# Are you missing a single tooth?

Missing a single tooth can, over time, allow the misalignment of your remaining teeth and thus erode your current smile. A single tooth replaced with a dental implant and crown is the most predictable, conservative and long-lasting method of tooth replacement. Without a dental implant, the two adjacent teeth to a missing tooth must be filed down to anchor a bridge. Dental implants eliminate the need to modify natural teeth.

# Are you missing Multiple teeth?

Missing multiple teeth can be a serious problem as the support structure of your jaw begins to deteriorate. Implants stop that deterioration.. Dental implants are designed to serve as a foundation for replacement crowns or bridges that "give you your teeth back." They look, feel, and function like natural teeth. In conjugation with dental implants, we can take support of some natural teeth to restore multiple missing teeth. although the ideal protocol is ONE TOOTH PER IMPLANT.

# How do I get started?

The first step is a comprehensive examination of existing teeth, bone and gums. This allows for an accurate diagnosis and discovery of the potential solutions to your condition.

During the first visit, Dr.Vikas Gowd  will perform a visual examination and evaluate radiographs (X-Rays). He will then share his findings with you, recommend treatment solutions, and help you determine the most appropriate treatment for you.

We invite our patients to have a family member or friend participate in our discussions, which most patients find very beneficial. In addition, any financial matters will be discussed in detail and in a confidential setting before any treatment is started.

# Is the treatment painful?

The surgical placement of dental implants causes only minor discomfort similar to having a tooth removed. Post-operative discomfort is controlled with the use of prescriptions. Depending on the extent of the therapy, many persons return to work the day of their surgery. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated.

# What is the success rate?

Implants as a solution to missing teeth has been practiced for a few decades. Generally, because of advances in implant dentistry over the years, dental implants can have success rates above 90% in natural bone. Having said that, success rates depend on many factors, for example, the patient’s own health status or whether he/she is a smoker. Although at the present time we cannot put a figure down as to the longevity of implants, it is known that the first patient who had implants placed in 1965 still has them in function today. Of course, regular checkups and diligently maintaining one’s oral hygiene is also of utmost importance in preventing failure.

# How successful is the treatment & Safety?

Modern dental implant treatment is highly successful, as a general guideline, the five-year success rate of dental implant is over 95% with the lower jaw (mandible) and about 90% with upper jaw (maxilla). The success rates may slowly decrease, as the implant stays longer in function. In difficult cases, the success rates are expected to be lower. Despite the overall high success rates with dental implant treatment, there is still the possibility of failure, which can be contributed by various factors and conditions, such as poor healing power, poor bone quality, smoking and diabetes. & most important of all-Poor oral Hygiene.

Whereas no medical treatment can be guaranteed 100 percent without risks and failures, implant operation can be considered very safe. The prosthetic phase of treatment is basically non-invasive and non –invasive and non-surgical in nature.

# What if I have further questions?

We expect you will. Feel free to contact our office at +91-  040 23326777, 23326888. Our staff is very proficient in answering questions. However, if they cannot answer your question, Dr. Vikas Gowd will return your call personally as soon as possible.

# No. Of sittings required.

Normally it’s a matter of 3 sittings.

• 1st sitting or initial assessment, radiographic records, medical history & clinical examination.

• 2nd sitting for the implant placement

• 3rd sitting to place temporary crowns for a period of 4-6 mos to be subsequently changed to ceramic crowns/bridges.

Denture Cleaning

# How often should I clean my dentures?

It is important to treat your dentures like you would treat your natural teeth. They should be kept as clean as possible to clean as possible to prevent further tooth loss, inflamed gums, or bacterial and fungal infections. We usually recommended that you clean them thoroughly twice a day, and after eating when necessary.

# How should I clean them?

The general rule is: brush, soak, brush. Always clean your dentures over a bowl of water or a folded towel in case you drop them. Brush our dentures before soaking, to help remove any food debris. Soak the dentures in a specialist cleaner for a short time if you prefer and then brush the dentures again- as you would your own teeth, being careful not to scrub too hard as this may cause grooves in the surface. Make sure you clean all the surface which comes into contact with your gums. This is especially important is you use any kind of denture fixative.

# What should I use to clean my dentures?

There are many different denture-cleaning products. However, most dentists still recommended a small –to medium –headed toothbrush to reach into the awkward corners, or a soft nailbrush, and ordinary soap. Soaking solutions can often help to remove staining and bacteria. We do not recommend that you use these solutions overnight.

# Is there anything I should avoid?

It is important not to use any type of bleaching product to clean your dentures. Bleaching can lead to weakening of the denture as well as making it look unsightly. Do not use very hot water to soak the denture. Again, it can weaken the denture causing it to break.

# What should I do if I have a soft lining?

Some people have sensitive gums and may need a softer lining made for their dentures. If you have one of these special linings, it is important to check with your dentist before using any cleaning products or fixative as some products can damage the lining.

# What if I have a metal denture?

Some commercial cleaning products can damage metal dentures, so it is important to discuss cleaning options with your dentist if you have these. If your denture has clasps, you need to take particular care when cleaning to avoid damage

# Are there any special products I should use?

There are some specialist products available for cleaning your dentures, including special brushes, cleaning pastes and soaking solutions. However, you should use these carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you are not sure which products to use, ask your dentist.

# Should I remove my dentures at night?

Most dentists recommended removing your dentures at night to give your mouth a chance to rest. If you remove your dentures, it is important to leave them in water to prevent any warping or cracking.

# Can my dentist clean them?

Some people do build up tartar on their dentures just as they would on their natural teeth. If plaque is not removed properly, it can react with your saliva and harden into tartar. As with your own teeth, you will not be able to remove this tartar completely yourself and eventually it can make the denture uncomfortable and unsightly. Your dentist will be able to remove this tartar using a professional cleaning machine.

# What can I do about staining?

Like natural teeth, dentures can pick up staining every day. This is especially true if you smoke, or drink a lot of tea, coffee or red wine. In most cases you should be able to remove this staining with regular cleaning. However, more stubborn stains may take a little more cleaning. Which your dentist should be able to help with.

# Do I still need to see the dentist?

It is important to visit your dentist regularly even if you don’t have any of your natural teeth. Dentists do not only check teeth, but also the soft parts of the mouth, including the tongue and cheeks. These examinations are just as important, so the dentist can stop any infections, mouth conditions or even mouth cancer at the earliest stages. Your dentist will be able to tell you how often you should visit.

Facts About Fluoride

# There are numerous benefits of fluoride.

TRUE! Fluoride, when added to community water supplies, is the single most effective public health measure we have to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health for a lifetime. Also, products containing fluoride stop the growth of newly formed cavities AND can prevent formation of cavities on the roots of teeth.

# Fluoride is available from a number of sources.

TRUE! All water contains some fluoride naturally, in amounts greater or lesser than that needed to contribute to oral health benefits. Water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the natural level of fluoride to the concentration necessary for protection against tooth decay. Another way to receive fluoride is by using oral care products such as toothpastes, mouthrinses and gels. In fact, 90 percent of toothpastes and many mouthrinses contain fluoride. Both systematic fluoride (fluoride that comes from eating foods and drinking liquids) and topical fluoride (fluoride that is applied to the surfaces of the teeth) work together to keep teeth strong.

# Fluoride is only beneficial to children.

FALSE! Fluoride benefits people of all ages. For example, when children are young and their tooth enamel are still forming, fluoride works by making tooth enamel harder and more resistant to the acid that causes tooth decay. In fact, studies indicate that people who drink optimally fluoridated water from birth will experience up to 40 percent less decay over their lifetimes.

For adults, the benefits are just as great. Fluoride helps repair the early stages of tooth decay even before they become visible in the mouth, a process known as remineralization. And for older adults who experience problems with root caries (decay along the gumline) fluoride has been effective in decreasing this condition.

# Water fluoridation is expensive.

FALSE! Not only is fluoridation an oral health benefit, it's also economical! The average cost for a community to fluoridate its water is estimated to be less than 50 cents a year, per person. Over a person lifetime, that's less than the price of having one cavity treated. In light of increasing health care costs, fluoridation is presently the most cost-effective way we have to prevent tooth decay.

# Water fluoridation is safe.

TRUE! Since the 1930s, hundreds of carefully conducted scientific studies have shown that water fluoridation, at the concentrations recommended for good oral health, has no harmful effects. Fluoridation of community water supplies is a valuable public health measure supported by the ADA, the World Health Organization, the U.S. Public Health Service, the American Medical Association and the American Cancer Society.

# Parents should monitor their children's tooth brushing habits.

TRUE! The ADA encourages parents to take an active role their children’s oral health and one way to do so is to supervise their brushing habits. Children should be told to use only a small amount of toothpaste and not to swallow toothpastes and mouthrinses.

# Fluoride is all that's needed to prevent tooth decay.

False! While it is the true that fluoride is instrumental in preventing tooth decay, fluoride alone cannot prevent dental disease. To help, the ADA recommends brushing twice a day, flossing daily and eating well-balanced meals, Regular dental check-ups also are recommended.

# Dental fluorosis is not a serious dental problem.

TRUE! Dental fluorosis is generally a mild condition unnoticeable to most people. It is characterized by lacy white lines or specks in the teeth and is not harmful to patient's health.

# Drinking optimally fluoridated water will not cause dental fluorosis in children.

TRUE! Drinking optimally fluoridated water and properly using products containing fluoride will not cause dental fluorosis. dental fluorosis occurs when the natural fluoride content is too high and children drink this water when their permanent teeth are forming. Only a very small percentage of children experience this condition. Drinking water fluoridated at the recommended level will not cause fluorosis or unsightly stained teeth.

# There is no link between fluoride and cancer.

TRUE! The U.S. Public Health Service completed an extensive study of the benefits and risks of fluoride. Their report concluded that "optimal fluoridation of drinking water does not pose a detectable cancer risk to humans." The report went on to say that fluoride's "benefits are great and easy to detect."

# Children living in communities without fluoridated water can still enjoy the benefits of fluoride.

TRUE! In such communities, dentists and physicians may prescribe fluoride tablets or drops for children to take daily, or fluoride may be added to the school water supply. Children also may benefit from fluoride mouthrinses at home or school, or the application of fluoride solutions or gels in the dental office.

# All bottled water contains the adequate amount of fluoride needed to prevent tooth decay.

FALSE! All water contains some fluoride naturally. However, unless the fluoride content is printed on the label, don't assume bottled water contains adequate fluoride to prevent tooth decay. It may be necessary to contact the manufacturer to obtain this information.

Healthy Smile

# What causes tooth decay?

Your teeth are covered with a sticky film of bacteria, called plaque. Plaque bacteria use sugar and starch in food as a source of energy. The bacteria convert the sugar or starch into harmful acids that attack tooth enamel for as long as 20 minutes or more. Repeated attacks may cause the enamel to break down, resulting in cavities.

# Why aren't sealants used on all teeth?

Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth. Pits and fissures, however, are places that are extremely difficult to clean. Toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to extract food and plaque. The normal flow of saliva, which helps cleans food particles from other areas of the mouth, cannot "wash out" pits and fissures. So they are places that are especially prone to decay. In fact, most cavities from in pit and fissure areas and permanent molars are extremely susceptible to form of this decay. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by "Sealing out" plaque and food.

# Sealants are just for kids, right?

The likelihood of developing pit and fissure decay begins early in life, so children and teenagers are obvious candidates. But adults can benefit from sealants as well.

# Do Sealants have any other benefits in addition to preventing decay?

Sealants can also stop small areas of decay from becoming larger. Reliable clinical studies have confirmed that properly placed sealants, if kept intact, will stop decay in the enamel.

# Is Sealant application a complicated procedure?

Sealants are easy for your dentist to apply, and it takes only a few minutes to seal each tooth. The teeth that will be sealed are cleaned. Then the chewing surfaces are conditioned to help the sealant is then 'painted' onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. Sometimes a special curing light is used to help the sealant harden.

# How long do sealants last?

As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from decay. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and usually last several years before a reapplication is needed. During your regular dental visits, your dentist will check the condition of the sealants and reapply them when necessary.

# What factors could make an adult a candidate for sealants?

The best way to determine the need for sealants is to evaluate the person's risk for pit and fissure decay, which continues throughout adulthood and varies from one person to another. Risk can also vary for the same person overtime, because changes in personal habits ,health status and meditation use are known to increase risk for decay. Lack of access to fluorides and fluoridated water, a history of previous decay, and chromic xerostomia (dry mouth) are also factors your dentist will consider when evaluating you for sealants.

# Do sealants help save money?

Prevention is better than treatment. When one considers that properly applied and maintained sealants are extremely effective in preventing pit and fissure decay, sealants are a very cost effective measure. Savings in both dollars and discomfort can be gained by application of sealants, rather than allowing decay requiring the tooth to be restored. For over 20 years the American Dental Association has evaluated sealants, and a number of brands have been awarded the ADA seal of Acceptance, a symbol of a products safety and effectiveness. In addition , many private dental plans cover sealants. If your plan does not contact your employers benefits manager to suggest that sealants be included in future dental plans.

Key ingredients in preventing tooth decay and maintaining a healthy mouth are twice-daily brushing with a fluoride tooth paste; cleaning between the teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners; eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks; and visiting your dentist regularly. When shopping for toothbrushes, toothpaste and other oral care products , choose those that bear the ADA seal of Acceptance - an important symbol of a dental product's safety and effectiveness.

Dental care for Mother & Baby

# Do I need to see my dentist during pregnancy?

Yes, every six months as a matter of routine. However, due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, some women's dental health requires closer attention during this period of time, for instance, you may notice that your gums appear to bleed more easily. Your dentist will be able to answer any concerns you may have.

# Is dental treatment safe during pregnancy?

Yes. There should be no problems with routine dental care, as with, many other medical areas, treatment is best left until after the birth whenever possible. Many dentists advise leaving replacement of amalgam fillings until after the baby is born.

# Does pregnancy cause damage to teeth?

No, there is no truth in the rumors of calcium deficiency due to pregnancy or losing one tooth per child.

# What about diet during pregnancy?

Some women experience morning sickness which may make them want to eat little and often. Try to avoid sugary foods, as it is always important to watch what you eat and drink and how often. A balanced diet, eaten at regular meal times, can improve both your general health and dental health.

# Will my baby need fluoride supplements?

Fluoride does help to strengthen teeth. However, as fluoride can be naturally found in some water supplies, it is important to ask your dentist if supplements are necessary in your case. If they are , supplements can start at about 6 months.

# When should I take my baby to the dentist for the first time?

It is advisable that you discuss this with your dentist first, but your baby could accompany you on your own routine check-up, as this can help the baby to become familiar with the surroundings. Your dentist will be able to offer advice and prescribe medicines for teething pains, and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. The baby's own check-ups can start at about 6 months.

# When will my baby's teeth appear?

Your baby will start teething at about 6 months and will continue until all 20 'milk teeth' are present at about 2 years. 'Second teeth' usually develop between 6 and 14 years.

# Is teething painful?

Most children do suffer teething pains to some extent. Gels may be applied by the finger gently massaging the baby's gums, although this can be difficult due to the amount of saliva in the baby's mouth caused through teething. Certain teething rings can be cooled in the fridge which may help but, as teething pains can vary, it is best to check with your dentist.

Wisdom Teeth

# Why do Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems?

Wisdom teeth that are healthy and properly positioned can be a valuable asset to the mouth. Unfortunately, this is not often not the case , and problems develop that require their removal. For example, when the jaw is not large enough to accommodate these teeth , they can become impacted unable to come in or move into their proper place. They may grow sideways, emerge only partway from the gum, or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.

Impaction occurs most often in the third molars of the lower jaw. After examining your mouth and taking X-rays, your dentist will discuss whether your wisdom teeth should be removed.

# Why are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Most children do suffer teething pains to some extent. Gels may be applied by the finger gently massaging the baby's gums, although this can be difficult due to the amount of saliva in the baby's mouth caused through teething. Certain teething rings can be cooled in the fridge which may help but, as teething pains can vary, it is best to check with your dentist.

# Why are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Extraction of third molars can protect the overall health of the mouth. It is generally recommended when the following conditions occur:

• Wisdom teeth only partially erupt. This leaves an opening for bacteria to enter around the tooth and cause an infection. Pain, swelling, jaw stiffness and general illness can result.

• Impacted wisdom teeth continue growing without enough room, damaging adjacent teeth. This continued pressure can eventually destroy the healthy second molar tooth.

• Impacted teeth crowd adjacent teeth out of alignment, causing an incorrect bite or crooked teeth.

• A fluid-filled sac (cyst) or tumor forms, destroying surrounding structures such as bone or tooth-roots.

# Why Remove The Teeth Early?

People between the ages of 16 and 19 should have their wisdom teeth evaluated. If they need to be removed, it should be considered before age 20 when generally fewer complications occur. At a younger age, tooth roots are not fully developed, the surrounding gum is softer and there is less chance of damaging nearby nerves or other structures. There is also less surgical risk and healing is generally faster.

Extractions of wisdom teeth may be performed by a general dentist. If your dentist anticipates any problems he, or she, may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a dentist who specializes in surgery and the removal of wisdom teeth.