Teeth cleanings focus on polishing and removing plaque from the surface of your teeth, helping maintain a bright and healthy smile. In contrast, an oral exam delves deeper, examining gums, roots, and other oral structures to detect any hidden issues or potential concerns. Together, these procedures play a crucial role in preserving your overall dental health. Cleanings and exams work hand-in-hand, with cleanings targeting surface hygiene and exams looking for underlying problems. Regular check-ups with both help ensure lasting oral health.

What is a Dental Cleaning?

Routine dental cleanings are essential for maintaining a healthy smile. By addressing potential issues early on, you can keep your smile looking great for years to come. Regular cleanings, typically every six months, help prevent cavities and gum disease from developing.
During a cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will use specialized scaling tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup along your teeth and gum line. They will then polish your teeth with a gritty toothpaste and a high-powered electric toothbrush. A thorough flossing and rinse will follow to remove any remaining plaque or tartar. The hygienist may also offer tips on improving your brushing and flossing techniques.

What Is a Dental Exam?

During a dental exam, Dr. Pappas or a dental hygienist will closely examine your mouth (including your teeth, gums, and tongue) along with your jaws, throat, and neck for any signs of problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, or oral cancers. We will also perform X-rays to look for problems inside your teeth or below the gum line that aren’t visible to the naked eye.

A complete denture is a removable prosthesis that replaces all teeth within an arch, with some patients having only an upper denture, some only a lower, and some requiring both upper and lower complete dentures. These dentures are custom-made to fit comfortably over the gums, restoring function and appearance to those who have lost all teeth in an arch. Made from durable materials, complete dentures help with chewing, speaking, and maintaining facial structure. They are also designed to closely resemble natural teeth, providing a natural-looking smile. Regular maintenance and adjustments are essential to ensure a proper fit and to avoid any discomfort over time.

A complete denture is a removable prosthesis that replaces all teeth within an arch, thus some patients have only an upper denture, some only a lower and some have both upper and lower complete dentures.

Advantages of complete dentures

• Least costly treatment for replacing all teeth in an entire arch
• Aesthetically pleasing
• Shortest treatment time from start to finish

Fixed dentures:

Fixed dentures are attached to implants. The colour of the acrylic matches and appears like the gums. They are convenient to use, prevent bone loss and are effective for chewing and speaking. They can replace multiple missing teeth and preserve the harmony of the environment inside the mouth. They also prevent the sinking in of the cheeks and the aged appearance which comes with the loss of teeth and keeps you looking younger. In case of these implant-supported dentures, the dentures lock on to the head of the implants facilitating additional retention. These dentures can be removed by patients for cleaning purposes.

A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. By closing off spaces where bacteria can enter, a filling also helps prevent further decay. Materials used for fillings include gold, porcelain, composite resin (tooth-colored fillings), and amalgam (an alloy of mercury, silver, copper, tin, and sometimes zinc). The choice of material often depends on the location of the tooth, the extent of decay, and personal preference. Composite fillings are popular for their natural look, while gold and amalgam offer exceptional durability. A properly placed filling can last for many years, protecting the tooth and restoring comfortable function. Regular check-ups are essential to ensure fillings remain secure and effective over time.

What are Tooth-coloured Fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite fillings, are a modern alternative to traditional silver-mercury fillings. These fillings are stronger, more aesthetically pleasing, and offer longer-lasting results. Composite fillings are commonly used to treat cavities, chipped or broken teeth, and other types of dental damage. The material is applied in layers, with each layer hardened using a special light. Once the filling is in place, it is shaped and polished to seamlessly blend with the natural teeth. Composite fillings are suitable for both front (anterior) and back (posterior) teeth restoration.

When Do You Need Tooth Filling?

When bacteria first attack a tooth, it doesn't immediately reach the pulp. Instead, it starts in the outer layer (enamel), then moves to the second layer (dentin), and eventually reaches the pulp. The purpose of a tooth filling is to halt the progression of the cavity and prevent the decay from reaching the pulp. Once the decay infects the pulp, a filling is no longer effective, and the tooth will require a root canal treatment.

Laser teeth whitening is an advanced form of dental treatment that is gaining popularity everywhere. Your teeth will look cleaner and brighter than before when you undergo advanced laser teeth whitening dental treatment in our dental clinic. This procedure uses laser technology to activate a whitening gel applied to your teeth, resulting in faster and more effective results than traditional whitening methods. It is a safe and painless treatment, perfect for people with busy schedules who want quick, visible results. Laser whitening can remove deep stains caused by food, drinks, or smoking, leaving you with a radiant smile. The results are immediate, giving you a boost in confidence and a fresher appearance.

What calls for laser teeth whitening treatments?

If you want to improve your smile and remove tartars and discoloration from your teeth, you should undergo laser teeth whitening treatment. The periodontist will examine your discoloured and damaged teeth at length and use the laser beam to treat the damaged and discoloured teeth.

You will get back the last look and smiling face once you undergo laser teeth whitening through our experienced dentists

Who should undergo laser teeth whitening?

If you have the habit of chewing pan or smoking plenty of cigarettes in a day, you may fall prey to discoloured teeth. The tartar, chemicals, and impurities will start settling gradually on your teeth and damage them quickly.

The dentist will make efforts to remove the settlements, chemicals, impurities, and discoloration and give your teeth a new lease of life.

Your teeth will get that shine which you are longing for until now.

The transition of the current generation to softer diets has also modified the growth pattern of the jaws, leading to a space constraint for the eruption of “wisdom teeth.” This not only creates an imbalance in the position of other teeth but can also lead to issues like infections, pain, and gum inflammation. Impacted wisdom teeth may push against neighboring teeth, causing crowding or misalignment. In some cases, cysts or decay can form around the partially erupted tooth, increasing the risk of further complications. For these reasons, when a wisdom tooth cannot erupt into its proper position, it is often safest and healthiest to have it removed to prevent future dental problems.

Wisdom teeth that are healthy and in the right position usually don’t cause problems. You may have a problem if any of the following occur:

• Your wisdom teeth break through your gums only partway because of a lack of space. This can cause a flap of gum tissue to grow over them. The flap can trap food and lead to a gum infection.
• They come in crooked or facing in the wrong direction causing cheek bite and ulcers at times.
• Your wisdom teeth may get stuck (impacted) in your jaw and not be able to break through your gums leading to referred pain in jaw or head and neck.
• They are so far back in your mouth or crowded that you have trouble cleaning around them.
• Partially erupted teeth may also affect the tooth adjacent to it, by causing decay due to food lodgment or resorption of the root of adjacent tooth.
• A cyst may form around this impacted tooth. This can damage the bone or roots of adjacent teeth.

Do I need Removal of Wisdom Teeth?

If your wisdom teeth are causing the following symptoms, in that case removal of the wisdom tooth would be recommended:

• Pain or jaw stiffness near an impacted tooth.
• Pain or irritation from a tooth coming in at an awkward angle and rubbing against your cheek, tongue, or top or bottom of your mouth.
• An infected swelling in the flap of gum tissue that has formed on top of an impacted tooth that has broken partway through the gum.
• Crowding of other teeth.
• Tooth decay or gum disease if there isn’t enough room to properly clean your wisdom tooth and nearby teeth.

Procedure for Removal:

If the wisdom teeth are completely erupted, the tooth (or teeth) will be removed without surgical intervention. After surgery, you may be asked to bite down softly on a piece of gauze for 30 to 45 minutes after you leave the office, to limit any bleeding that may occur. If the wisdom teeth are impacted and embedded in the bone, the oral surgeon will put an incision into the gums and remove the tooth or teeth in sections in order to minimize the amount of bone being removed. Some pain and swelling may occur, but it will normally go away after a few days; however, you should call your dentist or oral surgeon if you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever. Removal of wisdom teeth due to crowding or impaction should not affect your bite or oral health in the future. If surgery is completed, swelling and tenderness in the face and neck are common, as is bruising. Ice packs and pain medications prescribed by the dentist or oral surgeon will help.

When your tooth is damaged but not lost, a dental crown is the best alternative to restore its structure and function. A crown, often called a ‘cap,’ is an artificial tooth that covers the damaged tooth. It encircles the natural tooth, thus giving it back the natural appearance and desired strength. Crowns are made from durable materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal, which provide excellent protection and aesthetic appeal. This procedure is ideal for teeth that are cracked, severely decayed, or weakened due to root canal therapy. A well-fitted crown restores both the functionality and the look of your tooth, helping maintain your overall oral health.

Dental Crowns: The Perfect Solution for Damaged Teeth

When your tooth is damaged but not lost, a dental crown is the best alternative to restore its structure and function. Crown, often called as a ‘cap’ is an artificial tooth that covers the damaged tooth. It encircles the natural tooth, thus giving it back the natural appearance and desired strength.

Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental treatment for removing an infection from inside of the tooth. It can also protect the tooth from future infections. Inside the tooth is a hollow centre containing a ‘pulp’, which consists of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When this pulp becomes infected due to decay or injury, a root canal is necessary to remove the infected tissue and prevent further damage. The procedure helps save the natural tooth, avoiding the need for extraction. After treatment, the tooth is typically sealed and restored with a crown to restore its function and appearance. Root canal therapy ensures that the tooth remains healthy and functional for years to come.

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental treatment for removing an infection from inside of the tooth. It can also protect the tooth from future infections. Inside the tooth is a hollow centre containing a ‘pulp’. The pulp is a sensitive tissue made up of blood vessels and nerves that provides oxygen, nutrients and sensation to the tooth. The pulp is found all through the tooth and the space where the pulp sits in the root is called the root canal.Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that replaces damaged or infected pulp in the tooth’s root canal with a filling material.

Myths and facts about root canal therapy:

Has your dentist or endodontist told you that you need root canal treatment? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of teeth are treated and saved each year with the root canal or endodontic treatment. This page explains root canal treatment in detail and how it can relieve your tooth pain and save your smile.

Benefits of saving your natural tooth with root canal treatment

There are many clinical reasons for needing root canal treatment but there are also countless practical reasons why saving the natural tooth is a wise choice. Endodontic treatment helps you maintain your natural smile, eat the food you love and limits the need for ongoing dental work. Loss of your natural teeth may have many consequences and to replace the diseased tooth, will add up to your expenses. However, with proper care and cost-effective root canal treatment, most teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime.

Orthodontics focuses explicitly on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting dentofacial irregularities such as crowded teeth, forwardly aligned teeth, irregularly positioned teeth, and jaws. It involves the use of braces, aligners, and other dental appliances to gradually move teeth into their ideal positions. Orthodontic treatments help improve both the function and appearance of your teeth and smile. By addressing issues such as bite problems and misalignment, orthodontics can also contribute to better oral health, making it easier to clean your teeth and reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Ultimately, orthodontic treatment enhances both confidence and quality of life by creating a healthier, more aligned smile.

What is Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontics is dedicated to diagnosing, preventing, and correcting various dentofacial issues, including crowded or misaligned teeth, protruding teeth, and jaw irregularities. Through specialized treatments, orthodontists work to improve both the function and appearance of your teeth and jaws. If you're seeking a brighter smile, our experienced dentists offer advanced laser teeth whitening to help restore your natural smile. This procedure enhances the aesthetic appearance of your teeth by removing stains and discoloration. With expert care, you'll achieve the smile you've always wanted and feel confident showing it off.

Why should you go for orthodontic treatment?

Many people have crooked or misaligned teeth, but with braces, you can effectively straighten them and achieve proper alignment. This treatment helps improve both the appearance of your smile and your overall dental health. In addition to enhancing your smile, braces can significantly boost your self-confidence. It’s a reliable solution for achieving a more attractive and well-aligned set of teeth.

Clear Aligners or Invisible Braces are transparent teeth clips made of special material that is designed to straighten your teeth to perfection. Unlike metal braces, Aligners are painless, comfortable, and portable. They are custom-made braces for every patient through digital scans that bring the brightest smile to your face. With Clear Aligners, you can easily remove them for eating, brushing, and flossing, ensuring a more flexible treatment process. These braces are virtually invisible, allowing you to maintain a confident smile throughout the treatment. Experience a hassle-free and discreet solution for achieving a straighter, healthier smile.

Invisible & Stylish

Smile with confidence and style without worrying about wires and metal bracketsYou will get back the last look and smiling face once you undergo laser teeth whitening through our experienced dentists

Removable & Portable

Whether you’re eating or traveling, our aligners can be removed, packed, and maintained with easeThe way you look has a direct influence on how you feel, it gives you the confidence and courage to communicate and get connected with people. 

Painless & Comfy

Unlike braces that pull and tug, our aligners are painless and comfortable

Healthy & Durable

Our aligners are made to last and their removable feature enables you to take better care of your teeth