EXPERT
Hendrik B. Lai
Dentist
Dr. Hendrik Lai is a Dental Surgeon practicing in Australia. Dr. Lai 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.
Hendrik B. Lai
- BDS at University of Adelaide
- Accepting new patients
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What is a fixed dental bridge?
Hi and thanks for your question!
A fixed dental bridge is a dental prosthetic device (basically a fancy way of saying a fake tooth/teeth) that is cemented or bonded in place READ MORE
Hi and thanks for your question!
A fixed dental bridge is a dental prosthetic device (basically a fancy way of saying a fake tooth/teeth) that is cemented or bonded in place and is not intended to be removed like a denture. The bridge can be made of gold, porcelain, zirconia or acrylic (plastic) - or a combination of these. There are a few different designs of fixed bridges such as the cantilever bridge, Maryland bridge, or conventional fixed bridge.
A fixed dental bridge is a dental prosthetic device (basically a fancy way of saying a fake tooth/teeth) that is cemented or bonded in place and is not intended to be removed like a denture. The bridge can be made of gold, porcelain, zirconia or acrylic (plastic) - or a combination of these. There are a few different designs of fixed bridges such as the cantilever bridge, Maryland bridge, or conventional fixed bridge.
Is surgery the only option for treating TMJ?
Surgery is an option for the treatment of TMJ disorder. It would usually be the option of last resort. Other conservative treatment modalities include an occlusal splint, occlusal READ MORE
Surgery is an option for the treatment of TMJ disorder. It would usually be the option of last resort.
Other conservative treatment modalities include an occlusal splint, occlusal adjustment, adjunctive physical therapy or low intensity laser therapy
Other conservative treatment modalities include an occlusal splint, occlusal adjustment, adjunctive physical therapy or low intensity laser therapy
What are the disadvantages of a dental bridge?
The main disadvantages of the dental bridge are that in many cases a number of healthy teeth need to be drilled to act as an abutment to hold the bridge in place. The act of drilling READ MORE
The main disadvantages of the dental bridge are that in many cases a number of healthy teeth need to be drilled to act as an abutment to hold the bridge in place. The act of drilling healthy teeth can result in damage to the nerve which may need root canal treatment in the future. Also depending on the design of the bridge, it can be difficult to clean underneath increasing the risk of gum problems
Should I brush my teeth after a filling?
Generally speaking there is no contradiction to cleaning teeth after a filling. So yes - you can brush your teeth.
Can braces tighten loose teeth?
If your teeth are loose due to gum disease braces will likely cause further deterioration.
How long does it take for teeth to shift with braces?
It depends on the type of movements needed. For example intrusive movements take longer than torque movements. Movement can take anywhere from a few months to years.
Can I have braces for 6 months?
It is possible and depends on the type of movement needed.
How do you flush out a dry socket?
Probably not great to flush out a dry socket. Best to return to your dentist for a dressing to be placed in the socket.
My dental crown came loose, what next?
You need to see if your dentist. If it’s just the crown that is loose and it fits well in the tooth then it can be recemented. If some of the core has broken away a buildup may READ MORE
You need to see if your dentist. If it’s just the crown that is loose and it fits well in the tooth then it can be recemented. If some of the core has broken away a buildup may be required and a new crown made. If there is decay under the crown it will likely need to be treated and a new crown made.
How can I protect my teeth from cavities?
Brush with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Spit out the toothpaste but do not rinse. Avoid eating or drinking or rinsing for at least half an hour after brushing. Floss your READ MORE
Brush with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Spit out the toothpaste but do not rinse. Avoid eating or drinking or rinsing for at least half an hour after brushing. Floss your teeth daily (or at a minimum once a week).
Can a black spot on my tongue be dangerous?
Yes there is a small chance the spot is something sinister. See your dentist to have it checked out
What are the best ways to get rid of cankersores?
An over the counter topical preparation like Kenalog in Orabase is what I recommend.
What happens if you don't wear your retainer?
If you don't wear your retainer there is a very good chance you will have some orthodontic relapse. This means that your teeth will more than likely move part of the way back to READ MORE
If you don't wear your retainer there is a very good chance you will have some orthodontic relapse. This means that your teeth will more than likely move part of the way back to their original positions.
Can oil pulling prevent tooth infections?
Oil pulling is not likely to have any more beneficial effects than rinsing your mouth with water. The oil pulling simply as a mechanical aid to removing bacteria and debris. Having READ MORE
Oil pulling is not likely to have any more beneficial effects than rinsing your mouth with water. The oil pulling simply as a mechanical aid to removing bacteria and debris. Having said that - it is not likely to harm you either.
Broken molar with decay. What should I do?
See your dentist - it is likely you will need either a root canal treatment or extraction
How long do veneers last?
It depends on the type of veneer and your bite. In ideal cases with excellent oral hygiene, no grinding/clenching and a strong enamel bond, porcelain veneers can last 10+ years. READ MORE
It depends on the type of veneer and your bite. In ideal cases with excellent oral hygiene, no grinding/clenching and a strong enamel bond, porcelain veneers can last 10+ years.
Is it ever too late to get dental implants?
Age is generally not a contraindication to having implants. However certain age related diseases may impact on success of implants. Also the length of time since the tooth was READ MORE
Age is generally not a contraindication to having implants. However certain age related diseases may impact on success of implants. Also the length of time since the tooth was extracted and the amount of bone in the area will impact the success rate of the implant. You may need to consider bone grafting/augmentation.
What can be done for chipped tooth?
For reasonably priced options, you could look at bonding a tooth-colored filling to the tooth or, depending on the size of the chip and its location on the tooth, you could consider READ MORE
For reasonably priced options, you could look at bonding a tooth-colored filling to the tooth or, depending on the size of the chip and its location on the tooth, you could consider an odontoplasty (cosmetic recontouring).
How long will a teeth whitening treatment last?
It depends on the technique you choose - at-home whitening usually takes around 1-2 weeks and costs do vary. In-office whitening takes around 90 minutes. Costs again vary between READ MORE
It depends on the technique you choose - at-home whitening usually takes around 1-2 weeks and costs do vary. In-office whitening takes around 90 minutes. Costs again vary between dentists. OTC whitening products are very effective and compare favorably to professional options. Costs range between $15-$70.
Are raisins good for your teeth?
A box of raisins contains nearly as much sugar as a can of coke so I’m not entirely convinced that they will help to fight cavities. However they can be a good source of antioxidants. READ MORE
A box of raisins contains nearly as much sugar as a can of coke so I’m not entirely convinced that they will help to fight cavities. However they can be a good source of antioxidants.
