can expect something like this:
The cost of extraction at a private dentist clinic varies by region in the UK but typically (or at least in Lancashire) you can expect something like this:
- Routine extraction: £120
- Surgical extraction: £180
How many teeth can a dentist pull at once?
For practical reasons, most dentists do not advise extracting more than two teeth in one session. This is because there’s a post-procedure healing process that everybody needs to go through, and dentists want the best for their patients and give them enough time during the transition period where it is more difficult to eat and drink.
Which teeth are hardest to pull?
Typically, molars are considered to be the most difficult teeth to pull for several reasons:
There are a number of other factors that also play a role when determining the level of difficulty for an extraction, but generally molars are some of the hardest teeth to pull (especially the upper ones with three robust roots).
- They have multiple roots
- Their roots are larger
- They are some of the most robust teeth thanks to the pressure they endure during chewing
- They are based at the back of the mouth which makes access and visualisation of the extraction not so straightforward
There are a number of other factors that also play a role when determining the level of difficulty for an extraction, but generally molars are some of the hardest teeth to pull (especially the upper ones with three robust roots).
Do dentists put you to sleep when pulling teeth?
No, most of the times your dentist will administer local anaesthetic that will make the “work area” completely numb. This way you won’t feel anything or any pain when the dentist is working on extracting the damaged tooth.
However, there is something called Sedation Dentistry, which generally used by the most anxious patients if the dentist deems the procedure safe. This is used for the more complex dental surgeries.
However, there is something called Sedation Dentistry, which generally used by the most anxious patients if the dentist deems the procedure safe. This is used for the more complex dental surgeries.
Why is there white stuff in my tooth extraction site?
There can be several reasons and without an examination it is difficult to say it for certain, but the typical outcomes are:
- Packing that the surgeon placed in the hole to avoid dry socket from developing, although most often the wound is sutured to help healing primarily
- Disintegration of some of the exposed blood clot
- Some dead gum tissue which turns white after loss of blood supply, which is normal and nothing to be afraid of
- Debris from food
- Some plaque formation with saliva
- Initial healing and the top layers of the tissue as a sort of protective layer
- Dry socket if the shade is more of a boneish-white colour. This is a very bad scenario for the patient and it happens from the patient throwing the blood clot in the socket
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
It takes about 48-72 hours to recover from a tooth extraction and to allow the area to clot, the tissue to heal etc. It is also recommended that the patient does not smoke for this period.
How painful is a tooth extraction?
Because of the local anaesthetic you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure. It is expected, however, that you feel quite a bit of a pressure as the dentist rocks the tooth back and forth to loosen it and remove it.
What happens after tooth extraction?
Once a tooth has been extracted, a blood clot forms in the socket. A gauze pad will be put into the socket and the dentist will ask you to bite down on it a little bit to stop the bleeding. Some dentists may also apply a few stitches to facilitate the healing process.
How do you get rid of a tooth abscess without going to the dentist?
You should not tamper with a tooth abscess at all, period. The presence of an abscess is a sure signal of an infection going on and without professional treatment, cleaning and perhaps even an extraction, this infection can wreak havoc in your mouth.
Do I need to floss?
In short, yes you do. Food and plaque does build up in between your teeth every time you eat and over time this can develop into tartar. This would result in widening the gap between your teeth and the space between your teeth and gums, loosening your teeth themselves.
You should exercise good oral care by flossing with waxed or unwaxed floss and consult your dentist or dental hygienist for the appropriate use of a dental floss to get the most out of it.
You should exercise good oral care by flossing with waxed or unwaxed floss and consult your dentist or dental hygienist for the appropriate use of a dental floss to get the most out of it.
Does mouthwash help?
In honesty, it is not a must-have product in your dental regime. Proper teeth brushing, flossing are the main two exercises you should do every morning and evening and mouthwash is just a nice-to-have for a little extra cavity protection and for the sense of fresh breath.
How often should I go to the dentist?
Twice a year, every 6 months you should go to your local dentist for a dental check-up. This is important to make sure your dentist spots problems way before they become a more serious problem. Secondarily, this is also a perfect opportunity to have the plaque removed from your teeth by a dental hygienist.
Are dental X-rays safe?
First of all, x-rays are absolutely safe as the level of radiation is so small and negligible that it poses no threat to your body. But because it is radiation, dentists do make everything to be efficient with the use of x-rays and only use them when necessary, this also goes without saying.
X-ray images are typically taken when it is your first dental exam with your new dentist or when you haven’t seen your dentist for a while.
X-ray images are typically taken when it is your first dental exam with your new dentist or when you haven’t seen your dentist for a while.
How long does dental bonding last?
Bonded teeth still need to be maintained the same way as any other natural teeth and with proper oral care and hygiene, bonded teeth can last up to 10 years. Make sure you exercise caution and avoid things that can result in a chipped tooth.
Is bonding bad for your teeth?
Dental bonding is not bad at all and it is a common procedure used in the cosmetic dentistry.
What age is best for dental braces?
Braces are most commonly applied between the ages of 9 and 14 because patients have some permanent teeth, but they also have a lot of head, jaw and teeth alignment development that can be guided with braces into a more optimal positioning.
What are dental braces used for?
Dental braces are dental care devices that are used by patients whose teeth alignment is sub-optimal. Contrary to popular belief, it is a specialist oral care professional, an orthodontist, that deals with braces specifically. Braces are most commonly used by children in the early teenage years because the biggest impact can be achieved in this age whereas for young adults a lot of the dental development is complete and there’s more limited range of manoeuvring available.
What kind of braces are best?
Admittedly, a new brand and innovation called Invisalign, took this industry by storm and have become one of the most popular teeth alignment device. While they are not ideal for every patient, it is definitely a very commonly used aligner for a more brilliant and healthy smile.
Why do braces take so long?
It can take up to ten months for new bone tissue to solidify, hence why braces can take so long and stay on your teeth.
Do braces change your face?
Yes, going through an orthodontic procedure that is so long-lasting and so fundamental that it changes bone tissue, will result in some changes to your face. But don’t worry, this slight change will most definitely be a positive one.
Which braces are faster?
Generally speaking, the metal and wire type braces are faster than the ceramic ones or Invisalign. The metal one does apply more pressure, however, and it comes with more discomfort but as they say: no pain, no gain.
Is a bridge better than an implant?
Generally speaking, yes because a bridge is a very simple and straightforward device that does not require surgery and is a lot less painful than an implant. Bridges take a few weeks in completion whereas an implant may take several months.
How many teeth can be in a bridge?
You can have even 4 teeth in a bridge connected with a crown but for more than teeth you may have alternative options like false teeth or implants.
Are dental bridges a good idea?
Dental bridges are very useful in correcting a gap or a missing tooth with fast turnaround and less pain than an implant. It is also considered to be a lower investment.
How long does a dental bridge last?
Dental bridges deserve the same attention in your oral hygiene routine than your natural teeth so with appropriate maintenance, you should expect a life expectancy of about 5 to 15 years.
How long do dental crowns last?
The average porcelain crowns can last between 5 to 15 years with a good oral care routine, not a lot of bad eating or drinking habits that can shorten the lifespan of a quality crown or dental cap.
Is it painful to have a crown put on your tooth?
It is not painful at all, thanks to the local anaesthetic that is administered to the area where the cap is applied. While there is some mild discomfort, the benefits far outweigh the little uncomfortable feeling you may have during the procedure.
What’s the difference between a crown and a cap?
Nothing. They are the same thing. Cap is a more colloquial term for a crown but the appropriate crown term is getting more widely adopted and used among patients nowadays.
Why are crowns so expensive?
There have been quite a few developments in the dental technology industry including crowns. As time progresses, scientists and experts have found better materials to build equipment including porcelain or porcelain bonded to metal, gold and so on. These materials while higher in quality and durability, can also increase the cost of the procedure of a crown implementation.
How long do dental fillings last?
Depending on the location of the filling, the size and obviously your teeth brushing and flossing routine, fillings can last up to 20 years.
Do dental fillings hurt?
Like with many other procedures, your dentist will administer a nerve numbing agent to make the exercise entirely painless. You will feel pressure as your dentist will prepare and drill the tooth, but apart from that you won’t feel anything. Fillings and repairs are straightforward and considered a routine thing to do.
What is the best material for dental fillings?
For aesthetic reasons nowadays composite fillings are considered to be the most popular choice for a filling because they so closely resemble the natural colour and shade of your natural teeth. The other also very frequently used material is silver amalgam which is very durable and can deal with a lot of chewing pressure.
Can you eat right after a filling?
It is recommended that you do not eat for the first 24 hours after the procedure or at least not to chew on the side where the filling was done. This is partly because the numbing agent takes a bit of time to fade away.
What should you do if your filling comes loose?
You should try and get a dentist appointment as soon as possible and keep the area clean and free of food debris. You may want to avoid chewing on that side and perhaps even stick with liquids until you get to the dental clinic and augment your oral care with alcohol free mouthwash.
How painful is a root canal?
It is one of the more serious dental treatments which involves a literal deep cleaning inside the canals of your tooth. Because the infection can cause inflammation of the roots and nerves, this problem typically causes quite a bit of pain and discomfort for patients. A root canal treatment usually takes a couple visits to the dental office before it is fully completed.
How long do root canals hurt?
This is a relatively serious procedure so once the cleaning and root treatment is over, you should still experience mild pain for a few days after the visit. This is because the tissue at the root level were still shocked and probably inflamed so it takes a bit of time while the antiseptic works and the body does its job with healing.
Do I need antibiotics after root canal?
Most of the cases a root canal treatment does not require antibiotics. Interestingly enough, in some cases your dentist may require you to complete a course of antibiotics prior the entire procedure to avoid damaging certain structures and of course in other cases to make sure your body is not busy fighting another condition.
Can antibiotics cure a root canal infection?
No, antibiotics won’t cure the infection. This condition requires a thorough and proper cleaning and the dentist needs to open the affected tooth, literally get to the bottom of things. Make sure you book an appointment with your dentist, have a dental examination and your professional will inform you of the proper next steps.
What is the best whitener for your teeth?
It is our opinion that teeth whitening should ideally be done at a dental clinic, by a licenced professional. There are lot of over-the-counter products available online which either do not provide the same results or carry some risks that you definitely do not have face with a hygienist/dentist.
Is teeth whitening bad for your teeth?
Home whitening exercise can definitely lead to loss of strength within the enamel, ultimately leading to weaker teeth. In contrast to that, in-chair whitening by a dentist can use the proper ingredients, technology coupled with years of medical knowledge where the chances of any bad outcome is next to nothing.
Is dentist whitening worth it?
While this is definitely a part of cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening done at a dental clinic is well worth it and the safest way to go. It does cost more than a product bought online, but the results in shade and colour are far more superior thanks to the whitening agent and the laser technology coupled with the expert management of the process.
Do dental schools offer free dental work?
Yes, there are a number of dental schools throughout the UK where undergraduate students do volunteer dental work for those who don’t have a registered NHS dentist or dental insurance and access to a dental clinic.
Depending on where you are, you may find opportunities to receive free dental work:
Depending on where you are, you may find opportunities to receive free dental work: