FAQ: General Dentistry
1.
 How is tooth whitening done?
2.
 How long does whitening lasts?
3.
 What are the Instructions given after teeth whitening?
4.
 What are veneers and are they suitable for me?
5.
 What are Fissure sealants?
6.
 What are the instructions given after tooth extraction or after minor oral surgery?

1.
How is tooth whitening done?
We recommend a regime based on a one hour session in the office using a special gel applied to the teeth and exposed to a special light followed by a take home trays and gel to enhance and complete the whitening. This gives the best result possible.
2.
How long does whitening lasts?
Studies show that about after 2.5 years teeth will go back to there original color, this starts gradually after about six months. Other studies say the teeth will always have a whiter color after whitening. There is no doubt that what and how often, you eat and drink(coffee, tea, red wine, and artificially colored beverages) and whether you smoke or not strongly affect this duration.
3.
What are the Instructions given after teeth whitening?
For 48 hours avoid foods containing colorings a list of which includes, ketchup, mustard, Coke, Merrinda, red wine, tobacco, coffee and tea. Avoid rinsing for half an hour; avoid extreme temperature for the rest of the day. Veneers and Laminates
4.
What are veneers and are they suitable for me?
This is how you can get a beautiful smile quickly. Veneers are a thin layer of porcelain that is bonded to the surface of the teeth to change their shape, color and position to improve the cosmetics of your teeth and smile.

Our dentist will do a thorough examination of your teeth and smile and will determine if veneers are indicated for you. Usually with veneers it is possible to improve the esthetics of your teeth and smile dramatically.

Veneers can improve the shape of your teeth, make your teeth as white as you want and give you the smile you have always wanted. Veneers are bonded to your tooth structure, which gives them strength.

Also because they are very thin, they are considered one of the most conservative cosmetic treatments available. Most of the time very little or no tooth structure is removed before placing veneers. Ask our dentist how veneers can improve your smile.
5.
What are Fissure sealants?
Sealants are thin layers of resin that are placed on the pits and fissures and deep grooves of molars to prevent the development of cavities on these surfaces. Majority of decays on back teeth starts on grooves and pits of chewing surfaces, especially during the first few years after their eruption. Sealing these surfaces with composite resins reduces the chances of development of these kinds of decay.

Sealants are one of the most effective methods of preventing caries and cavities on the surfaces where they are placed. Although there is still a possibility that decay may happen on surfaces in between the teeth, sealants significantly reduce the overall chance of having cavities.
6.

What are the instructions given after tooth extraction or after minor oral surgery?
1. Keep pressing on the gauze or cotton that the doctor has inserted in the socket for 20 minutes (only continuous pressure will stop the bleeding).

2. Do not attempt to speak or to remove the cotton for inspection of the extraction site as this will stimulate bleeding.

3. It is advisable to rest, do not walk or play especially in the sun, this will delay blood clotting.

4. Do not wash your mouth after removing the gauze for the next 5 hours as this will induce hemorrhage.

5. On the extraction or surgical day your diet must consist of soft and cold items, hard and hot diet is not allowed.

6. On the next day of extraction it is advisable to wash your mouth with warm salty water after each meal, continue this for 3 days (do not do this on the day of extraction or surgery).

7. Complications after surgery or complicated extractions may arise. In case you experience any swelling, moderate to severe pain, bruising of the skin or any other complication. Inform our dental surgeon by calling 24696247 or 99249950 at any time.

8. Be careful not to accidentally bite your anesthetized lip as this can occur without you feeling it, because it is numb and could lead to swelling, pain and lacerations to your lip afterwards.

Please follow the instructions carefully as this will reduce the complications and minimize the discomfort that you may experience.