FAQs

First Appointment FAQs

What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
Please bring the following items with you to your appointment :

  • Past dental records
  • Medical records
  • Medical Prescription if any
What should I do if I require premedication?
Please be sure to request a prescription prior to your appointment, or if you are unsure, contact us and we can help.
Do I need to arrive early for my first appointment?
Yes. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to fill out patient registration forms.

General Dentistry FAQs

How can I get my kids to brush their teeth?
Make it fun! If you are enthusiastic about brushing your teeth, your children will also be enthusiastic. Children want to do the things their parents do. If your children see you brushing your teeth and displaying good dental habits, they will follow. Ask the dentist for other creative ways to get children to brush their teeth.
At what age should I take my children to the dentist
Getting your children to brush starts with taking them to the dentist at an early age. All children should be seen by their first birthday or 6 months after the eruption of the first tooth.
Why should I go to the dentist regularly?
Many people do not see a dentist on a regular basis. They only go when they have a problem. This is known as “crisis treatment” versus “preventive treatment.” While these patients may feel they are saving money, it often ends up costing much more in money and time. This is because many dental problems do not have symptoms until they reach the advanced stages of the disease process. An example is tooth decay. It is typical to hear, “Nothing hurts… I don’t have any problems.”

Tooth decay often does not hurt until it gets close to the nerve of the tooth. It is not uncommon to see a patient with a huge cavity who has never felt a thing. The dentist can usually detect a cavity 3-4 years before it develops any symptoms. This early detection can help you prevent root canal treatment.

Dental Implants

What all can I eat with dental implant supported teeth?
Anything and everything that you can eat with your natural teeth can be eaten with implant supported teeth.
What is the life of an implant?
A surgically well placed and restored implant is taken care of and kept clean by the patient with a six monthly visit to the dentist can last a life time.
Why not tooth supported bridge?

For tooth supported bridge we have to cut two healthy teeth to give support. The tooth that is cut may need a RCT to be done or later there may be cavity formation and loss of healthy tooth structure. So save teeth say yes to dental implants.

How long does the procedure take?
A single implant can take 30 minutes. Multiple implants may take more depending on number of implants.
Is the procedure painful?
The procedure is done under local anaesthesia and later you are under medication for 5- 7 days hence there is little or no discomfort or pain.
Any side effect or allergies ?
Lot of research has been done but there are no documented side effects or allergies.
Why are dental implants so expensive ?
Dental Implants are made of titanium which is itself an expensive material and secondly the technology needed to manufacture is also expensive hence. But seeing their utility and life span they are a good investment of or your health.

Zirconia-Crowns

Do you offer different standards of crowns?
We offer a variety of crowns for our patients like, all Ceramic, Metal fused to Ceramic.  Only the best quality crowns, bridges and veneers are used for all patients. Under no circumstance do we use inferior medical devices even if they are cheaper.
How Long does treatment take?
This will depend on your situation and clinical needs. A good quality restoration will take couple of weeks to be manufactured meaning that you will need at least two appointments a weeks apart. You have a temporary crown or bridge in the meantime. Quality work cannot be done in short spaces of time
What is involved in having a crown, bridge or Veneer?

First the area is numbed with local anesthetic. The teeth are prepared so a restoration can fit over them. This preparation is important and detailed work, and takes time. After this an impression is made of the prepared teeth and the teeth in the opposite jaw in order to get the correct bite.

These impressions are send to one of our high quality dental laboratories to have the restorations manufactured. During this phase  you wear a plastic temporary crown, bridge or veneer that looks like teeth. When they are returned to us, we try them in and check they fit properly, bite properly and look good to you and us. If everything is good, the restoration is cemented permanently onto your teeth.

I don’t want really white false looking teeth, do crowns look false?
No, good crowns look highly realistic and can match to you existing teeth very well. If however you want a Hollywood smile you can have that also.
How long do crowns, veneers or bridges last?
On average fixed restorations lasts 7-15 years. This time can be reduced if you do not clean the teeth properly and allow gum disease or dental decay to affect the teeth. Also trauma can damage restorations in the same way it damages natural teeth.
What’s the difference between different types of crowns like Procera, empress, Zirconia?
Crowns, veneers and bridges can be made of various metals, high strength ceramics or a combination of both. Different types are suitable for different people and in different areas of the mouth, and different aesthetic demands. Dr. Unnati can advise what would be the best solutions for your needs. The quality and appearance of your crown is not dependent on what it’s made of, its dependent of the skill and artistry of how it’s made.

Gums Surgery

What causes bleeding gums?
There are several reasons your gums may bleed. Some are common, yet some are early signs of a problem that needs to be addressed. For example, if you’ve recently started a new flossing routine, it is common for gums to bleed. This may last a week or two. However, if your gums bleed on a regular basis when you brush your teeth, please consult your dentist. Bleeding gums are an early sign of gingivitis, the early phase of periodontal disease. (Be sure you’re not brushing your teeth so hard that you cause your gums to bleed. Using a soft bristle brush is best.)
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
Symptoms of gum disease include gums that are red, swollen and tender, and that bleed very easily. Continual bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth is another sign of gum disease. A more severe symptom of gum disease is gums that have pulled away from the teeth causing permanent teeth to become loose, causing movement upon biting.
What is gum disease?

A leading cause of tooth loss in adults, gum disease (or periodontal disease) is an infection in the tissue that surrounds and supports teeth. Since early stage gum disease is painless (gingivitis), a person can have gum disease and not even know it.

What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is caused by poor oral hygiene and results in chronic inflammation of gum tissue. The risk of gingivitis is that it isn’t typically painful, so a person may not know they have gingivitis. Regular check-ups with a dentist can catch gingivitis early and treat it accordingly. Since gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease (periodontal disease), leaving it untreated can lead to significant problems.
What is a Periodontist?
A Periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease (gum disease). Periodontists are also trained in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists receive three additional years of education beyond dental school. In additional to periodontics, a Periodontist is also trained in cosmetic periodontal procedures, like gum lifts.

Jaw surgery

What is Orthognathic (corrective jaw) surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is a surgical procedure that works to correct a malocclusion of the jaw when the discrepancy is greater than what might be corrected with orthodontics. There are a variety Orthognathic procedures: upper jaw surgery, lower jaw surgery, double jaw surgery, splints, wires, etc. For a more exhaustive explanation, check out the Wikipedia pages linked above. For more info about my specific procedure, keep reading.

Oral Care Counseling

What is a Pediatric Dentist?
In the same way that pediatricians are trained to meet a child’s medical needs, our pediatric dental specialists are uniquely qualified to protect your child’s oral health using the most advanced techniques, and all in our delightfully friendly, open treatment area.
What kinds of toothbrushes and toothpastes should children use?
Toothbrushes are specially designed to meet children’s changing oral health needs and different stages of development. Stages are designed to address changes in kids’ dentition, dexterity and development.
In what grade should oral care education begin?
Proper at-home oral care begins at birth. Parents should care for their babies’ gums even before teeth develop! To that end, we are increasing our educational efforts, as well as distribution of samples and coupons, in pediatricians’ offices, so your students will come to you with good habits already established. First grade is a great time to reinforce good dental care with your students, as they are starting to gain responsibility for their own oral health habits.

Rehabilitation & Reconstruction

What Procedures Are Needed?
 

Only your dentist and the team of specialists working on your full mouth reconstruction can determine what procedures are needed for your specific case. Other treatments may also be available, so ask your dentist about all possible procedures that might be required for your case and under what circumstances.
Most reconstructions involve multiple phases and office visits. It is not unreasonable to expect treatment to take 12 months or more, depending on your situation.

The following procedures may be involved, depending on your needs:

– Full Mouth Reconstruction vs. Smile Makeover
– How does full mouth reconstruction differ from smile makeover? A smile makeover is something that you elect to have performed, while a full mouth reconstruction is something that you need.
– It is also important to note that a smile makeover – though performed primarily to improve the esthetic appearance of the smile – requires the use of clinically proven dental materials and treatment techniques, as well as exceptional knowledge, training and skill on the part of the dentist. Many of the same techniques and equipment used for full mouth reconstruction are also used to ensure the success and long-term stability of smile makeover treatments.

 

How Many Visits Are Needed to Complete Treatment?
Each patient is scheduled for at least two appointments. The first visit is a consultation to review health history, determine the need for general anesthesia and to order the appropriate pre-operative tests. The second visit is for comprehensive oral rehabilitation. Additional visits may be needed if the patient requires a significant amount of dentistry.

Smile-Designing

What is a "Smile Design"?
A smile design is a dental procedure which artistically creates straighter, whiter and beautiful natural looking smiles. Smile designs can do wonders to fully restore your dental health and appearance regardless of the original state of your existing teeth.
Who is a candidate for a Smile Design?
  • An individual that wants to look younger. A smile design can take years off of your appearance.
  • An individual that wants to have more confidence when they smile.
  • An individual that cares how they look and wants to make an investment into their dental health.
  • An individual that wants to be more appealing to members of the opposite sex. It is a known fact that 96% of adults believe that an attractive smile does this.
  • An individual that wants to be noticed and appear healthier.
  • An individual that takes care of their teeth with regular dental checkups and good dental hygiene
Benefits of a smile design?
A smile designer revitalizes your smile in a longer lasting way than Botox or other temporary measures. A smile design is an overall important investment in your overall appearance. Age decreases our smile due to wear, chipping and discoloration. This can happen gradually and can be very embarrassing. Smile enhancement can get you smiling

Aesthetic Dentistry

Are dental implants suitable for children?
Dentists indicate that implants cannot be considered until bone growth has completed. This typically occurs during adolescence, but may vary from one child to the next. Implants placed prior to bone growth completion may shift out of place and cause severe problems. If a child loses a tooth before bone growth has completed, an orthodontic device called a “space maintainer” may be used to prevent an abnormal growth of surrounding teeth. Once bone growth has completed, the space maintainer can be removed and the missing tooth restored using an implant or bridge.
How do I know whether a cosmetic dentist is good or not?
One of the first questions you should ask is what type of training he or she has for the particular procedures you’re interested in. Not all dentists know and perform all cosmetic dentistry procedures. As such, dentists often involve other specialists (orthodontist, Endodontists, lab techs, etc.) in treatment planning and execution. It is important to know exactly who will be involved in your treatment and what they will be doing.
You should also ask to see before-and-after photos of patients who underwent those procedures. Ask questions about their cases and the strategies the dentist used to improve their smiles.
Does teeth whitening work for everyone?
Teeth whitening can work wonders in cases where yellowing is because of Age, Tea. Coffee, Red Wine, Smoking etc
But in cases involving severe discoloration, teeth whitening may not result in a bright, white smile.
Are there any side effects associated with teeth whitening?
Dentists take protective measures to prevent discomfort during teeth whitening procedures. Typically, a protective gel or rubber shield is used to prevent bleaching agents from damaging gum tissue. The most common bleaching agents used by Doctors in SouthEx Dental are approved for use by the American Dental Association and EU, ensuring safety and effectiveness. After the whitening procedure, you may experience minimal tooth sensitivity for a short period of time.
What causes the discoloration of a tooth?
Tooth discoloration is a normal part of aging. As people age, enamel wears down, and teeth take on a duller appearance. Teeth can also become discolored from smoking and heavy consumption of coffee or tea. Other causes of tooth discoloration include side effects of medications (specifically certain antibiotics) used during the developmental phase of the teeth, an individual’s genetic makeup, and excessive fluoride consumption (fluorosis, seen in both children and adults). Teeth whitening and veneers offer an aesthetic solution for people with discolored or dull-looking teeth.

BPS Full Dentures

Will Dentures Make Me Look Different?
Dentures are made to closely resemble your natural teeth so there should be only a small noticeable change in appearance. In fact, dentures may even improve your smile and fill out your facial appearance.
How Are Dentures Made?
The denture development process takes a few weeks and several appointments. Once your dentist or Prosthodontist (a dentist who specializes in the restoration and replacement of teeth) determines what type of appliance is best for you, the general steps are to :

  • Make a series of impressions of your jaw and take measurements of how your jaws relate to one another and how much space is between them.
  • Create models, wax forms, and/or plastic patterns in the exact shape and position of the denture to be made. You will “try in” this model several times and the denture will be assessed for color, shape, and fit before the final denture is cast.
  • Cast a final denture
  • Adjustments will be made as necessary
What is BPS Dentures?
Biofunctional Prosthetic System (BPS) is the name of an exciting new premium denture specifically designed to fit your active lifestyle. Only a BPS denture gives you the ultimate fit and comfort you require, along with the superior beauty and life-like appearance you want.
A BPS denture starts with the exceptional beauty of Ivoclar teeth. Each tooth is uniquely manufactured in layers to mimic natural dentition. The denture is then fabricated using a pressure injected process designed to insure a precise, secure, comfortable fit.
What is the full form of BPS?
  • Biofunctional: The most important demand on your denture is to reproduce the functions of your natural teeth during chewing and speaking.
  • Prosthetic: PS promotes the fabrication of quality dentures. Only certified providers are authorized to fabricate and fit you with BPS dentures, after a thorough analysis of your individual situation.
  • System: PS dentures are fabricated of specially coordinated materials. When these materials are used in the correct manner along with the analysis of your personal data the results can be exceptional.
What you can expect from your BPS Dentures?
  • Comfort and a great fit – Reduced irritation to the gums and ability to eat all kinds of food.
  • Aesthetics – A natural look so you can smile, speak and laugh with confidence
  • Strength – Less chance of breakage because of the high quality dense material
  • Easy Maintenance – A very smooth surface ensures less plaque accumulation
  • High-Quality Teeth Sets – Gnathostar, Ivostar and SR Phonares , provide a highly life like appearance to the denture along with excellent strength.

Flexible Dentures

How much pain is involved with getting dentures?
When you’re first fitted for new dentures, it’s normal to experience minor irritation, which should fade as your mouth becomes accustomed to them. If you’ve previously worn dentures and now have a new set it may take longer. Similarly, if you had some natural teeth present that were removed at the time of the new dentures, the areas where the extractions were performed may be uncomfortable for up to several weeks after the removal of the teeth. Regular visits to your Prosthodontist to adjust the dentures as you go through the normal healing process are recommended.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
Most patients need to learn how to use dentures properly and as a result, it takes a little time to get used to them. After a while, you should be able to eat fairly normally, but it may take more time to get comfortable with harder foods or sticky foods. Using a small amount of denture adhesive (no more than three or four pea-sized dabs on each denture) may help stabilize the dentures and help hold them in place while you learn how to get comfortable with them and may make the learning process easier.
How do I care for my dentures?
It is not possible to whiten dentures like natural teeth because dentures are made of plastic. To minimize staining, properly clean your dentures daily to remove food and plaque bacteria. Brushing with a denture brush or soft toothbrush will prevent dentures from becoming permanently stained and keep your mouth healthy. Moisten the brush and apply a non-abrasive soap or denture paste (regular toothpaste is too abrasive). Brush every surface, inside and out, scrubbing gently. Do not use bleach on your dentures unless your dentist or Prosthodontist gives you special instructions on using bleach. More stubborn stains may require removal by your Prosthodontist.
What types of dentures are there?
Dentures may replace all or only some of the teeth. The dentures that replace all the teeth are known as complete dentures and they rest on the gums that cover the jawbones. The stability and retention of these dentures can be improved by attaching them to dental implants. Dentures that replace some but not all of the teeth are known as partial dentures. They attach to the teeth that are still present and also cover and rest on the gums and bone where the teeth are missing. Dental implants can also be used to restore and stabilize partial dentures as well.
I need dentures. Where do I start?
The best starting point to see if dentures are an option for you is to see a Prosthodontist. A Prosthodontist is a specialist with an additional three years of training after dental school who focuses on the restoration and replacement of teeth, including dentures for even the most complex cases. A Prosthodontist also will be able to help determine if another treatment option might be more suited to your particular situation.

Root Canal Treatment

What will happen during the procedure?
After numbing the area, a tiny hole is made in your tooth to access the pulp chamber and canals. The diseased tissue is removed, and the pulp chamber and the canal(s) are disinfected all the way to the root end(s). Teeth in the front of the mouth have one root and generally one canal; back teeth have two or three roots and generally three or four canals. Those canals and the pulp chamber are filled with an inert, biocompatible material, and sealed with adhesive cement. The access hole will receive a temporary filling.
What will happen afterwards?
Your tooth may feel sensitive for a few days, but any discomfort can usually be relieved with over-the-counter pain medication or anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen. You will be instructed to avoid chewing on that tooth until it receives its permanent filling, which can be placed a few days later.
Is root canal treatment painful?
The procedure normally causes no more discomfort that a filling would. Root canal treatment may have a bad reputation, but it is undeserved; in this case it’s the disease that’s to blame and not the cure. In other words, the infections that make the treatment necessary in the first place are often painful because they are inflaming tissue that has lots of nerves and therefore is very sensitive. Root canal treatment actually relieves this pain!
Is there an alternative?
You could have the whole tooth extracted, but it’s always better to try to save it — especially since root canal treatment is routine and has a very high success rate (over 90%). Saving the tooth can prevent other troubles from occurring later on; these could include bite problems from teeth shifting position, difficulty eating, and loss of jawbone volume and density.
Why do I need root canal treatment?
If tooth pulp becomes acutely inflamed or infected — because of decay or injury for example — the tissue will need to be removed in order to save the tooth and stop the infection from spreading. As an adult, you don’t actually need the pulp — its primary use is to aid in tooth development during childhood.

Braces

Am I too old for braces or orthodontic treatment?
Age is no bar for orthodontic treatment. About 25% of orthodontic patients today are adults. Many adults are correcting problems that were never treated when they were children, and can now experience the satisfaction of a perfect smile
At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?
Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age, however the American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children get a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7. Orthodontist can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications.
Why is orthodontic treatment important?
An attractive smile and improved self-image is just one of the benefits of orthodontic treatment. Alleviating and preventing physical health problems is just as important. Without treatment, orthodontic problems can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bone destruction, chewing and digestive difficulties, speech impairments, tooth loss, and other dental injuries
Why do I need braces if my teeth are straight but my bite is off?
Orthodontics are not only for pretty teeth. A good healthy bite helps eliminate other health problems in later years. It also helps save teeth from excessive wear.
Why should you choose an orthodontist?
Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments. childhood.
Can anyone get invisible teeth aligners?
Because the invisible aligners are custom-built for a tight fit, they are best for adults or teens. Straightening a child’s teeth is more complicated. Young people, and their mouths, are still growing and developing; the doctor must think about this when setting up treatment.
Clear orthodontic aligners are typically used for patients who have mild or moderately crowded teeth, or have minor spacing issues. Patients who have severe crowding or spacing problems — or severe underbites, overbites, or crossbites – may need more complex treatment.