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

Does tooth pain mean I have a cavity?

Hello Signs or symptoms of a cavity include sensitivity to cold, upon flossing, it shreds. If cavity is deep, throbbing pain, sensitivity to hot and cold, pain keeping you up night. READ MORE
Hello
Signs or symptoms of a cavity include sensitivity to cold, upon flossing, it shreds. If cavity is deep, throbbing pain, sensitivity to hot and cold, pain keeping you up night. Sensitivity can also be due to gum recession, grinding etc... cavities can be between your teeth and visible to the naked eye. I would recommend seeing your dentist. Hope this helps.

Why is my enamel breaking down?

Hi, Are your teeth chipped? If so, reasoned can include bruxism, or clenching. Biting on objects such as pencils, pens, etc. Missing back teeth, so chewing with your front, READ MORE
Hi,

Are your teeth chipped? If so, reasoned can include bruxism, or clenching. Biting on objects such as pencils, pens, etc. Missing back teeth, so chewing with your front, etc. Solutions depend on the amount of missing tooth structure, but include fillings, inlays, inlays, crowns, and veneers.
Hope this helped.

How do you know when you need a dental crown?

Hi, Well, it’ll be for you to judge and is best to see your dentist if concerned. Generally, crowns are needed to support the tooth in function and longevity. So, post-root READ MORE
Hi,

Well, it’ll be for you to judge and is best to see your dentist if concerned. Generally, crowns are needed to support the tooth in function and longevity. So, post-root canals, especially in molars, if less than 2 mm of remaining tooth structure encase the tooth, fractured tooth with a missing cusp, teeth which are malformed and unable to remedy using resin, etc., these are a few of the signs one would look for to judge the need for a crown.
Hope this helped.

Root canal on a baby tooth?

Hello, This is a common question asked. The main purpose of the baby teeth is to maintain the space and allow for the permanent tooth to erupt in the correct position. So, if READ MORE
Hello,

This is a common question asked. The main purpose of the baby teeth is to maintain the space and allow for the permanent tooth to erupt in the correct position. So, if a root canal is treatment planned, the only other option is to pull the tooth. Depending on your child’s age the permanent tooth may erupt years down the road, so in the meantime you will need to place a space maintainer. Lack of direction and late or early ectopic eruption can result in costly orthodontics, etc., so it’s usually easier, cost effective to save the tooth albeit with a pulpotomy, root canal for baby teeth. Pulpotomies are not are cumbersome as a root canal for adult teeth. The main issue in pediatric dentistry is behavior management.
Hope this helped.

Pain after wisdom tooth removal?

Hi, Pain after surgery is normal. The path to healing includes inflammation, swelling and pain. If the surgery wa straightforward without any complications, things will usually READ MORE
Hi,

Pain after surgery is normal. The path to healing includes inflammation, swelling and pain. If the surgery wa straightforward without any complications, things will usually heal and pain usually subside. This may take up to 1-2 weeks. Pain meds are for your comfort.
Hope this helps!

Do I have a cavity?

Hi there Yes it definitely sounds like you have a cavity and possible a deep one. Sensitivity to hot usually suggests a deep cavity close to or involving the nerve. Pain on pressure READ MORE
Hi there
Yes it definitely sounds like you have a cavity and possible a deep one. Sensitivity to hot usually suggests a deep cavity close to or involving the nerve.
Pain on pressure and keeping you at night are 2 other signs suggestive of deep decay requiring root canal. Do visit your dentist . Hope this helps.

Do I need my wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth are removed if there isn’t enough space for them, if the individual is unable to keep them clean and have cavities. Our job is to give you all the info so you can READ MORE
Wisdom teeth are removed if there isn’t enough space for them, if the individual is unable to keep them clean and have cavities. Our job is to give you all the info so you can make an informed decision. Hope this helped.

Why are my teeth so sensitive to different temperatures?

Hi there, First the obvious: visit the dentist and make sure you are cavity free! Second, it sounds like a possible sign of Bruxism and/or clenching. Being a student comes with READ MORE
Hi there,

First the obvious: visit the dentist and make sure you are cavity free! Second, it sounds like a possible sign of Bruxism and/or clenching. Being a student comes with newfound stresses and you may require a night guard! Visit your dentist either way to get symptom-free.
Hope this helps.

Do I need a follow up after getting dental implants?

Hi there, Yes, continued follow up appointments are always needed post implant surgery. If the crowns are on, depending on what the dentist states is right for you, usually READ MORE
Hi there,

Yes, continued follow up appointments are always needed post implant surgery. If the crowns are on, depending on what the dentist states is right for you, usually your normal recare appointment schedule is followed, i.e., every 6 months We must always be cognizant that if implants fail post-crown insertion, it’s due to either cement or occlusion (bite), so catching anything early enough may save your implants from failure. If crowns haven’t been placed, follow-ups are always required, especially within the first 8 weeks to ensure surgical success and getting ready for the crown or restorative phase.
Hope this helps.

What will my dental follow up be like after getting my braces removed?

Hello, Congratulations on your new smile! At your first appointment post orthodontics, a cleaning should be done, now that all the brackets and wires are gone. X-rays will be READ MORE
Hello,

Congratulations on your new smile! At your first appointment post orthodontics, a cleaning should be done, now that all the brackets and wires are gone. X-rays will be taken to see if any cavities have occurred between your teeth. I would assume some sort of retailers either fixed or removable will be given. Do ask your dentist or orthodontist for a more concise breakdown.
Hope this helped.

What is the procedure for replacing crowns?

Hi, It’s always possible to replace crowns. You still them off and replace with new ones. The real issue is why the pain. To diagnose and get behind the etiology of the pain READ MORE
Hi,

It’s always possible to replace crowns. You still them off and replace with new ones. The real issue is why the pain. To diagnose and get behind the etiology of the pain will ensure success with the new crown or even possibly retaining the current one. Hope this helps.

Can a missing tooth cause problems in my mouth?

Hi, Missing teeth exists in a large number of the population. Replacements can be with implants, bridges or dentures including combinations of them. We do encourage replacement READ MORE
Hi,

Missing teeth exists in a large number of the population. Replacements can be with implants, bridges or dentures including combinations of them. We do encourage replacement of missing teeth (except wisdom teeth), but especially first molar onwards. Missing teeth may cause supra-eruption (opposing tooth to continuously grow due to lack of opposing force), tilting and movement of other teeth. It may lead to chewing inefficiency and gum issues (recession and bone loss at site of missing tooth). Do realize these don’t occur overnight but over months and years.
Hope this helps.

How do I prevent gum disease?

Hi, Gum disease probably the most common disease seen in populations. Initial diagnosis is bleeding gums, upon flossing or pressure. General rules include brushing teeth twice READ MORE
Hi,

Gum disease probably the most common disease seen in populations. Initial diagnosis is bleeding gums, upon flossing or pressure. General rules include brushing teeth twice daily for 2 minutes each time, flossing daily and ideally between meals, rinsing your mouth after meals, and an antiseptic mouthwash if you desire. Visit your dentist every 6 months if possible for an exam and cleaning. Professional cleanings done at the dental office goes below the gums in areas, sites and depth where the toothbrush cannot reach. There is a genetic play, but it’s not a panacea to you getting gum disease if you are diligent with your oral care.
Hope this helps.

Penicillin for root canal?

Hello, That’s a good question! And yes, you are correct, but there are many points one needs to consider: If there is pain prior to a root canal, generally, you can expect pain READ MORE
Hello,

That’s a good question! And yes, you are correct, but there are many points one needs to consider: If there is pain prior to a root canal, generally, you can expect pain after a root canal. A root canal cleans out the dying nerve and its chamber of debris and bacteria. If there was an abscess the bacteria has reached and invaded the bone, sealing the canal will prevent this bacteria from its life source (aerobic) and eventually the infection goes away. So, although not the norm to give antibiotics post-root canal, some situations may call for it. If using antibiotics prior to root canal, you should continue and finish the course post-root canal. Please note this is a simple and general synopsis.

Is it painful to get dental implants?

Hi there, I always say placing dental implants is less traumatic and eventful than taking out a tooth. If the site is well prepared, i.e., bone, tissue, etc., placing an implant READ MORE
Hi there,

I always say placing dental implants is less traumatic and eventful than taking out a tooth. If the site is well prepared, i.e., bone, tissue, etc., placing an implant doesn’t take long and most people take an extra strength Advil that night for pain or to prevent pain and that’s it!
Hope this helps!

Why does my son have yellow teeth?

Hi there, Primary teeth are naturally whiter than adult teeth, so, when the adult teeth erupt next to or during mixed dentition phase, they will look yellow in comparison. Certain READ MORE
Hi there,

Primary teeth are naturally whiter than adult teeth, so, when the adult teeth erupt next to or during mixed dentition phase, they will look yellow in comparison. Certain spots can also occur due to hypocalcification of the enamel, tetracycline, fluorosis, decalcification, etc. Many reasons. Have your son assessed by the dentist and see what solutions are there for him.
Hope this helped.

How will chemo affect my oral health?

Hello, Chemotherapeutic drugs are very strong and many do have side effects. It is important to keep hydrated, as dry mouth is a complication with detrimental effects. Regular READ MORE
Hello,

Chemotherapeutic drugs are very strong and many do have side effects. It is important to keep hydrated, as dry mouth is a complication with detrimental effects. Regular home care is very important. Keeping your health optimal during this phase is very important and as many illness occur via the mouth, keep your oral hygiene high on the to do list.
Hope this helps and wish you a speedy recovery!

What happens if my son's baby teeth don't come out?

Hi there, Yes, there is a genetic predisposition. Many people have retained baby teeth, a panoramic X-ray is taken to see if the succeeding adult tooth is present. If not, life READ MORE
Hi there,

Yes, there is a genetic predisposition. Many people have retained baby teeth, a panoramic X-ray is taken to see if the succeeding adult tooth is present. If not, life goes on and if they loose the tooth you can replace with an implant ideally. If they require braces, the orthodontist will advise as needed. If the permanent tooth is present, but impacted, other modalities of treatment are available, i.e., braces with traction. For the time being, relax and enjoy the kids!

Are dental x-rays really safe?

Hi there, Dental X-rays exhibit much less radiation than many medical diagnostics, i.e., chest X-rays, etc. These days, a majority of dentists have incorporated digital X-rays READ MORE
Hi there,

Dental X-rays exhibit much less radiation than many medical diagnostics, i.e., chest X-rays, etc. These days, a majority of dentists have incorporated digital X-rays which require much less exposure time, hence even lower radiation. However, the ALARA principle (as low as reasonably achievable) is always followed. The normal individual will have X-rays every 18 months. If the individual has a high caries (cavities) incidence, the frequency is shorter to catch and treat when decay is minimal. Prevention is better than the cure!

When is a periodontist preferred over a dentist?

Hello, Periodontists are specialists in gum and the surrounding tissues. They have gone to school for an extra 3-4 years. Dentists generally can do all aspects of dentistry READ MORE
Hello,

Periodontists are specialists in gum and the surrounding tissues. They have gone to school for an extra 3-4 years. Dentists generally can do all aspects of dentistry as long as they are proficient and comfortable in those procedures. There is no panacea to choosing one over the other. Your dentist will refer if required or you visit a periodontist if you are more comfortable for that procedure. Generally periodontist will do gum or bone grafts, implants, and gum therapies to maintain healthy periodontium, i.e., pocket elimination, root planing, flap surgeries, to name just a few.
Hope this helps.