Q & A

 

General

How often should I visit the dentist and why?

Once every six months is recommended. Tooth decay is an ongoing process and by the time it is detected with routine X-rays, about 60% decalcification has already occurred. The rationale behind six-monthly checkups is therefore to detect decay as soon as possible before the cavity progresses to an abscess, needing root canal treatment. Prevention and early detection is the most cost-effective way to keep your teeth in an excellent state.

 

Why are crowns so expensive?

Crowns require a lot of precision work and therefore many working hours and skill to deliver a superior end result. At Panorama Dental we make use of the Cerec System which is a computer design program linked to a milling unit. These are all imported at great cost to the laboratory, but it gives an excellent product. Crowns are baked for 8 hours at 1 500ºC and then several hours more at 900ºC – electricity bills therefore contribute considerably to the cost of crowns.

 

How long does the crown process take?

One visit of 90 minutes to prepare the tooth, and another visit of 60 minutes seven days later to fit the crown.

 

Why are dental implants so expensive?

Completely sterile, precision-machined, titanium components are imported mainly from Europe or the USA, adding extensively to the final cost. A high level of skill and knowledge are needed to execute an implant successfully.

 

How long does the implant process take?

A two-hour visit to fit the implant. A three-month period follows to allow the implant to integrate with the bone. The normal crown procedures then commence.

 

Why are braces so expensive?
A very high degree of knowledge is required to get a satisfactory end result.

 

How long does the process take?

It depends on how severe the case is, but it normally takes around two years.

 

Why are X-rays always necessary?

X-rays show us what the naked eye cannot detect. X-rays therefore help in the detection of early onset problems, which can then be treated for far cheaper than when we wait for symptoms to show. Example: a small filling in a small cavity is far cheaper than a root canal and crown needed to fix a massive cavity. X-rays also show up boney lesions in the jaw, blocked sinuses, and may even detect calcifications in the neck arteries and give us a chance to prevent a stroke.

 

What do you do to relax patients?
Our team of dentists are confident in their abilities to render treatment, so there is a calm atmosphere in the practice. Laughing gas is available and twilight sedation can also be arranged. Our appointment times are well spaced, so there is no need to rush into procedures before the local anesthetic has had time to take proper effect.

 

What are the side effects of anesthetics?

Some people may be allergic to certain types of anesthetics. All our dentists are trained to handle allergic reactions. In severe cases, patients will be transferred to a nearby Mediclinic private hospital (Mediclinic Panorama or Mediclinic Cape Gate).

 

Infants

How do I know if my baby is teething?

When the baby is about 6 to 7 months old, the first lower front teeth will erupt. There will be a slight bulbous area immediately before the tooth erupts. Around the same time the baby’s own immune system starts to take over from the immunity transferred from the mother, so the baby might be prone to cold and flu symptoms. The gums may be itchy and sometimes red. The child may secrete more saliva.

Does my child need infant dental care?

The baby definitely need oral care. As soon as the first tooth appears, so does dental plaque. The plaque must be removed by using gauze wrapped around a finger or by using a small soft brush. The baby must get used to tooth cleaning procedures as soon as possible.

How long should a baby use a pacifier?

For the shortest possible period. Pacifiers may lead to malformation of the palate with subsequent sinus deformations. The permanent dentition may also be forced into an open bite by a pacifier.

 

What is baby bottle tooth decay (BBTC)?

BBTC is when decay is caused by substances in the baby’s bottle. Sweet sugary drinks and acidic fruit juices may cause BBTC. This causes severe decay of all the upper baby teeth and often extraction of all the affected teeth is the only solution.

For more information on infant oral care, Click here

Children

What does dental hygiene for kids entail?

Kids must brush at least twice daily (morning and evening). When at school they can rinse with water after eating to help neutralise acids forming after eating. Flossing can be started by using floss holders such as a floss fork.

 

What causes delays in tooth eruption?

 

What are the effects of sugar on teeth?

 

What is orthodontics?

This is a process where appliances are used to align teeth that are not aligned. Crooked teeth are straightened.

 

Does eating disorders affect my teeth?

If you do not follow a balanced diet, the weak, swollen and tender gums will show this deficiency very early. If you have the habit of vomiting after eating or if you have a severe night time acid reflux, the enamel of your teeth will wear away very quickly, leading to over-sensitive teeth prone to severe dental decay.

 

 

For more information on oral care for children, Click here

Teens

What does dental hygiene for teenagers entail?

Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.

 

What do I need to know about braces?

It is a two-year commitment, so oral hygiene must be exceptional.

 

Does tongue piercing have an effect on tooth decay?

Tongue piercing may lead to ulcers in the floor of the mouth which may be a precursor to oral cancer. Often people bite on the insert and fractures a tooth in the process. If the piercing site does not heal properly and remains inflamed, bacteria may find its way into your bloodstream, leading to life-threatening infections elsewhere in the body.

 

Are cool drinks really bad for my teeth?

Cool drinks contain large amounts of sugar which plaque turns into acid, which in turn causes cavities. Some drinks are very acidic by nature and will cause decalcification of enamel without the presence of plaque.

 

Is smoking bad for my teeth?

Smoking stains the teeth. More severe effects are when smoke irritates the gums, cheeks, tongue and floor of the mouth. It starts as a benign white lesion, but can turn into a severe cancer.

 

What are the effects of sugar on teeth?
Sugar is a source of energy for plaque on and between teeth. Acid is a byproduct of this sugar breakdown which, in turn, decalcifies the tooth enamel and a cavity develops.

 

What is orthodontics?

This is a process where appliances are used to align teeth that are not aligned. Crooked teeth are straightened.

 

Does eating disorders affect my teeth?

If you do not follow a balanced diet, the weak, swollen and tender gums will show this deficiency very early. If you have the habit of vomiting after eating or if you have a severe night time acid reflux, the enamel of your teeth will wear away very quickly, leading to over-sensitive teeth prone to severe dental decay.

 

For more information on dental care for teens, Click here

Adults

How do I care for my teeth as an adult?

Brushing, flossing, and regular visits to the oral hygienist to remove calculus (calcified plaque). Wear appliances to prevent tooth wear and joint pain due to grinding.

 

I’m experiencing facial pain. What are the causes?

Clenching and grinding may cause muscle pain and joint pain. Sinusitis may cause pain in the upper jaw. A heart attack may cause pain in the lower left jaw. Tooth abscesses, cysts in the jaw or cancer in the jaw may also be painful.

 

Can my medication have oral side effects?

Yes, some medication may lead to a metal taste in the mouth, while others may lead to dry mouth symptoms. The use of antibiotics may lead to candida infections in the mouth.

 

What are dental implants and why are they necessary?

Implants are titanium screws placed in the jaw to replace a missing tooth. They are used to replace the look and function of a lost tooth without affecting or using the adjacent teeth as anchors. Implants can also be used to stabilise dentures.

 

Is smoking bad for my teeth?

Smoking stains the teeth. More severe effects are when smoke irritates the gums, cheeks, tongue and floor of the mouth. It starts as a benign white lesion, but can turn into a severe cancer.

 

What are the effects of sugar on teeth?

Sugar is a source of energy for plaque on and between teeth. Acid is a byproduct of this sugar breakdown which, in turn, decalcifies the tooth enamel and a cavity develops.

 

For more information on adult oral care, Click here

Seniors

How do I care for my teeth as an adult?

Brushing, flossing, and regular visits to the oral hygienist to remove calculus (calcified plaque). Wear appliances to prevent tooth wear and joint pain due to grinding.

 

My mouth is very dry. What causes that?

It may be medication side effects, systemic disorders or salivary gland disorders.

 

How do I care for my dentures?

Brush with a soft dental brush, and clean with a denture cleaning solution. Be careful not to use abrasive toothpastes or bleaches on dentures. Try not to sleep with them in your mouth as the gums need time to rest.

 

Can illness affect my dental health?

Systemic diseases can affect the gums and bones. Radiation therapy may directly affect the teeth to become brittle.

 

Can my medication have oral side effects?

Yes, some medication may lead to a metal taste in the mouth, while others may lead to dry mouth symptoms. The use of antibiotics may lead to candida infections in the mouth.

 

Why are bridges and crowns necessary?

Crowns are used to replace a badly damaged tooth crown – whether it be from fractures or decay. Crowns can also be used to enhance appearance by changing the shape, size and colour of your existing teeth. Bridges are crowns fused together to replace a missing tooth. This will enhance appearance and chewing ability.

 

Tell me about tooth removal.

Teeth are sometimes removed to make space for other teeth when there is crowding in the jaw. Wisdom teeth are removed when they are impacted and cannot erupt by themselves. Some teeth are unrepairable due to rampant decay or fractures and must be removed to prevent further infection in the jaw and bloodstream. For an extraction, ample local anesthetic is administered. The tooth is then loosened with forceps before removal. The tooth may have to be split if the roots are bent severely. Afterwards a stitch is placed. It may be necessary to remove the stich after eight days.

 

 

For more information on dental care for seniors, Click here

 

Typical questions of patients are answered here. For any further information, contact Panorama Dental on:
Panorama:
+27 (0)21 939 9114
+27 (0)21 939 3721
reception.panoramadental@gmail.com
Dental emergencies:
+27 (0)79 297 6346