expert type icon EXPERT

Raju Sarna

Dentist

Dr. Raju Sarna is a Dentist practicing in Milton, Ontario. Dr. Sarna 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.
Raju Sarna
  • Milton, Ontario
  • University of California San Francisco
  • Accepting new patients

What can you eat with Invisalign?

Hi
It’s not recommended to eat with your aligners on. Aligners are to be worn between 20-22 hours a day allowing you to eat, brush and floss.
Hope this helps.

Can I brush my Invisalign with toothpaste?

Hi It’s not recommended to brush your aligners as they will get scratched and harbor bacteria and stains . Use the cleaning tablets - purchased from Invisalign. I have heard the READ MORE
Hi
It’s not recommended to brush your aligners as they will get scratched and harbor bacteria and stains . Use the cleaning tablets - purchased from Invisalign. I have heard the polydent tablets work well and also dishwashing detergent - but do remember you are changing aligners every 7- 14 days depending on the advice of your dentist. Hope this helps.

Is Invisalign comfortable?

Hi Invisalign can accomplish much in the world of orthodontics . The system has expanded to accommodate myofunctional therapy as well. The main issue with Invisalign or any aligner READ MORE
Hi
Invisalign can accomplish much in the world of orthodontics . The system has expanded to accommodate myofunctional therapy as well. The main issue with Invisalign or any aligner therapy is compliance . The individual wears each aligner for 20-24 hours a day only removing for eating and brushing . Anything new in the mouth has an adaptive period . It works well but subjective to the individuals personality, if diligent and compliant it’s a great choice. Hope this helps .

How long is the dental implant healing period before a crown?

Hi, This is depends on many factors and is to the discretion of your dentist or surgeon. The main factor is the torque achieved upon implant placement. The general rule is READ MORE
Hi,

This is depends on many factors and is to the discretion of your dentist or surgeon. The main factor is the torque achieved upon implant placement. The general rule is the higher the torque achieved and sustained, the earlier you can load the implant. The average is 3-6 months post-surgery.
Hope this helps.

How do you know if a cavity has reached the nerve?

Hi, When a cavity is left untreated, it will burrow deeper and wider into the tooth, eventually reaching the pulp or nerve. Symptoms of acute pulpitis - sudden inflammation READ MORE
Hi,

When a cavity is left untreated, it will burrow deeper and wider into the tooth, eventually reaching the pulp or nerve. Symptoms of acute pulpitis - sudden inflammation of the nerve - the sensitivity to cold and sweet will progress to a constant throb, the pain increases when lying down and wakes you up at night. And the level of discomfort is increased markedly. What I described is the usual symptoms, but I have seen individuals who have nerve exposure and claim to have never been in pain. The pain will eventually stop once the nerve is completely destroyed and then the infection starts to invade the surrounding bone.
Hope this helps.

Can you drink coffee with partial dentures?

Hi, Your partial dentures are to be used as teeth replacement and meant for function. This is true for cast partial dentures - these will have a metal framework with the acrylic READ MORE
Hi,

Your partial dentures are to be used as teeth replacement and meant for function. This is true for cast partial dentures - these will have a metal framework with the acrylic or resin teeth and gums built on top. If the partial is full acrylic/no metal present (there is a risk associated in terms of fracture. The resin and acrylic can pick up stain over time, but there are no other real contraindications for drinking coffee.
Hope this helps.

How do you treat a loose tooth?

Hi, It depends on how loose the tooth is. Does it move back and forth within 1-3mm? This can be associated with normal physiological movement. If more than 3mm, will need to READ MORE
Hi,

It depends on how loose the tooth is. Does it move back and forth within 1-3mm? This can be associated with normal physiological movement. If more than 3mm, will need to be added if tooth is salvageable, as bone loss will be associated and possibly a splint may work. Very difficult to advise and would suggest you visit your dentist.
Hope this helps.

What are the symptoms of a tooth infection spreading?

Hi, Initially, there should be pain associated with the tooth, as the nerve dies. The pain is described as a throb or heartbeat, and can keep you up at night. If left, the pain READ MORE
Hi,

Initially, there should be pain associated with the tooth, as the nerve dies. The pain is described as a throb or heartbeat, and can keep you up at night. If left, the pain will subside and the infection then brews in the bone, getting larger and eventually, you may see a bubble in the gums associated with the tooth and infection. This is due to the infection destroying sufficient bone due to its spread and eventually pus will be seen.
Hope this answers your question.

What happens if you don't floss often?

Hi, Flossing like brushing your teeth is part of maintenance. Floss remove buildup or plaque from in between your teeth. Bleeding gums is an indication of gingivitis and will READ MORE
Hi,

Flossing like brushing your teeth is part of maintenance. Floss remove buildup or plaque from in between your teeth. Bleeding gums is an indication of gingivitis and will be a result of chronic plaque buildup. When seeing your dentist/hygienist and periodontal probing is done. Bleeding from in between teeth is a sign of lack of flossing. Try flossing while in the shower, etc., if time is limited or tie a floss around your finger to remind yourself … lol
Hope this helps.

How do you brush your teeth after a root canal?

Hi, After a root canal is done, depending on what the dentist told you, you may have a bit of pain on the tooth which will eventually subside. If so, be gentle, however, there READ MORE
Hi,

After a root canal is done, depending on what the dentist told you, you may have a bit of pain on the tooth which will eventually subside. If so, be gentle, however, there are no real contraindications to brushing after a root canal. You should be able to maintain ad normal unless advised by the dentist.
Hope this helps.

The installation of artificial gums?

Hi, So, not sure about your question. But from what I understand, resin filling material is placed (bonded) on the exposed root surface (recessed area). The filling material READ MORE
Hi,

So, not sure about your question. But from what I understand, resin filling material is placed (bonded) on the exposed root surface (recessed area). The filling material is tooth colored, but there are pink resin available to imitate the lost gum tissue. The placement is the same as a register filling, i.e., bonded. The prognosis of the tooth will depend on how clean you keep the area and how smooth the filling is done. If plaque continually collects there, the tissue may continuously recede. The ideal is a gum graft. Do chat with your dentist about all options.
Thanks.

Can grinding your teeth cause TMJ?

Hi, Grinding your teeth, or bruxism, is detrimental to your oral health as it will eventually cause attrition or the teeth and shorten them. Losing your facial height will READ MORE
Hi,

Grinding your teeth, or bruxism, is detrimental to your oral health as it will eventually cause attrition or the teeth and shorten them. Losing your facial height will eventually cause TMJ issues. A night guard is a similar cost effective treatment options for Bruxers and discuss the types available with your dentist.
Hope this helped.

Is drinking hot water good for teeth?

Hi, The old adage “moderation is key” holds water here. Extreme cold and hot isn’t great … warm or room temperature is! But having a hot cup of coffee or tea is fine. Always READ MORE
Hi,

The old adage “moderation is key” holds water here. Extreme cold and hot isn’t great … warm or room temperature is! But having a hot cup of coffee or tea is fine. Always allow your oral environment acclimatize back to room temp after your extreme hot/cold foods.
Hope this helps.

Do implants stop bone loss?

Hi One of the main benefits of dental implants is that it will integrate with the surrounding bone and stimulate the cells (like natural teeth) to reduce bone loss. So the short READ MORE
Hi
One of the main benefits of dental implants is that it will integrate with the surrounding bone and stimulate the cells (like natural teeth) to reduce bone loss.
So the short answer is Yes, dental implants prevent bone loss.
Thanks for the question.

Does vinegar remove tartar from teeth?

So, tartar is hard tenacious build-up seen on teeth and their roots. There are no real studies or peer reviewed articles which will substantiate this remedy. Vinegar can be used READ MORE
So, tartar is hard tenacious build-up seen on teeth and their roots. There are no real studies or peer reviewed articles which will substantiate this remedy. Vinegar can be used to remove stains on carpets etc. But I would hesitate to tell you to use it in your mouth. What I can tell you is that it will have to be abrasive enough to remove this hard build-up - removing it may make it softer? But you will still need to mechanically remove the tartar. Also, it can make your teeth sensitive and deplete the enamel. I would tell you to seek a professional dental cleaning. Instruments are used, not chemicals, so it’s wholly holistic.
Sorry, I couldn’t be more helpful.

Do you need a deep cleaning before getting crowns?

Hi, Not necessarily. Deep cleaning is mandated in those individuals who have periodontal disease. Crowns are necessitated for other reasons. It could be that a person who has READ MORE
Hi,

Not necessarily. Deep cleaning is mandated in those individuals who have periodontal disease. Crowns are necessitated for other reasons. It could be that a person who has gum disease may require a crown, then it’s better to have a cleaning prior to. The best is obviously to get a dental cleaning every 6 months as a preventative measure against gum disease.
Hope this helps.

Do I need a dental follow up after getting dental implants?

The short of it is yes. Dental implants is a lifelong commitment to have check-ups and cleanings. Although they can’t get cavities, implants are susceptible to gum disease. If READ MORE
The short of it is yes. Dental implants is a lifelong commitment to have check-ups and cleanings. Although they can’t get cavities, implants are susceptible to gum disease. If peri-implantitis or inflammation around the implant is noted, having it treated in the early stages will give a better success and reduce the damage to the surrounding bone.
Hope this helps.

Are sealants bad for your teeth?

Hi, Sealants are not necessarily bad for your teeth. However, they require the proper application and steps to ensure that bacteria isn’t trapped under. Sealants got a bad rap READ MORE
Hi,

Sealants are not necessarily bad for your teeth. However, they require the proper application and steps to ensure that bacteria isn’t trapped under. Sealants got a bad rap due to concealing decay under till the tooth blew out. However, if the teeth are cavity free and a pumice polish done prior to placing sealants with proper control of moisture, sealants work well.
Hope this helps.

What happens if you leave a toothache untreated?

Hi, Usually, any kind of ache signifies an issue. The degree, type, and onset also helps diagnose. If the pain is constant, a 9/10 and like a heartbeat, this could be a nerve READ MORE
Hi,

Usually, any kind of ache signifies an issue. The degree, type, and onset also helps diagnose. If the pain is constant, a 9/10 and like a heartbeat, this could be a nerve issue. If the pain is sharp and goes away quickly, this could be a cavity or sensitivity. Leaving pain untreated is never wise and could lead to a cavity, an infection and even possibly tooth loss.
Hope this helps.

Are cavities contagious?

Hi, The short answer is yes. We always recommend not to share spoons, etc., as bacteria can travel. If a cavity is in between teeth, over time, both teeth at the contact will READ MORE
Hi,

The short answer is yes. We always recommend not to share spoons, etc., as bacteria can travel. If a cavity is in between teeth, over time, both teeth at the contact will have a cavity .
Hope this helps.