expert type icon EXPERT

Hussein Shivji

Dentist

Dr. Hussein Shivji is a Dentist practicing in Vancouver, British Columbia. Dr. Shivji specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
Hussein Shivji
  • New Westminster, BC
  • University of Manitoba
  • Accepting new patients

Do teeth stay straight after braces?

Following orthodontic treatment, we recommend patients wear retainers for life. Teeth may shift (we call this relapse) over time if you are not wearing your retainers.

Does salt water help gums?

In a lot of cases, salt water rinses are helpful for gum inflammation or swelling. Sometime you may have an infection that requires medication or another treatment. Your dentist READ MORE
In a lot of cases, salt water rinses are helpful for gum inflammation or swelling. Sometime you may have an infection that requires medication or another treatment. Your dentist would be able to help you if this is the case.

Can I take antibiotics for a gum infection?

Antibiotics may be needed for some gum infections. Please check with your dentist first. In some cases, mild gum infections may resolve by themselves over time.

How long do stitches stay in after dental implant surgery?

It depends. Some suture materials are resorbable and may disappear in about a week. Some will need to be removed by the dentist. The dentist doing the surgery will let you know READ MORE
It depends. Some suture materials are resorbable and may disappear in about a week. Some will need to be removed by the dentist. The dentist doing the surgery will let you know how long your stitches will stay and if you need to return to have these removed.

How long after a root canal can you get a permanent filling?

It depends. Sometimes we will place a permanent filling the same day. In most cases, we will place a temporary filling to make sure things are healing well before closing the READ MORE
It depends. Sometimes we will place a permanent filling the same day. In most cases, we will place a temporary filling to make sure things are healing well before closing the tooth permanently. If a crown is needed, your dentist may recommend waiting for a short period of time before placing this.

Can you get cavities filled while wearing braces?

Yes. If you wait until your orthodontic treatment is completed before getting your cavities filled, these may get much bigger and cause more problems.

How long will my teeth be sensitive with braces?

For most patients, there is usually some sensitivity for a day or so when getting new braces or getting a wire changed. This is normally managed with pain medication such as Tylenol READ MORE
For most patients, there is usually some sensitivity for a day or so when getting new braces or getting a wire changed. This is normally managed with pain medication such as Tylenol or Advil. If your sensitivity is not going away, check with your dentist or orthodontist.

Is it bad to drink coffee before the dentist?

No you can have your coffee. If you are concerned about bad breathe, you could brush your mouth before the appointment.

What helps blood clot after tooth extraction?

Firm biting pressure on gauze will help with blood clotting following an extraction. We usually recommend continuous biting for 15-20 minutes and then changing the gauze and repeating READ MORE
Firm biting pressure on gauze will help with blood clotting following an extraction. We usually recommend continuous biting for 15-20 minutes and then changing the gauze and repeating until the bleeding has stopped.

What are the do's and don'ts after a root canal procedure?

After your root canal, the tooth may still be sore for a few days. You may need to take pain medications if this is the case. If your pain is not getting better, let your dentist READ MORE
After your root canal, the tooth may still be sore for a few days. You may need to take pain medications if this is the case. If your pain is not getting better, let your dentist know right away. The other thing that is important to note is that your tooth is not as strong as it used to be. Be careful with what you eat and avoid heavy forces on this tooth. We usually recommend placing a crown on root canal teeth to protect them.

Will gum abscess go away after a root canal?

I'm assuming the "gum abscess" you are referring to is a fistula or gum boil related to the infected tooth. If this is the case, getting rid of the infection with a root canal READ MORE
I'm assuming the "gum abscess" you are referring to is a fistula or gum boil related to the infected tooth. If this is the case, getting rid of the infection with a root canal will result in the fistula disappearing as well. It may take several months for this to disappear after the root canal is complete.

Will a deep cleaning help receding gums?

Your gums won't grow back as a result of the cleaning. You will need gum grafting to accomplish that. The deep cleaning and ongoing periodontal maintenance will prevent your READ MORE
Your gums won't grow back as a result of the cleaning. You will need gum grafting to accomplish that. The deep cleaning and ongoing periodontal maintenance will prevent your gum disease (and gum recession) from getting worse.

Can a crown on an implant come loose?

I would recommend seeing your dentist as soon as possible. Sometimes crowns can get loose and need to be either re-cemented or tightened if screw retained. Sometimes a crown may READ MORE
I would recommend seeing your dentist as soon as possible. Sometimes crowns can get loose and need to be either re-cemented or tightened if screw retained. Sometimes a crown may feel loose because the implant is moving around, which is much more of a serious problem.

Dr. Hussein Shivji

What is wrong in my mouth?

You may have an infection. Please see a dentist as soon as possible to get it looked at.
Good luck.

Dr. Hussein Shivji

Is it OK to postpone a root canal after 1st treatment?

If you don’t feel safe getting treatment done at this time talk to your dentist. Usually postponing a root canal for a short period of time is ok especially if the tooth has not READ MORE
If you don’t feel safe getting treatment done at this time talk to your dentist. Usually postponing a root canal for a short period of time is ok especially if the tooth has not been bothering you. However dentists have always followed very strict infection control processes and the risk of getting sick at the dental office is extremely low.

Is it okay to brush your teeth four times a day?

Yes it’s perfectly fine. Just make sure you use a soft bristle brush and don’t brush too hard or you may wear away your tooth enamel.

Do I need surgery to fix my wisdom tooth problems?

Yes, especially if they are starting to cause problems. I would recommend seeing your dentist as soon as possible. They will take a panoramic X-ray to check the positions of the READ MORE
Yes, especially if they are starting to cause problems. I would recommend seeing your dentist as soon as possible. They will take a panoramic X-ray to check the positions of the wisdom teeth and may either take them out in their office or refer you to a specialist for this.

Do fillings hurt without an injection?

If the tooth had been root canal treated, or if the nerve has receded and the cavity is not deep, you won’t feel any pain. If you are worried about not being numb, I would suggest READ MORE
If the tooth had been root canal treated, or if the nerve has receded and the cavity is not deep, you won’t feel any pain. If you are worried about not being numb, I would suggest requesting your dentist to freeze you anyway.

I have bumps on the back of my tongue?

Please have a dentist check them if they have been there for more than a week.

I have oral, gums, and bones pain?

It sounds like you may have a wisdom tooth poking through at the back. You need to see a dentist to get this checked. I’m guessing the wisdom tooth is causing your symptoms and READ MORE
It sounds like you may have a wisdom tooth poking through at the back. You need to see a dentist to get this checked. I’m guessing the wisdom tooth is causing your symptoms and will need to be removed.