BIDC FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Dental Bonding
What Are the Advantages
and Disadvantages of Dental Bonding?
Advantages. Bonding is among the easiest
and least expensive of cosmetic dental procedures. Unlike
veneers and crowns, which are customized tooth coverings
that must be manufactured in a laboratory, bonding usually
can be done in one office visit unless several teeth
are involved. Another advantage, compared with veneers
and crowns, is that the least amount of tooth enamel
is removed. Also, unless dental bonding is being performed
to fill a cavity, anesthesia is usually not required.
Disadvantages: Although the material
used in dental bonding is somewhat stain resistant,
it does not resist stains as well as veneers and crowns.
Another disadvantage is that the bonding materials do
not last as long nor are as strong as other restorative
procedures, such as crowns, veneers, or fillings. Additionally,
bonding materials can chip and break off the tooth.
Because of some of the limitations of bonding, some
dentists view bonding as best suited for small cosmetic
changes, for temporary correction of cosmetic defects,
and for correction of teeth in areas of very low bite
pressure usually at the front teeth. Consult with your
dentist about the best cosmetic approach for your particular
problem.
Do Bonded Teeth Require
Special Care?
No. Simply follow good oral hygiene practices. Brush
your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once
a day and see your dentist for regular professional
check-ups and cleanings.
Because bonding material can chip, it is important
to avoid such habits as biting fingernails; chewing
on pens, ice or other hard food objects; or using your
bonded teeth as an opener. If you do notice any sharp
edges on a bonded tooth or if your tooth feels odd when
you bite down, call your dentist.
How Long Does Bonding Material
Last?
The lifespan of bonding materials depends on how much
bonding was done and your oral habits. Typically, however,
bonding material lasts from 3 years up to about 10 years
before needing to be touched up or replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs) on Dental Fillings
What Are Indirect Fillings?
Indirect fillings are similar to composite or tooth-colored
fillings except that they are made in a dental laboratory
and require two visits before being placed. Indirect
fillings are considered when not enough tooth structure
remains to support a filling but the tooth is not so
severely damaged that it needs a crown.
During the first visit, decay or an old filling is
removed. An impression is taken to record the shape
of the tooth being repaired and the teeth around it.
The impression is sent to a dental laboratory that will
make the indirect filling. A temporary filling (described
below) is placed to protect the tooth while your restoration
is being made. During the second visit, the temporary
filling is removed, and the dentist will check the fit
of the indirect restoration. Provided the fit is acceptable,
it will be permanently cemented into place.
There are two types of indirect fillings – inlays and
onlays.
- Inlays are similar to fillings but the entire work lies within
the cusps (bumps) on the chewing surface of the tooth
- Onlays are more extensive than inlays, covering
one or more cusps. Onlays are sometimes called partial
crowns
Inlays and onlays are more durable and last much longer
than traditional fillings – up to 30 years. They can
be made of tooth-colored composite resin, porcelain
or gold. Inlays and onlays weaken the tooth structure,
but do so to a much lower extent than traditional fillings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Dentures
Are There Alternatives
to Dentures?
Yes, dental
implants can be used to support permanently cemented bridges,
eliminating the need for a denture. Implant
supported overdentures may also be considered that
gives better retention than conventional dentures. The
cost of implants however is usually greater, but the
implants and bridges more closely resemble the feel
of real teeth. Dental implants are becoming the alternative
to dentures but not everyone is a candidate for implants.
Consult your dentist for advice.
Will Dentures Make Me Look
Different?
Dentures are made to closely resemble your natural
teeth so there should be no noticeable change to your
appearance. In fact, dentures may even improve your
smile and fill out your facial appearance.
Will Eating With New
Dentures Be Difficult?
Eating with new dentures will take a little practice
and may be uncomfortable for some wearers for a few
weeks. To get used to the new denture, start with soft
foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both
sides of your mouth. As you get used to your new dentures,
add other foods until you return to your normal diet.
Be cautious with hot or hard foods and sharp-edged bones
or shells. And, avoid foods that are extremely sticky
or hard. You may want to avoid chewing gum while you
adjust to the denture. Also, don't use toothpicks while
wearing dentures.
Will Dentures Change
How I Speak?
You may have difficulty pronouncing certain words.
If so, practice by saying the difficult words out loud.
With practice and with time you will become accustomed
to speaking properly with your denture.
If your dentures "click" while you're talking,
you should contact your dentist. Your dentures may occasionally
slip when you laugh, cough, or smile. Reposition the
dentures by gently biting down and swallowing. If any
speaking problem persists, consult your dentist or prosthodontist.
Are
Dentures Worn 24 Hours a Day?
Your dentist or prosthodontist will instruct you as
to how long to wear your denture and when to remove
it. During the first several days after receiving your
denture, you may be asked to wear it all the time, including
while you sleep. Although this may be temporarily uncomfortable,
it is the quickest way to identify the areas on your
denture that may need adjustment. Once adjustments are
made, you should remove your dentures before going to
bed. This allows gum tissues to rest and allows normal
stimulation and cleansing by the tongue and saliva.
The denture can be put back in your mouth in the morning.
Should I Use a Denture
Adhesive?
A denture adhesive may be considered under the following
circumstances:
- To enhance your satisfaction with
a properly constructed denture. Adhesives enhance
retention, stability, bite force and an individual's
sense of security
- To assist individuals with dry mouth
conditions that lessen denture adherence, such as
individuals taking cold medications, those with neurologic
disabilities including strokes, and the elderly
- To provide added stability and
security for those who place unusual demands on their
facial muscles, such as public speakers or musicians
When Shouldn't
Adhesives Be Considered?
- When used as a "fix" for
ill-fitting or poorly constructed dentures. If your
dentures begin to feel loose, cause discomfort or
cause sores to develop, contact your dentist.
- When a dentist has not evaluated
your dentures for a long time. Dentures rest on gum
tissue and your jawbone, which shrink and deteriorate,
respectively, over time. Therefore, the real problem
might be a need for a denture adjustment or new dentures.
- When oral hygiene practices cannot
be sustained.
- When adhesives have been used for
a long time, especially when visits to the dentist
are infrequent, and when the frequency and volume
of the adhesive use increases. These developments
may indicate the need for a denture adjustment or
new dentures.
- When any known allergy exists to
the adhesive's ingredients.
How Are Denture
Adhesives Applied?
Here are some tips to consider when applying denture
adhesives:
- Use the minimum amount necessary
to provide the maximum benefit. Apply less than you
think you need, and then gradually increase the amount
until you feel comfortable.
- Distribute the adhesive evenly
on the tissue bearing surface of the denture
- Apply or reapply when necessary
to provide the desired effect
- Always apply the adhesive to a
thoroughly clean denture
- Remember adhesives work best with
a well-fitting denture
What Are the Types
of Adhesives?
Paste application. Apply to a dry
or preferably wet denture. Avoid placing adhesive close
to the denture borders. If the adhesive oozes, use less
of the product. For dentures on the upper jaw, apply
three short strips of adhesive-or s series of small
dots-along the ridge area and one down the center. For
dentures on the lower jaw, apply three short strips
of adhesive-or s series of small dots-in the center
of the ridge area.
Powder application. Sprinkle a thin,
uniform layer throughout the tissue-bearing surface
of the denture. Shake off excess powder and press the
denture into place. Powders may be preferred over pastes
because they are easier to clean off the denture and
tissue. In addition, they don't have the same tendency
as pastes do to "shim" (keep the denture away
from the tissue).
Are Denture Adhesives
Safe?
Dental adhesives are safe as long as they are used
as they were meant to be used. If the denture is well-fitting
and the adhesive is only used to give added stability,
there should be no ill effects. If adhesives are used
excessively to fill voids for an ill-fitting denture,
they can be harmful to the underlying soft and hard
tissues. Occasionally, in these cases, inflammation
of the soft tissues can result. In addition, because
of its movement on the soft tissue and underlying bone,
an ill-fitting denture can cause bone loss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
on Dental Implants
How Successful
Are Dental Implants?
Success rates vary, depending on where in the jaw the
implants are placed but, in general, dental implants
have a success rate of up to 97%. With proper care (see
below), implants can last a lifetime.
Is there discomfort involved?
Just as with any surgery, there can be some slightly
discomfort. However, anesthetic and pain-controlled
medications are used to eliminate any discomfort at
the time of the procedure. Approximately 95 percent
of patients report discomfort of 0-2 on a scale of 0-10
the day after the implants are placed. The doctor will
prescribe medications to ease any discomfort that may
occur. Special care will be taken to stay in contact
with you after the surgery to be sure that you remain
comfortable.
How long does it the treatment
take?
To complete treatment takes an average of 6 to 8 weeks
or shorter. Nowadays, in some cases, a temporary crown
can placed on immediately so called " Immediated loaded
implants " or " One day implants ". We do, however,
provide patients with temporary teeth if it is the anterior
tooth in all cases. AT NO TIME are you without teeth
unless you elect to do so.
How long can I expect to
be off work?
Generally, we recommend the day of and the following
day after surgery, that no strenuous exercise be done.
Generally, taking time off work is not necessary for
a single tooth replacement case because the procedure
is not more complex than a tooth extraction. However,
the amount of time off required is an individual decision.
Is there a chance of rejection?
The body does not reject a dental implant, as it might
a soft tissue transplant, such as a lung, heart or kidney.
This does not mean that an implant cannot fail, but
it would be due to other factors, such as improper force
on the implant or other conditions or existing diseases
of the patient or poor oral hygiene. Dental implants
are made of a material, titanium, that is totally compatible
with body tissues and actually integrates with the surrounding
bone and becomes part of the body.
Who is a candidate for implants?
Anyone who is missing one or more (even all) of their
teeth may be a candidate for implants.
If one or a few of the teeth are missing, implants
in conjunction with a crown or bridge can replace those
teeth and function as normal teeth without losing more
bone and being subject to decay.
If all or most of your teeth are missing, then implants
may be placed to anchor a loose denture. Sometimes,
if there is already some bone loss, bone can be added
and regenerated or a technique called bone expansion
can be used to create a more ideal site for the implant(s).
Ultimately, a consultation with a dentist who is knowledgable
on these procedures can help determine your individual
needs.
What can happen with missing
teeth without treatment?
When you lose your teeth, you gradually lose the bone
that supported them. As this bone disappears, problems
with other teeth nearby and a lack of support for dentures,
partials and bridges increase. These could include pain,
mobility, lack of retention for prosthetics, sharp,
painful ridges, mobile gum tissue and sore spots.
The tongue enlarges to accommodate spaces of missing
teeth. With tooth loss, a five-fold decrease in function
occurs and the diet shifts to softer foods. Also, when
bone is lost, numbness to the lower lip or even the
possibility of fracture of the jaw rises.
Since the bone is deteriorating, it will spread and
deteriorate around healthy teeth and ultimately cause
the loss of those teeth smiliar to a domino effect.
This progresssion affects the ability to provide the
same treatment in the later stages of bone loss than
if treatment had been started earlier in the process.
It's much better to replace a tooth BEFORE these side
effects occur. A patient risks the possibility of not
being able to provide the same, simple type of treatment
that would have been possible earlier if treatment is
delayed.

BIDC's team of dentist is composed of Thailand most accomplished
dentists and dental specialists.