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

How can I make my teeth move faster with braces?

Hi, There are some techniques your dentist or orthodontist can employ to speed things up if the environment is ideal. But unconventional. There are also devices such as acceledent READ MORE
Hi,

There are some techniques your dentist or orthodontist can employ to speed things up if the environment is ideal. But unconventional. There are also devices such as acceledent (and other similar ones) which supposedly speed things up. You actually bite into the appliance for 20 minutes a day and it helps move the teeth, but do speak with your orthodontist as they may not endorse this.
Hope this helps.

How long do you have to wear braces after your teeth are straight?

Hi,

Once your braces are done, you need to wear your retainers. Retention is for life. If your teeth are not being retained, they will move.
Hope this helps.

Is Invisalign worth the money?

Invisalign has come a long way and now can treat many diverse cases. The dentist/orthodontist should have experience for the more complicated cases. But in my experience, Invisalign READ MORE
Invisalign has come a long way and now can treat many diverse cases. The dentist/orthodontist should have experience for the more complicated cases. But in my experience, Invisalign works quite well depending on the severity of crowding and what the diagnosis is.
Hope this helps.

How to treat a mouth burn in a child?

Hi, There is no real magic wand for kids. You treat the symptoms and less is more. So, if no pain, don’t bother with it. If the child is crying or in pain, popsicles, yogurt, READ MORE
Hi,

There is no real magic wand for kids. You treat the symptoms and less is more. So, if no pain, don’t bother with it. If the child is crying or in pain, popsicles, yogurt, etc., it's good. It will provide relief. The mouth has perfuse blood supply and heal fast. If pain is persistent, you can give Tylenol for kids or try prayer for kids. Basically, try and make the child comfortable. Hope this helps.

How long does a dental CT scan take?

Hi,
To actually take a scan is a couple of minutes at the most. The true wait is for the report or for the dentist to interpret the scan and create a plan.

What could be the cause of a white tongue?

Hi, Normally, the tongue is red in color. Due to its own anatomy the tongue will collect plaque. It’s like a shag carpet, so using a tongue scraper and tooth brush to maintain. READ MORE
Hi,

Normally, the tongue is red in color. Due to its own anatomy the tongue will collect plaque. It’s like a shag carpet, so using a tongue scraper and tooth brush to maintain. Medications can also stain the tongue. Dehydration is also a known culprit.
Hope this helps.

Do braces stain your teeth?

Hi, Braces don’t actually stain you teeth. Teeth get stained due to plaque and the types of food you eat. When in braces, it is important to spend the time to clean your teeth READ MORE
Hi,

Braces don’t actually stain you teeth. Teeth get stained due to plaque and the types of food you eat. When in braces, it is important to spend the time to clean your teeth thoroughly. Use a water-pik, floss threader, electric tooth brush. So, as long as you keep your teeth clean and plaque free you won’t get stains.
Hope this helps.

Broken molar with decay. What should I do?

Hi, You should see your dentist quickly. The longer you wait, the more compromised the tooth becomes. Decay or fracture into or affecting the pulp or nerve chamber of the tooth READ MORE
Hi,

You should see your dentist quickly. The longer you wait, the more compromised the tooth becomes. Decay or fracture into or affecting the pulp or nerve chamber of the tooth will exhibit pain, requiring a root canal and subsequently a crown. If the tooth is deemed non-restorable, it will be extracted and tooth replacement options will be discussed.
Hope this helps!

How do you get rid of cavities naturally?

Hi, If the cavity is within the enamel of the tooth, fluoride and flossing can help remineralize. If a surface decalcification or incipient caries a surface, infiltrant can READ MORE
Hi,

If the cavity is within the enamel of the tooth, fluoride and flossing can help remineralize. If a surface decalcification or incipient caries a surface, infiltrant can be applied (example is Icon). In pediatrics and geriatrics, silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is used to arrest the decay, it will turn the affected tooth structure black and stop decay from progressing. A filling can then be placed on top. Lastly, I have heard of ozone therapy, but don’t have knowledge in this nor have read any peer-reviewed studies in this treatment protocol.
Hope this helps.

Why do my gums bleed in the mornings?

Hi, Bleeding gums is a sign of gum disease, most likely gingivitis, which is reversible. The fact that it is noticed in the morning may be suggestive or mouth breathing. If READ MORE
Hi,

Bleeding gums is a sign of gum disease, most likely gingivitis, which is reversible. The fact that it is noticed in the morning may be suggestive or mouth breathing. If you sleep with your mouth open or breathe regularly through your mouth rather than nose, it's mouth breathing. Mouth breathing will dry your mouth as saliva will cease to exist. This will affect your gums and teeth. Our saliva has many properties which help protect our oral cavity from disease. Check with your dentist or hygienist for their recommendations.

Is it normal for a tooth to hurt after a filling?

Hi, It is not the norm for fillings to cause sensitivity or for the area to hurt post treatment. It does happen, although symptoms such as sensitivity to cold and pressure is READ MORE
Hi,

It is not the norm for fillings to cause sensitivity or for the area to hurt post treatment. It does happen, although symptoms such as sensitivity to cold and pressure is usually indicative of a high bite and a quick adjustment is all that is needed. If the decay was deep, the filling may be close to the nerve or pulp, often the sensitivity will resolve in a couple of weeks, however, if the pain is throbbing and keeps you up at night, you will require a root canal.
Hope this helps.

Would my dentures be considered a prosthesis?

Hi, Dentures are also prosthesis. So, if you do have prosthesis in your insurance plan, do yours under this heading. As for permanent versus removable, you need to look at cost READ MORE
Hi,

Dentures are also prosthesis. So, if you do have prosthesis in your insurance plan, do yours under this heading. As for permanent versus removable, you need to look at cost and your budget. Fixed are secured by implants, these can also be fixed/removable - although secured by implants they are still removable by yourself. I do encourage you to visit your dentist and seek all your options.
I hope this helps.

What type of anesthesia is used for dental extraction?

Hi, Dental anesthetics is largely lidocaine or articaine. They are usually combined with epinephrine at different ratios, usually 1:200,000. Very rarely have anesthetics shown READ MORE
Hi,

Dental anesthetics is largely lidocaine or articaine. They are usually combined with epinephrine at different ratios, usually 1:200,000. Very rarely have anesthetics shown an allergic reaction these days. The main issue is the duration of numbness. So, be careful to not eat as you will inadvertently bite your lip, speech will be altered while numb, and facial slumping on the side of numbness. These are all transient and will dissipate within 1-4 hours, usually, depending on the strength and quantity given.
Hope this helps.

Will cavities require root canals if left untreated?

Hi, As cavities remain, they get bigger. As they do, they also get deeper and at some point will invade you pulp, nerve, requiring a root canal or extraction. If you have cavities READ MORE
Hi,

As cavities remain, they get bigger. As they do, they also get deeper and at some point will invade you pulp, nerve, requiring a root canal or extraction. If you have cavities and want to avoid root canals, get them filled.
Hope this helped !

Can a toothache make my jaw hurt?

Hi, The cranial nerve V, supplies the face. It branches and will supply the upper and lower jaws including all teeth. So, a toothache can be related to jaw pain. But I would READ MORE
Hi,

The cranial nerve V, supplies the face. It branches and will supply the upper and lower jaws including all teeth. So, a toothache can be related to jaw pain. But I would urge a visit to the dentist to rule out other possible differential diagnosis; bruxism, clenching, etc.
Hope this helped!

How is a jaw disorder diagnosed?

Hi, Jaw-related issues are always a tough nut to crack. You could visit a dentist, oral surgeon or a pain clinic. CBCT scan, panoramic X-rays, tomography and of muscle issues READ MORE
Hi,

Jaw-related issues are always a tough nut to crack. You could visit a dentist, oral surgeon or a pain clinic. CBCT scan, panoramic X-rays, tomography and of muscle issues is the suspect possible MRI can be used to diagnose. The most conservative treatment is to get a night guard. You could give yourself a massage or warm compress. Botox can also be used for muscle related jaw pain.
Do visit your dentist and get a diagnosis.
Hope this helps

Can I take pain medicine for tooth pain?

Hi, Definitely see your dentist! Taking pain meds will help for a short time, so unless you want to be popping pills indefinitely and possibly damage your liver, get it properly READ MORE
Hi,

Definitely see your dentist! Taking pain meds will help for a short time, so unless you want to be popping pills indefinitely and possibly damage your liver, get it properly treated.
Hope this helped!

Does a dental filling require anesthesia?

Hi, Having “freezing” or local anesthesia for dental fillings is completely subjective. Some people are sensitive and require it; others have a higher pain threshold or are READ MORE
Hi,

Having “freezing” or local anesthesia for dental fillings is completely subjective. Some people are sensitive and require it; others have a higher pain threshold or are less sensitive and can do without. The fact that you are experiencing pain would suggest you would be better off with freezing.
Hope this helps.

Should my son have a caries risk assessment?

Hi You should do what makes you most comfortable and have peace of mind. Most infants will have their baby teeth start erupting anywhere from 7-12 months. So as long as you stop READ MORE
Hi
You should do what makes you most comfortable and have peace of mind. Most infants will have their baby teeth start erupting anywhere from 7-12 months.
So as long as you stop bottle feeding milk, apple juice etc. during bedtime once the teeth erupt, and use a soft wet cloth to massage and clean the gums and teeth, should be fine. Hope this helps.

Is a dry socket an infection?

Hello Alveolar osteitis or “dry socket” is basically a non- healing wound. For a wound to heal, a blood clot needs to form and stay put in the socket. Individuals who are immuno-compromised, READ MORE
Hello
Alveolar osteitis or “dry socket” is basically a non- healing wound. For a wound to heal, a blood clot needs to form and stay put in the socket. Individuals who are immuno-compromised, smokers or even genetics can play a role in who is more susceptible. Management is to have the dentist debride the area after giving local anesthetic and place a medicament into the socket and/or pain meds ie. NSAIDs but sometimes an antibiotic is prescribed to prevent the wound from getting infected.
Hope this helps.