JAW PAIN

Have you experienced pain when you smile, take a bite, or even breathe? You may be having signs of TMJ disorder.

A temporomandibular joint (TMJ) links your lower jaw to your skull. This is the joint that allows you to chew and speak. Unfortunately, it’s highly sensitive to physical, emotional, and even psychological stress. Kids, teenagers, and adults are prone to TMJ syndrome, that’s why we examine our patients closely and administer treatment as soon as possible.

There are a few symptoms that you may experience when you have TMJ disorder. This includes:

• Pain around the jaw joints, radiating to the ears, facial muscles, shoulders, and neck.
• You can hear a popping or clicking sound when you open or close your mouth.
• You find it difficult to chew or bite.
• You may also experience headaches, lightheadedness, ear pain, and hearing loss.
• Lock jaw while opening or closing your mouth
• Facial swelling
• Restricted mouth opening

You’re probably used to going to the dentist for teeth cleaning or even treating cavities, but have you ever thought of visiting your dentist to treat a headache or even migraines? If so, talk to a TMJ dentist and get the help you need!

Self-Care Practices

There are steps you can take that may be helpful in easing symptoms,such as Eating soft foods. Avoiding extreme jaw movements (such as wide yawning, loud singing, and gum chewing) Learning techniques for relaxing and reducing stress

How We Treat TMJ

There are several steps in diagnosing TMJ pain. Apart from clinical assessment, certain cases might require adjunctive diagnostic aids like radiographs. Our specialists rely on their decades of experience to diagnose your symptoms.

Your TMJ treatment starts with a physical exam, including a review of your health history and the symptoms you’re experiencing. We’ll then discuss your TMJ treatment options, which may include:

• Making changes to your diet and habits — for example, switching to a soft diet, avoid chewing gum!
• Creating a custom device to adjust the alignment of your jaw from hi-tech labs that maintain the quality of the treatment
• Designing a bite guard to prevent tooth grinding and stress on your TMJ
• Prescribing medication to provide relief from TMJ pain and inflammation, also for muscle relaxation
• We also do specialized treatments like TENS and Ultrasound therapy for TMJ pain

If anyone in your family has one or more of these symptoms, contact us at Parkal Dental Centre right away so we can provide you with the appropriate treatment for your pain relief. Call our office today!

You’re in good hands at Parkal Dental Centre.

CAVITIES

WHAT IS A DENTAL DECAY?

Dental / tooth decay is a process in which food particles that remain in your mouth for a long time, left uncleaned on the tooth surfaces get attached by bacteria resulting in cavities/ dental caries.

Stages of tooth decay:

Stage 1- The combination of bacteria and food causes tooth decay. As the bacteria feed on the sugars in the food you eat, they produce acids that de-mineralize the enamel of the tooth thereby destroying its structure. This can slowly lead to more food lodgement resulting in deeper cavities.

Stage 2 -After enamel, the second layer or dentin gets affected- this is when you start feeling the tooth sensitivity.

Stage 3-If left untreated, the damage progresses more to attach the vital part of your tooth or the pulp resulting in pain.

Stage 4- the decay from the pulp extends down involving deeper portions of the bone resulting in severe infections where there is presence of swelling and pus discharge.

What are the symptoms?

• Food lodgment
• Cavities
• Tooth discoloration
• Sensitivity
• Pain
• Swelling
• Pus discharge

Treatment

• Treatment for tooth decay depends on how bad it is.
• Mild tooth decay – We fill the cavities with bio-compatible substance (fillings).
• Severe tooth decay- You may need a root canal and then crown.
• In Extreme cases- Tooth removal

TOOTH COLOR FILLINGS

Dental fillings are required when your teeth are damaged because of cavities, a trauma caused by any accident/ fall. Traditionally fillings where done using silver metal and mercury. To avoid the hazards of mercury toxicity, tooth colored fillings with composite and high strength GIC.

Restoring the cavities and broken teeth is not just for esthetic concerns but also to restore the function and harmonious occlusion. Procedure involves scooping out of the decayed enamel and dentin followed by restoration of the cavity with the filing material.

Smaller decays might require the use of flowable materials like sealants that are used as a preventive measure to limit the progression of the decay. These sealants are also tooth colored, so we don’t compromise the esthetic part!

Fillings when ignored in the initial stage can lead to progression of the caries affecting the pulp/ nerve of the tooth resulting in pain. Also these damaged teeth will cause discomfort while eating because of food lodgment. This results in improper biting habits that can lead to jaw problems at a later stage.

So when it comes to cavities, the sooner the treatment is done, the better it is for a lifetime.

Add a mile to your smile

Everybody needs a little extra sparkle in his or her life from time to time. Tooth gem or dental jewellery is a non-invasive tooth decoration fixed on our tooth that adds sparkles to your smile making you stand out of the crowd. These gems are available in different sizes and colors and are fixed using certain dental materials.

Tooth jewellery is much in demand these days in cosmetic dentistry. Most are making this style statement not only to surprise friends with a sparkling crystal glass design, with a twinkle of ruby or diamond, but also add zing in life. These tiny little designs are great fun, and because there's no drilling involved, they won't harm your teeth.

Placing dental jewellery is painless and does not require any injection. The tooth will not be drilled for placement and it hardly takes 15 minutes for the entire procedure. It is firmly bound to the tooth so the chances of it falling while eating are quite rare.

PREGNANCY DENTAL CARE TREATMENT

Congratulations! We are so excited for you to begin your journey as a Mother. Your body is changing, so are your gums and teeth!

It’s important for you to take good care of your teeth and gums while pregnant. Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase the risk of developing gum disease. Below are some tips to help you maintain good oral health during your pregnancy.

DENTAL CARE

• Always tell your dentist if you are pregnant.
• Only selective dental treatments would be depending on the gestation period. Emergency treatments like pain management would be done less invasive to avoid any complications.
• Keep your dentist informed about all the medication you are on- including prenatal vitamins prescribed by your doctor. Also about any specific medical advice that your gynecologist has given you. Your dentist may need to alter your dental treatment plan based on this information.
• We always try to avoid x-rays during pregnancy. If X-rays are essential (such as in a dental emergency), your dentist will use extreme caution to safeguard you and your baby. Advances in technology have made X-rays much safer than in past decades. Our digital x-ray system allows for an extremely low radiation exposure.
• Don’t skip your dental checkup appointment simply because you are pregnant. Now more than any other time, regular periodontal (gum) examination is very important because pregnancy causes hormonal changes that put you at an increased risk for inflamed gums that bleed easily – a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. Pay particular attention to any changes in your gums during pregnancy. If pain, bleeding or gum swelling occurs at any time during your pregnancy, talk with your dentist as soon as possible.

HOW TO HANDLE MORNING SICKNESS

• If morning sickness is keeping you from brushing your teeth, change to bland-tasting toothpaste during pregnancy. Ask your dentist to recommend brands.
• Rinse your mouth with water or a mild mouth rinse if you suffer from morning sickness and have frequent vomiting.

EATING RIGHT FOR YOUR TEETH AND YOUR BABY

• Avoid sugary snacks. Sweet cravings are common during pregnancy. However, keep in mind that the more frequently you snack, the greater the chance of developing tooth decay. Additionally, some studies have shown that the bacteria responsible for tooth decay are passed from the mother to the child. So have a check of what you eat.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Your baby’s first teeth begin to develop about three months into pregnancy. Healthy diets containing dairy products, cheese, and yogurt are a good source of these essential minerals and are good for baby’s developing teeth, gums, and bones.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU THROUGHOUT YOUR MOTHERHOOD. FEEL FREE TO REACH OUR DENTISTS AT PARKAL DENTAL CENTRE.

Head and neck cancers account to around 5% of all the tumors and are more specific to the oral cavity.

Lifestyle risk factors for oral cancer include:

• Tobacco use
• Alcohol consumption
• Immune deficiencies such as HIV & AIDS
• Human Papilloma Virus (HPV 16/18)
• Chronic irritation to the oral mucosa from sharp teeth- broken or decayed
• Previous cancer diagnosis
• History of significant sunlight exposure – increased risk of lip cancer

Survival rate of the patient depends on the stage in which it is diagnosed. Early diagnosis of oral cancer will enhance the treatment, survival rate and the quality of life.

Oral cancer screening is an examination performed by a dentist to look for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. The goal of oral cancer screening is to identify mouth cancer early, when there is a greater chance for a cure.

We perform an examination of your mouth during a routine dental visit to screen for oral cancer. If needed, additional tests may aid in identifying areas of abnormal cells in your mouth.

• Oral cancer screening dye- Rinsing your mouth with a special blue dye before an exam. Abnormal cells in your mouth may take up the dye and appear blue.
• Oral cancer screening light- Shining a light in your mouth during an exam. The light makes healthy tissue appear dark and makes abnormal tissue appear white.

If your dentist discovers any signs of mouth cancer or precancerous lesions, he or she may recommend:

• A follow-up visit in a few weeks to see if the abnormal area is still present and note whether it has grown or changed over time.
• A biopsy procedure to remove a sample of cells for laboratory testing to determine whether cancer cells are present. Your dentist may perform the biopsy, or you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in oral cancer diagnosis and treatment.

IF YOU SUSPECT YOU MAY BE AT RISK, CONTACT US TODAY TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION WITH OUR SPECIALISTS.

At Parkal Dental Center, we aspire to give your children a broad, beautiful, healthy smile. Making sure that your kids are healthy is very important, and your child’s oral health is a huge part of their overall health.

Introducing children to the world of dentistry in an enjoyable environment enhances a positive attitude towards dental health, creating an eager office and home care participant! A lifetime of good health begins with the first visit! Parents are under no obligation to make further appointments.

When it comes to pediatric dentistry, we focus on treating the problems during early growth and development of your child’s dentition through adolescence. This includes:

• Oral hygiene maintenance
• Preventive caries treatments –like Pit and fissure sealants, Fluoride application
• Habit correction – thumb sucking, mouth breathing, nail biting etc
• Preventing sports injuries using customized mouth guards
• Atraumatic restorative treatments
• Pediatric endodontics (Pulpectomy, Pulpotomy, Apexification ,Apexogenisis)
• Dentofacial orthopedics
• Trauma management

As your child grows, we will be able to recognize the problems at an early stage, which may affect the overall function of your child’s dental health. If you have any questions about your child’s oral or overall health, feel free to contact us.

Don’t wait to get your child in for a visit — the sooner a problem is detected, the less damage it can do.

Your teeth also ages with age. When kids have different dental concerns like orthodontic issues and losing their baby teeth, seniors have several other dental concerns than they did when they were 30! GERIATRIC DENTISTRY deals with diagnosing, preventing, managing and treating problems associated with age related diseases.

Certain geriatric dental problems have become a cliché, like the misconception that all the elderly need dentures. Still other concerns might seem obvious, like cardiac issues, arthritis or mobility issues making regular dental care more difficult than in the past.

At PARKAL DENTAL CENTRE, our dental specialists focus on addressing the most common geriatric dental problems as follows:

• Tooth darkening
• Dentin hypersensitivity
• Gum disease
• Root decay
• Periodontal diseases
• Salivary gland problems
• Problems of the oral mucosa (soft tissue covering)
• Motor dysfunction
• Orofacial pain
• Prescription medications
• Side effects and symptoms from illness

TOOTH DARKENING

Darkened or yellow teeth are a part of the ageing process and a common problem for the seniors. These teeth tend to get stained easily with the food that we eat and drink (esp. coffee and tea). For cosmetic reasons, custom fabricated porcelain dental veneers and full ceramic crowns that would restore the esthetics are the best choice.

DENTIN HYPERSENSITIVITY

Dentin hypersensitivity is among the most frequently reported dental concerns. This happens because of wear and tear of the tooth enamel that exposes the underlying dentinal structures causing hypersensitivity and feels a sudden sharp pain. This strongly indicates that you need teeth desensitization. This includes:

• Fluoride treatment after your regular dental cleaning. Application of fluoride to your teeth aids in desensitization.
• When tooth roots are exposed, the composite resin is bonded to your tooth to stop sensitivity.
• Receding gums can also cause tooth sensitivity. Through gum graft surgery, our dental surgeon uses your healthy tissue grafts to cover the exposed tooth roots.
• Last but not the least, severely worn out teeth where dental pulp is affected, we proceed with root canal treatment to eliminate sensitivity.

Don’t wait for tooth sensitivity to worsen. See our dentists at PARKAL Dental Centre and let us address your oral problem.

GUM DISEASE

Nearly every adult will have gum disease in their lifetime, but this is usually less severe and treatable. In case of older adults, it could be more severe. Literature evidences show evidences of gum disease linked to medical conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Maintaining good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, gum care treatment – scaling and root planning, helps control the disease progression. For seniors who struggle with arthritis, neuromuscular disorders like Parkinson’s – may have mobility issues which may hinder the oral hygiene maintenance. They might require the use of alternative solutions like automated brushes which can be of greater help. A geriatric dentist will also have good strategies for seniors who struggle to maintain regular brushing and flossing.

ROOT DECAY

As we age, our gums tend to recede, leaving the root exposed to acids. Roots are not protected and are more prone to decay. Root decay can lead to tooth loss and other dental issues for seniors.

Root decay can be prevented with regular teeth cleanings. We may need to perform deep cleaning or scaling to keep roots in good health. Application of a protective varnish might also be necessitated. Rinsing regularly with a fluoride mouthwash can also help prevent root decay. Severely damaged teeth might either undergo root canal treatment or extraction.

PERIODONTAL DISEASES

Tooth supporting structures i.e., the gums, bone and the soft tissue covering encounter many problems in the elderly because of poor oral hygiene maintenance. The plaque and tartar accumulation can lead to gingival recession, causing pocket formation leading to multiple abscesses (deep infection with pus discharge). This can result in bone loss which causes the tooth to become mobile or shaky finally resulting in loss of multiple teeth. Both esthetics and function gets compromised in this case.

Periodontal problems are common in diabetics, also during the intake of certain medications. Regular visit to your dentist and proper oral hygiene maintenance as advised will help control the progression of the disease.

SALIVARY GLAND PROBLEMS

The aging process affects not only the teeth but also the structures in and around it. The salivary gland cells are responsible for the production of saliva in your mouth, which keeps it moistened, maintaining the smooth texture. With age, the count of the salivary cells reduces leading to hypo salivation. This also occurs in certain systemic diseases, with intake of certain medications and post radiotherapy. Hypo salivation can lead to dryness of the mucosa making it more friable, also decreased cleansing action of saliva leads to a high caries activity. Addressing these issues at an early stage is important to prevent further damage.

PROBLEMS OF THE ORAL MUCOSA

Salivary gland hypofunction as part of the aging can cause dryness of the mouth. The oral soft tissue covering/ oral mucosa become thin and friable, making it more susceptible to trauma. The cracks in the mucosa favor entry of micro-organisms increasing the risk of infections, most commonly opportunistic infections like oral candidiasis, ulcerative and malignant lesions. Oral examination doesn’t just stop with your teeth, it includes the teeth supporting structures around it as well.

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS

Prescription medications can cause many adverse side effects in the mouth, including bad taste, bad breath and dry mouth. For seniors especially, many medications can make it difficult to maintain healthy teeth and gums. For excessive dry mouth or bad breath, we would prescribe or recommend a mouthwash that can help. You’ll also want to increase your hydration and make sure to stick with your regular oral care routine.

SIDE EFFECTS AND SYMPTOMS FROM ILLNESS

Not only can prescription medications cause oral health issues for seniors, weakened immune systems from illness can also have adverse effects. Opportunistic fungal infections like candidiasis can be very common in people with depleted immune system. Regular dental visits can help in early diagnosis and treatment at an incident stage. It is mandatory o carry your list of medications taken while reporting to your dentist!

DENTAL IMPLANTS, BRIDGES AND CROWNS

The loss of teeth in senior patients could result in the need for dental implants, bridges and crowns, if the call is for fixed replacement. Implants can be placed successfully depending on the amount of residual bone present. But they could be tricky due to bone loss and the need for more extensive treatment time when it comes to geriatric patients. Dental bridges and crowns are a good choice if there is adequate support from the adjacent teeth. Fixed replacement of teeth enables the seniors to comfortably relish the food they eat and also avoid the anxiety of loose dentures while talking and eating.

DENTURES

Many older patients have dentures. Dentures can sometimes be a great relief to a patient who has struggled for years with tooth decay, tooth loss or other dental issues. Dentures, however, can cause some issues in older patients.

When dentures don’t fit well, they can rub and cause sores in the mouth. Some patients might also get stomatitis, which is an inflammation of the tissue underneath the denture caused by ill-fitting dentures or poor hygiene.

Talk to your dentist and ask for an adjustment if dentures don’t seem to be fitting well. And, of course, always take care to keep your dentures and tissues in good health.

You deserve individualized care focused on your whole-body health. Contact us at 044-23644994/ 9962234994 to get started.

Mouth sores are common ailments that affect many people at some point in their lives.

These sores can appear on any of the soft tissues of your mouth, including your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and floor and roof of your mouth. You can even develop mouth sores on your esophagus, the tube leading to your stomach.

Mouth sores, which include canker sores, are usually a minor irritation and last only a week or two. In some cases, however, they can indicate mouth cancer or an infection.

SYMPTOMS

• Redness and pain, especially when eating and drinking
• Burning or tingling sensation around the sore.
• Depending on the size, severity, and location of the sores in your mouth, they can make it difficult to eat, drink, swallow, talk, or breathe.
• The sores may also develop blisters.

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• sores that are larger than half an inch in diameter
• frequent outbreaks of mouth sores
• rash
• joint pain
• fever
• diarrhea

WHAT CAUSES MOUTH SORES?

Several things can lead to mouth sores, ranging from minor everyday causes to serious illnesses. Usually, a mouth sore might develop if you:

• bite your tongue, cheek, or lip
• burn your mouth
• experience irritation from a sharp object, such braces, retainer, or dentures
• brush your teeth too hard, or use a very firm toothbrush
• chew tobacco
• Viral infections

PREVENTION

There is no absolute way to prevent all mouth sores. However, you can take certain steps to avoid getting them. You should try to:

• avoid very hot foods and drinks
• chew slowly
• use a soft toothbrush and practice regular dental hygiene
• see your dentist if any dental hardware or teeth may be irritating your mouth
• decrease stress
• eat a balanced diet
• reduce or eliminate food irritants, such as hot, spicy foods
• take vitamin supplements, especially B vitamins
• drink plenty of water
• don’t smoke or use tobacco
• avoid or limit alcohol consumption
• shade your lips when in the sun, or use SPF 15 lip balm

HOW ARE THEY TREATED?

Minor mouth sores often go away naturally within 10 to 14 days, but they can last up to six weeks. Some simple home remedies might help reduce the pain and possibly speed up the healing process. You may want to:

• avoid hot, spicy, salty, citrus-based, and high-sugar foods
• avoid tobacco and alcohol
• gargle with salt water
• eat ice, ice pops, sherbet, or other cold foods
• avoid squeezing or picking at the sores or blisters
• take a pain medication as prescribed

More than having strong teeth, everyone wishes to have a picture-perfect smile. At Parkal Dental centre, we aspire to create beautiful smiles every day.

So, if your teeth are broken, misaligned (spaced out / crowded), discolored or worn out, cosmetic dental procedures can help improve the look and function of your smile.

No smile is beyond repair! Our cosmetic services are not just limited to teeth, but extend beyond it to restore esthetics to the teeth supporting structures like gums and lips as well. Here’s a list of the cosmetic dental treatments done at our clinic:

• Professional teeth whitening
• Veneers
• Smile designing
• Gum contouring
• Tooth color fillings
• Dental bridges
• Dental sculpting

PROFESSIONAL TEETH WHITENING

Keeping your teeth white can be quite challenging. The multi-colored cuisine, coffee, tea and smoking stain our teeth despite proper maintenance. Tooth discoloration is one of the factors that affect someone’s smile. This can sometimes leave them lack a little luster too.

Tooth whitening is an excellent way to restore the natural color of your teeth or even make them whiter than your natural color if you would like and give you the ability to smile with confidence.

To accomplish the whitening of your teeth, we first do a complete oral examination and eliminate issues like tooth decay, tooth sensitivity and gum disease. Finally, the in-office tooth whitening procedure is done to give you that SPARKLING SMILE!

VENEERS

Technological advancements in dentistry give you many new ways to get a brighter and straighter. Veneers are strong, thin shells of porcelain, bonded to your teeth to create a beautiful, perfectly aligned, fresh new smile in just a few visits! They can also mask the stains that cannot be removed with teeth whitening, and can help improve the appearance of your teeth.

The first step is to take an impression of your teeth, which will be used to fabricate your custom veneers. Once done, your dentist will then bond the veneers to your natural teeth.

Dental veneers are translucent and imitate the natural translucency of tooth enamel which makes it more esthetic. Also, they are less intrusive when compared to the conventional dental crowns that can help improve the shape of your individual teeth, altering the misalignments like spacing / crowding and the evenness of your entire smile.

If cared for properly, dental veneers can last for many years.

SMILE DESIGNING

Digital smile designing is the state of the art technique that helps you to capture your smile even before it is created.

The treatment process involves a multidisciplinary approach beginning from conservative restoration to comprehensive esthetic makeovers. Smile designing doesn’t just focus on esthetics but also tries to restore a balanced and harmonious functioning of your teeth giving THE HOLLYWOOD smile meeting all your requirements.

The treatment planning begins with digital photographs of your profile fed into advanced smile designing software. A personalized smile make-over plan is generated and our smile expert would discuss it with you. With his experience and knowledge, he shall guide you through the process and make you feel more confident about designing your dream smile. To have a look at the beautiful smiles and we have created, check out the smile gallery

( Click Here )

GUM CONTOURING

A captivating smile doesn’t just involve your teeth, a harmonious relationship between your teeth, lips and gums also do matter.

Certain people tend to show most part of the gums along with their teeth when they smile. Probable reasons for it could be either an overgrowth of the gum tissues or having a short upper lip. These cases might require contouring the gums to give a pleasant smile.

Digital photographs and impressions of the teeth and gums are taken. This mimics the intraoral scenario and allows us to visualize and plan the treatment. The excessive growth of the gums can be re-contoured in a minimally invasive manner under local anesthesia as a chair side procedure. Following the post op instructions precisely would lead you to a speedy recovery.

TOOTH COLOR FILLINGS

Dental fillings are required when your teeth are damaged because of cavities, a trauma caused by any accident/ fall. Traditionally fillings where done using silver metal and mercury. To avoid the hazards of mercury toxicity, tooth colored fillings with composite and high strength GIC.

Restoring the cavities and broken teeth is not just for esthetic concerns but also to restore the function and harmonious occlusion. Procedure involves scooping out of the decayed enamel and dentin followed by restoration of the cavity with the filing material.

Smaller decays might require the use of flowable materials like sealants that are used as a preventive measure to limit the progression of the decay. These sealants are also tooth colored, so we don’t compromise the esthetic part!

Fillings when ignored in the initial stage can lead to progression of the caries affecting the pulp/ nerve of the tooth resulting in pain. Also these damaged teeth will cause discomfort while eating because of food lodgment. This results in improper biting habits that can lead to jaw problems at a later stage.

So when it comes to cavities, the sooner the treatment is done, the better it is for a lifetime.

DENTAL BRIDGES

Dental bridges provide varied benefits. They can be used to close the gaps between teeth, replace missing teeth, maintaining the facial contour and distributing the chewing forces evenly.

The procedure involves reduction of the tooth structure on all sides evenly, followed by impression making which is then sent to the dental technician for bridge fabrication. Dental bridges are made using materials like Gold, silver metal, acrylic, ceramic, zirconia or as a combination of metal and ceramic.

In case of missing teeth, the teeth adjacent to the missing region serve as an anchorage to hold the artificial bridges. These bridges can also be supported using implants to cover the edentulous region.

DENTAL SCULPTING

Dental sculpting or esthetic re-contouring involves reshaping of your teeth by removing small amounts of tooth enamel in order to change the shape, length of the teeth. This might involve one or more surfaces of the tooth according to the requirement.

The process begins with taking x-rays of your teeth to ensure they’re healthy and fit to be reshaped. The area to be sculpted is then highlighted using a marker. The tooth is then artfully contoured to eliminate the surface imperfections. Finally, smoothening and polishing is done.

Tooth reshaping doesn’t just have cosmetic benefits; it also helps to eliminate the sharp cusp tips and surface cracks thereby preventing stress overload, fractures, also making it self cleansable. Thus the tooth is functionally stabilized as well.

WHY CHOOSE PARKAL DENTAL CENTRE?

Smile experts at our clinic focus on restoring the natural emergence profile, so people may not even identify it as artificial ones! We use imported, quality materials and state of the art technology for fabricating the dental bridges that when maintained properly, stays for a lifetime.

People who smoke have a higher risk of gum problems, having complications after tooth extractions and surgery in the mouth, and developing oral cancer. Smokers have a lowered resistance to infections and have impaired healing.

Stopping smoking reduces the risk of developing gum disease and oral cancer, and improves the person’s response to gum treatment. It is very important for smokers to visit their dentists regularly to keep their teeth and gums healthy and have regular oral cancer checks.

CARING FOR YOUR TEETH AND GUMS

If you are a smoker, there are some things you can do to prevent tooth and gum problems, including:

• Try to quit smoking – speak to your doctor for guidance and support.
• If quitting smoking is too difficult, try and reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke.
• Thoroughly clean your teeth and gums twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
• Use dental floss or interdental cleaners every day to clean between your teeth.
• Visit your dentist regularly for advice about the proper care of your teeth and gums at home, early intervention and regular preventive maintenance visits to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
• Avoid having a dry mouth – drink plenty of water and chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production.
• Limit your alcohol intake.

ORAL PROBLEMS AFFECTING PEOPLE WHO SMOKE

The most common oral problems affecting people who smoke are:

• periodontal disease
• oral cancer
• whitening of the oral mucosa (mucus membrane), which is called smoker’s keratosis
• poor healing after tooth extractions (dry sockets)
• poor healing after mouth and gum surgery
• stained teeth
• Bad taste and bad breath.

PERIODONTAL (GUM) DISEASE

Periodontal (gum) disease is caused by an infection that destroys the bone surrounding and supporting your teeth. This bone holds your teeth into your jawbone and allows you to chew comfortably. Bacteria and food debris called dental plaque can trigger gum disease.

If left on teeth and gums, plaque hardens to form calculus or tartar. The plaque and calculus irritate the gums around teeth. As gum disease progresses, more bone is lost. Teeth become loose and may fall out by themselves or have to be removed by a dentist.

Smokers typically do not have bleeding gums as they have poor blood supply to the gums, so their gum disease is often masked.

People who smoke less than 10 cigarettes per day are two times more likely to develop gum disease. This increases to four to five times more likely in heavier smokers. Also, the more cigarettes smoked, the worse the gum disease. Smokers do not respond as well to gum treatment as non-smokers.

Smokers are at a higher risk of developing acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, a very painful condition of the gum, which smells and tastes terrible.

Encouragingly, people who stop smoking have the same risk of developing gum disease and responding to gum treatment as non-smokers. People who stop smoking may notice that their gums bleed more. The bleeding should stop after gum treatment from your dentist.

SYMPTOMS OF GUM DISEASE

Please see your dentist if you notice any signs and symptoms of gum disease, including:

• red, swollen, tender, bleeding gums
• a persistent discharge (pus) coming from your gums
• gums that are loose and pull away from your teeth
• a bad taste or bad breath
• loose teeth – this can change the feel of your bite when your teeth are placed together or make dentures fit differently
• Spaces opening between your teeth.

ORAL CANCER

Oral cancer is cancer of the mouth, including the tongue, cheek, palate, floor of the mouth and lips. Of people with oral cancer, 75 per cent are smokers. People who smoke 40 cigarettes per day and drink four alcoholic drinks per day are 35 times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers and non-alcohol drinkers. The risk is much lower in people who only smoke or only drink alcohol.

People who stop smoking and stop drinking alcohol have the same risk of developing oral cancer as non-smokers after 10 years. Also, non-smokers with oral cancer are three times more likely to survive than non smokers.

Oral cancer in smokers is most likely to occur on the side of the tongue and the floor of the mouth. Treatment for oral cancer includes surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

SYMPTOMS OF ORAL CANCER

Please see your dentist immediately if you notice any:

• persistent ulcer in your mouth or on your lip that does not disappear after seven to 10 days, particularly if the ulcer is not painful
• white patch in your mouth
• red patch in your mouth
• swelling in your mouth
• Dentures suddenly not fitting properly.

POOR HEALING AFTER DENTAL WORK

People who smoke are more likely to develop a 'dry socket'. This is a poorly healing tooth socket after a tooth extraction, which is very painful.

People who smoke are also more likely to have pain after other oral and gum surgery. Dental implants are less likely to integrate or 'take' in people who smoke than in non-smokers.

Contact your dentist if you have any problems after a tooth extraction, oral and gum surgery, including dental implant surgery.

A cigarette says: Today you turn me into ashes, but tomorrow is my turn. The best time to quit smoking was the day you started, the second best time to quit is today. So quit smoking and stay healthy!

Sports injury is quite common in all the age groups - kids, teens, and adults who engage into active sports. Be it high impact sports or a pickup game in the backyard, for an amateur or professional athlete. Whether it’s basketball, ice hockey, football, or boxing, everyone needs a custom mouthguard to protect them from any form of dental injury.

We at Parkal Dental Centre, support you in this endeavor. Our dental team fabricates custom mouthguards that comfortably fit into your mouth. It’s our way of supporting you as you continue to engage in physical activities with full mouth gear protection.

Custom mouthguards are dental devices that add a layer of protection to your teeth and jaws. Although there are available mouthguards that you can buy over the counter, these one-size-fits-all don’t provide maximum protection. They need to be customized because each patient has unique dentition. The custom sports mouthguards that we provide are specially-designed to snugly fit into your mouth since these are fabricated based on your dental impression.

Our laminated, three-layered sports mouthguard is soft on inside and outside and hard in between. The hard inter layer extends over the whole protection. They are produced less voluminous with the same protective effect. Available in 26 different ranges of colors for you to choose from, it shows the brand logo and upon request, it can also bear the name of the athlete.

Play Safe with Triple Safe Mouthguards. Book your appointment today to order your Mouthguards!

What is smokeless tobacco?

There are two main types of smokeless tobacco: chewing tobacco and snus.

Chewing tobacco usually comes as leaves or plugs which you put on the inside of your cheek and chew. Chewing the tobacco releases the flavours and nicotine, and causes your mouth to make a lot of saliva. Users generally end up spitting this out. Snus is tobacco that comes as a moist powder, or is packed in small bags, and you put it under the inside of your bottom lip.

Both types of smokeless tobacco are very addictive and can cause serious health problems.

The ingredients in smokeless tobacco are a mixture of tobacco-nicotine, sugar, salt, slaked lime, spices and flavourings. They may release hundreds of chemicals and poisons when you use them.

Among these chemicals are many dangerous cancer-causing agents (called ‘carcinogens').

Can smokeless tobacco be part of other chewing products?

Yes. Smokeless tobacco goes by many different names, such as:

PaanMasala(Gutkha), Snuff, Nass, Naswat or Niswar, Snus, ZardaChaw, Supari, lq'mik, Khaini, Ariva, Mawa, Shammah, Mishri, Mosheri or Misheri, Toombak, Qiwam or Kima, Chimo.

Areca nut, ash and lime are some of the main ingredients used in these mixtures.

Smokeless tobacco is used mainly by people from South Asia, South East Asia, the Middle East and East Africa.

People who use it don't always know or use the term 'smokeless tobacco', so they often don't realize that the products contain tobacco. If you aren't sure, look on the packaging for names or ingredients like those we've mentioned above.

Is smokeless tobacco linked with mouth cancer?

Yes. Mouth cancer is the most serious health risk linked with smokeless tobacco. This is because of the large amount of cancer-causing chemicals it has in it. Over time, having these poisons released in your mouth could make you four times as likely to get mouth cancer.

One of the most dangerous and popular ingredients used in smokeless tobacco is the areca (or betel) nut. This is used in ‘betel quid' which is made up of betel leaf, areca nut and slaked lime. Research shows that people who regularly chew areca nut have a bigger risk of cancers of the mouth, pharynx (throat), esophagus, stomach and pancreas.

Smokeless tobacco users are especially likely to get throat cancer, as they regularly swallow tobacco juice. Cancers of the lip and cheek are also common, as the tobacco is pressed against the lining of the mouth.

Mouth cancer can appear as:

• A painless mouth ulcer that does not heal properly.
• A white or red patch in the mouth.
• Unusual lumps or swellings.

It is important that you visit your dental team regularly if you use smokeless tobacco. This is because part of your check-up will involve a full mouth examination when the dental team will look out for any of these signs.

How can smokeless tobacco affect my overall health?

Smokeless tobacco also harms your overall health. The nicotine causes your body to make more cholesterol and, as a result, you are more likely to get heart disease and have strokes.

Because tobacco users are more likely to have gum disease, they are also more likely to have other health problems such as:

• Type-2 diabetes.
• Premature births.
• Dementia.
• Respiratory (lung) disease.

As well as causing mouth cancer, smokeless tobacco may also increase the risk of cancer of the pancreas.

Is smokeless tobacco safer than cigarettes?

No, it isn't. Although many users still believe that smokeless tobacco is not as harmful as regular cigarettes, this is simply not true.

Like cigarettes, smokeless tobacco is a serious risk to the health of your mouth and to your overall health. Both contain nicotine, which is a very addictive drug. In fact, there is twice as much nicotine in smokeless tobacco as in an average cigarette. This causes problems for the heart by tightening blood vessels and raising blood pressure.

One can of chewing tobacco can release as much nicotine into your body as 60 cigarettes.

What are the health benefits of giving up smokeless tobacco?

Giving up smokeless tobacco can bring many health benefits. Short-term benefits include a better appetite and good digestion, as well as better teeth and gums. Long-term benefits include less chance of developing a serious disease, such as heart disease or mouth cancer. The risk of dying from a heart attack is also lessened by giving up smokeless tobacco.

How can I give up smokeless tobacco?

There are many ways you can give up smokeless tobacco. The important thing is to work out why you use it in the first place.

• You may use smokeless tobacco to help deal with stress and boredom. Dealing with stress in other ways can help you cut down. For example, you could try taking a walk, listening to music, doing deep-breathing exercises, talking with other people or joining social groups at local community centers.
• You may use smokeless tobacco to help with tooth and gum pain. If you have tooth or gum problems it is important to see your dental team for proper treatment instead of trying to deal with the pain yourself.
• Some people use smokeless tobacco because they think it helps with digestion after eating. If you do have stomach problems after eating, then drinking more water instead can help. Or your doctor will be able to offer counseling and treatment.

What will I feel like if I give up smokeless tobacco?

You may find that giving up is even harder than giving up cigarettes. This is because of the higher levels of nicotine, which is very addictive.

When you try to stop using tobacco, your body still wants the nicotine so you might get ‘withdrawal symptoms'. These can include headaches, tiredness, changes in mood, getting angry quickly and finding it hard to concentrate.

If you find it hard to give up smokeless tobacco, you can get specialist help. This can be nicotine replacement therapy, such as nicotine patches or gum, and support to help you cope with how you feel. A local stop-smoking centre can also give you support.

Can my dentist help?

Your dental team will carry out a regular check-up to make sure that your teeth, gums and mouth are healthy. They will also check your cheeks, tongue and throat for any signs of other conditions. Using smokeless tobacco may cause white, red or white-and-red patches, and these can be found at a dental examination.

It is important that you visit your dental team regularly for a normal check-up and a full mouth examination so that any other problems can be spotted early. Book your appointment today @PARKAL DENTAL CENTRE

Are you worried about having spaced out teeth or crooked ones, crowded and overlapping each other? The perfect, permanent solution will be orthodontic correction.

An orthodontic problem doesn't start in one day. It takes years for the issue to set in since we don't see the problem with our eyes till it becomes worse. Orthodontic treatment can be done in both the growing children as well as grown up adults. Growing children with habits like thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, lip-biting are treated using habit-breaking appliances.

The earlier the treatment is done, the better is the outcome. Esthetic problems in adult patients with fully grown jaws can also be addressed by orthodontic treatment. Based on the age group of people the problems are approached accordingly.

There are 4 phases in orthodontic treatment:

• PREVENTIVE
• INTERCEPTIVE
• CORRECTIVE
• SURGICAL

PREVENTIVE ORTHODONTICS

Treatment intended to prevent the development of a malocclusion the development of a malocclusion

Age: 1-5 years

Procedures done:

• Dental restorations
• Temporary prostheses (space maintainers)
• Extraction of deciduous teeth (delayed exfoliation)

INTERCEPTIVE ORTHODONTICS

An extension of preventive orthodontics that may include localized tooth movement in an otherwise normal dentition. This involves both the primary and permanent dentition.

Age – 5-12 years

Procedures:

• redirection of ectopically erupting teeth
• correction of emerging cross bite
• recovery of recent minor space loss where overall space is adequate
• Habit correction – using habit breaking appliances

Children tend to develop many habits like nail biting, lip biting, thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and also mouth breathing which can alter the developing occlusion to a greater extent. These are some of the interceptive orthodontic problems, which have to be corrected at this stage itself.

This also includes correction of the jaw (skeletal) problems in the growing stage itself. We use devices like headgears either to restrict excessive growth or to promote the growth depending upon the requirement. Interceptive correction has a greater advantage in improving the dental occlusion, also enhancing the facial profile.

CORRECTIVE ORTHODONTICS

This phase involves the correction of the established malocclusion.

Age group:

Teens between 13-19 years, during their pubertal growth phase

Corrective ortho treatment can be done is adults who have dental malocclusion.

Orthodontic treatment can be done using either the conventional metal braces or the cosmetic ceramic ones. Metal braces are made of high grade stainless steel with metal arch wires engaged to it during the treatment.

Modified techniques are also used to improve your esthetic concerns. This includes placement of braces behind your teeth, making it invisible. LINGUAL braces are customized and have gained attention among the teens and younger adults when they do not wish to compromise their appearance with the visible braces.

If you are a person concerned about esthetics, then you can also prefer the ceramic ones. They are made of translucent glass like material which is more appealing than the metal ones. And, don’t worry...they don’t stain or discolor your teeth even when wore for a longer time.

Technical advancements have come up with various modifications in the metal braces. One such is the fabrication of self-ligating brackets. The significance of it is reducing the duration to fewer office visits to complete treatment.

The duration of the treatment is totally dependent on the level of correction needed and the patient compatibility with the treatment. Frequent breakage of the braces can delay your treatment.

Since wires and brackets have almost become history and also these adult braces are not very appealing because of social concerns. So people started looking out for cosmetic options like clear aligners.

BRACES	CLEAR ALIGNERS
Visible metal/ ceramic	Invisible correction
Fixed	Removable
Food lodgment	Comfortably removed while eating
Mechanical trauma from wires and brackets	Made of smooth, flexible thermoplastic - biocompatible

SURGICAL ORTHODONTICS

People with skeletal problems interfering with dental esthetics might require surgical correction of the jaw. In case you have missed your esthetic facial contouring during your teens don’t worry. Surgical orthodontics is safe and suitable for everyone above 18 years of age. Skeletal problems that can be corrected by orthoganthic surgery commonly includes:

• Excessive or deficient growth of upper or lower jaw
• Chin corrections
• Correction of bony prominences

Following surgery, the dentition can be aligned using either conventional braces or clear aligners.

Visit PARKAL DENTAL CENTRE to get your dream smile. Our in-house smile expert Dr T.Saravana Kumar is an orthodontist and has been in practice for more than 20 years. He will guide you through the process to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Check out the beautiful smiles we’ve created :D

ARE YOU DREAMING OF A STRAIGHTER SMILE WITHOUT WIRES AND BRACKETS? WE HAVE THE BEST SOLUTION IN STORE FOR YOU.

Thanks to the advancements in technology to bring out exquisite treatment options like INVISALIGN! These clear aligners are barely noticeable, removable and are customized to suit your demands. We assure you the best results as INVISALIGN is the World’s most advanced digital orthodontic system. They bring about precise, predictable and gradual tooth movement. INVISALIGN is the pioneer in aligners. It is the only aligner system that brings about 3-D tooth movement with its attachment driven principle.

These clear aligners are compatible with all the age groups correcting both the growing and the fully grown dental mal-alignments. It is very popular among the teens and the adult group who do not want to hide their confident smile in the public.

The procedure is quite simple. It involves a series of steps where our smile expert will guide you through the entire procedure. It begins with recording a digital replica of your smile using a hi-tech 3D scan. The scan gives a 3D visualization of your smile followed by analysis using Invisalign computed programming software. A customized treatment plan is designed catering your needs. And yes, you also get a chance to be your smile’s co-designer.

Once the treatment plan has been finalized, the fabrication of the clear aligners is done using 3D printing technology. These aligners are absolutely esthetic, precise and delivered to you with perfection. With invisalign, smile like everyone is watching!

Regular usage of your aligners sculpts your smile, the way you’ve always wanted. Also they don’t stop you from having your favorite foods coz they are removable. They can be avoided while eating and during routine dental care (brushing and flossing).

Dr.Saravana Kumar is an INVISALIGN certified orthodontist and is a leading smile expert in chennai for the past 20 years. He has transformed many smiles involving all the age groups. Have a look at the sparking smiles created, in the smile gallery. Invisalign doesn’t just create a beautiful smile but also changes your quality of life by improving your self esteem and confidence in the public.

INVISALIGN clear aligners are a clear alternative to braces. To get a step closer to your dream smile, BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT today!

Teeth stain for many reasons, including your food and drink choices, oral hygiene, and medication use. Teeth stains occur on the surface of the tooth or below the tooth enamel and some people develop both types of teeth stains.

TYPES OF DENTAL STAINS:

• EXTRINSIC ( from external sources)
• INTRINSIC ( cause for stain arises from within)
• AGE RELATED

Extrinsic Teeth Stains- occurs when stain particles, such as pigmented residue from food or drink, build-up on the tooth surface and cover the tooth enamel. They are typically caused by tobacco use or by regularly drinking coffee and tea, colored drinks. This type of tooth stain responds well to regular dental cleaning.

Intrinsic Teeth Stains- occurs below the surface of the tooth. It occurs when stain-causing particles work through the exterior of the tooth and accumulate within the tooth enamel. Excessive fluoride intake from ground water, deficient enamel or dentin, trauma to the tooth are potential causes of intrinsic staining and also have been associated with intrinsic, especially in children. It could be trickier to remove, but it can be done professionally. An intrinsic tooth stain may require bleaching using professional or at-home chemical teeth-whitening, veneering etc.

Age-Related Teeth Stains: Age-related teeth stains can be a combination of both intrinsic and extrinsic tooth discoloration. Because the core tissue of your teeth, the dentin, naturally yellows over time, teeth tend to discolor with age. As we age, the enamel that covers the tooth becomes thinner, allowing the dentin to show through. These intrinsic causes of discoloration combined with extrinsic causes such as the effects of certain foods, beverages, and tobacco, will cause most adults' teeth to discolor with age. Don’t worry; we have the best solution for you @PARKAL DENTAL CENTRE.

SCALING / PROFESSIONAL DENTAL CLEANING

We all know how important it is to brush and floss our teeth daily, but did you know that it is also important to visit your dentist every six months for a professional dental cleaning?

Extrinsic dental stains could be a major social concern despite the age. They can be treated by professional dental cleaning and teeth whitening procedure.

What Does a Professional Dental Cleaning Include?

Scaling and root planning or Professional Dental Cleaning refers to the dental procedure of cleaning the tooth below the gum line. An ultrasonic scaler is used to clean below the gum line to remove tartar, plaque and dental stains. This planes the root of the tooth and smoothens the surface, giving you that dazzling bright smile you’ve always wanted.

When visiting your dentist for your dental cleanings twice a year, your mouth will be thoroughly cleaned, including areas below the gum line. At the end of the visit, your dentist will inspect your smile and make sure there are no issues that need to be taken care of.

PROFESSIONAL TEETH WHITENING

Keeping your teeth white can be quite challenging. The multi-colored cuisine, coffee, tea and smoking stain our teeth despite proper maintenance. Tooth discoloration is one of the factors that affect someone’s smile. This can sometimes leave them lack a little luster too.

Tooth whitening is an excellent way to restore the natural color of your teeth or even make them whiter than your natural color if you would like and give you the ability to smile with confidence.

To accomplish the whitening of your teeth, we first do a complete oral examination and eliminate issues like tooth decay, tooth sensitivity and gum disease. Finally, the in-office tooth whitening procedure is done to give you that SPARKLING SMILE!

VENEERS

Technological advancements in dentistry give you many new ways to get a brighter and straighter. Veneers are strong, thin shells of porcelain, bonded to your teeth to create a beautiful, perfectly aligned, fresh new smile in just a few visits! They can also mask the stains that cannot be removed with teeth whitening, and can help improve the appearance of your teeth.

The first step is to take an impression of your teeth, which will be used to fabricate your custom veneers. Once done, your dentist will then bond the veneers to your natural teeth.

Dental veneers are translucent and imitate the natural translucency of tooth enamel which makes it more esthetic. Also, they are less intrusive when compared to the conventional dental crowns that can help improve the shape of your individual teeth, altering the misalignments like spacing / crowding and the evenness of your entire smile.

If cared for properly, dental veneers can last for many years.

More than having strong teeth, everyone wishes to have a picture-perfect smile. At Parkal Dental centre, we aspire to create beautiful smiles every day. BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!

We all need saliva to moisten and cleanse our mouths and digest food. Saliva also prevents infection by controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth.

When you don't make enough saliva, your mouth gets dry. And if you have ever gone through a dry mouth spell, you know how uncomfortable it is. Known as Xerostomia in medical terms, a dry mouth condition is not very uncommon in people these days.

CAUSES OF DRY MOUTH:

Dry mouth can take place when the glands in your mouth do not make saliva properly.

Some of the other causes are-

• Nerve damage: A dry mouth can be the result of an injury to the neck or head that might have caused nerve damage.
• Side effects of some diseases: Medical conditions like Alzheimer’s, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, anaemia, mumps, stroke, cystic fibrosis etc. can be the reasons behind a dry mouth.
• Medicines and treatments: Radiation treatments of the neck or head may lead to the experiencing of a dry mouth, as can certain prescription medications like drugs used to treat diarrhoea, epilepsy, acne and obesity.
• Improper lifestyle: Breathing with your mouth open dries up your mouth faster. Chewing tobacco and smoking hampers the natural production of saliva in your mouth.
• Dehydration: Health conditions such as excessive sweating, fever, diarrhoea, burns, vomiting and blood loss, that lead to dehydration can also lead to a dry mouth.

SYMPTOMS:

• Frequent thirst
• Bad breath
• A dry, sticky feeling in your mouth
• A dry, raw and red tongue
• A tingling or burning sensation on the tongue and in the mouth
• Dry nasal passage and hoarseness of voice
• Sore throat

COMPLICATIONS:

If you don't have enough saliva and develop dry mouth, this can lead to:

• Increased plaque, tooth decay and gum disease
• Mouth sores
• Yeast infection in your mouth (thrush)
• Sores or split skin at the corners of your mouth, or cracked lips
• Poor nutrition from having problems with chewing and swallowing

MEASURES TO BE TAKEN TO CURE DRY MOUTH:

• Limit your caffeine intake: Caffeine absorbs the saliva in your mouth and makes it drier.
• Chew on sugar-free gum: Sucking on sugar-free hard candies or chewing sugar-free gum stimulates your salivary glands and increases the flow of saliva in your mouth.
• Avoid sugary and acidic food and drinks: Acidic and sugary food need more saliva to digest, while drinks that fall in this category might refresh and hydrate you temporarily, but they leave your mouth feeling drier after some time.
• Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol : Alcohol may dry out your mouth and since you generally use a mouthwash at the end of the day, before going to bed, it is most likely to have an effect on your mouth the whole night, thereby making an alcohol based mouthwash a terrible bane to your efforts towards treating a dry mouth.
• Try a fluoride rinse. This is a method that doctors recommend to get rid of the problem of a dry mouth. Learn to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth.
• Use an effective humidifier in your room if you have the air conditioner turned on. Do this especially in your bedroom at night.
• Stay away from tobacco and cigarettes.
• Avoid using decongestants and antihistamines that are available over the counter at your nearest pharmacy.
• Keep a bottle of water with you, handy at all times. Keep sipping it throughout the day and keep your mouth hydrated.
• Eat moist, soft food that is either cold or at room temperature. Hot foods dry out your mouth by absorbing the saliva in your mouth.

You can often take care of dry mouth at home. If symptoms continue, though, talk to your doctor. We can give you more information about your specific condition, treatment options, and long-term outlook.

Tooth fracture is common when there is accidental trauma to the face. Common in all the age groups, so both the primary and the permanent dentition may get affected. During the crawling and walking phase, children are suspectible to falls that can traumatize the teeth and the jaws. Sports injuries, road traffic accidents are other scenarios that can induce fracture of teeth/ jaws.

According to the level of fracture, the treatment plan differs as follows:

LEVEL OF FRACTURE	SIGNS/SYMPTOMS	TREATMENT
Minimal damage inv enamel only	No pain/sensitivity	Reshaping Restoration with tooth colored composite
Moderate damage affecting enamel and dentin	Sensitivity to hot, cold drinks	Restoration with tooth colored composite
Fracture involving pulp/ nerve tissue of the tooth	Pain	Intraoral x-ray Primary tooth-Pulpal procedures – pulpectomy, apexogenisis, apexification Permanent -Root canal treatment Crown placement
Severe fracture left untreated for long time	Discoloration of tooth Abscess (infection) seen as swelling in the gums with pus	Intraoral x-ray Primary tooth-Pulpal procedures – pulpectomy, apexogenisis, apexification Permanent -Root canal treatment Crown placement (OR) Removal of the affected tooth (if infection is severe)
Tooth fallen out (Avulsion)* (primary/ milk tooth)	-	Removal of the affected tooth
Tooth fallen out (Avulsion)*	-	The tooth should be placed in original position as early as possible and splinted.
		This helps to stabilize the tooth allowing it to heal. Root Canal Treatment may be needed in certain cases.
Root fracture	Mobility of the tooth	Removal of the affected tooth After wound healing, replacement of the missing tooth
Vertical fracture	Pain, mobility	Hemisection Root canal treatment (or) Removal + replacement
Jaw fractures	Deviation Dislocation Hypermobility Limited mouth opening Pain	Report to the clinic ASAP to evaluate the level of fracture and to decide the treatment plan accordingly
		Uncomplicated fractures – intermaxillary fixation Severe fractures – treated by surgery

* Avulsed tooth should be brought to dentist as early as possible. If soiled, wash in running water without scraping the surface of the tooth. It should be bought in suitable medium like milk or the person’s own saliva

Fracture treatment – the earlier, the better success rate! We are available to help you out. Reach out to PARKAL DENTAL CENTRE.

Do you have bleeding gums while brushing or while chewing anything hard? Are you worried about having gum problems?

We all know how important it is to brush and floss our teeth daily, but did you know that it is also important to visit your dentist every six months for a professional dental cleaning?

One of the biggest problems and most common oral health conditions we experience is gum disease. If gum disease is not treated it can develop into severe or acute periodontal disease and must be treated with specialized treatments.

Typically gum disease can be fought against with regular cleanings, flossing and brushing. While brushing and flossing are great ways to ensure your mouth is healthy, a professional dental cleaning can provide a deeper clean, protecting areas you may not be able to clean properly on your own.

What Does a Professional Dental Cleaning Include?

Scaling and root planning or Professional Dental Cleaning refers to the dental procedure of cleaning the tooth below the gum line. An ultrasonic scaler is used to clean below the gum line to remove tartar and plaque. This planes the root of the tooth and smoothens it, allowing the gum to heal around the surface of the tooth.

When visiting your dentist for your dental cleanings twice a year, your mouth will be thoroughly cleaned, including areas below the gum line. This gum cleaning will help ensure that you won’t be affected by gum disease later in life. At the end of the visit, your dentist will inspect your smile and make sure there are no issues that need to be taken care of.

Has it been a while since your last dental cleaning? If so, contact one of our offices today and schedule your dental cleaning and our friendly staff can help to schedule a consultation.

What is a Snoring Device?

These are oral appliances that help treat the symptoms of snoring and sleep apnea by opening your airway to improve airflow while you sleep. Your dentist will help determine if an oral device is right for you, and if it is, make sure it is fitted comfortably.

About Snoring & Sleep Apnea

When you fall into deep sleep, your tongue, soft palate and throat tissues fall into a relaxed state.

For those who snore, the relaxation of these throat tissues causes the airways to restrict, vibrating and rumbling them as oxygen is forced past.

For those with sleep apnea these tissues over-relax, causing them to collapse into the back of the throat and obstruct your airway. When the flow of oxygen stops, the brain is forced to awaken to consciously resume breathing.

These mini-episodes can occur hundreds of times a night, which prevents you from falling into the deep, restorative sleep necessary to recharge your brain and body.

Signs of Sleep Apnea

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have sleep apnea:

• Instances where you stop breathing while sleeping
• Gasping for air while sleeping
• Waking up with a dry mouth
• Frequent headaches
• Difficulty staying asleep
• Feeling excessive exhaustion during the day

Treatment with an Oral Appliance

• If you are diagnosed with snoring or sleep apnea, your dentist may recommend you use an oral appliance for sleep.
• These appliances work by moving the lower jaw forward along with the tongue muscles and open the airway.
• This improves the flow of breath and prevents you from waking up frequently during the night.
• Regular visits to your dentist will help you ensure your device is fitting properly so you can wear it comfortable and get a good night's rest.

CONTACT US ABOUT A SNORING APPLIANCE TODAY!