Patient Questions

Jay Sher is an Expert Contributor on FindaTopDoc. Here are some of their recent answers to patient questions.

Dentist
Jay Sher, DDS, FAGD, FACD

Simple. Brush your teeth real well after breakfast and again before going to sleep. Floss every night and see your dentist for a professional cleaning at least every 6 months. Your gingivitis will go away!

They can be very comfortable if made properly so that they fit well. Good luck.

Yes Brush you own teeth normally at least twice a day and brush your partial denture every night after you remove them before bed time.

Real simple......until your orthodontist tells you are done with active treatment and you are ready for your retainers.

Sorry but tough question to answer. If bridge is made well and taken care of thoroughly, you should have it for many years. If I asked you how long your new car will last, it would depend on multiple variables and the same for a bridge. I just saw a patient this week who has a bridge I fabricated 40 years ago. He had professional cleanings in our office on a very regular basis.

If the appliance is made correctly, it would absolutely be safe!

I would wait until you get home and then right away.

The best treatment for gingivitis is to get a thorough cleaning probably by a registered dental hygienist. Brushing and flossing will help but any accumulation of plaque and calculus below the gum tissue needs a professional to remove completely.

It depends. Sometimes even the best made denture may need a little help with retention from an adhesive. Other important variables to consider are the size of the remaining ridge and the type of saliva. The bigger the ridge, the more likely the denture will not need adhesive. The lower dentures often have small ridges and will often need adhesive even for the best made denture. The saliva may also affect the retention. If you want more security, use an adhesive.

It should not be painful at all. First some topical, then some local anesthesia, possibly with a little pinch, and you will be comfortable during the procedure. Most patients are surprised how well it went!

I would say NO. The local anesthesia will usually make the area numb so that the implant placement should not be painful. You will probably be a little sore in that area afterwards but nothing terrible. Go for it. The use of the implant afterwards will be well worth it.

An antibiotic may help with the discomfort of your pulpitis but it is not the treatment that is necessary for your pulpitis! You need to be evaluated and will probably need root canal therapy. It really is not a big deal.

The answer is yes, usually. Why would you not want to be comfortable during this procedure?

Only if you want your teeth to stay in their current alignment. If you don't mind them returning to their previous position, then don't wear your retainer. The choice is yours.

All new appliance usually need to be adjusted at least once or twice. Call your dentist and allow them to make your appliance more comfortable.

What do you mean by perfect teeth? Orthodontic treatment, whether accomplished with Invisalign or wires and brackets, will align your teeth in a more ideal configuration. That my give you the results that will meet your expectations. If you have other issues with your teeth, then you would require some additional intervention by your restorative dentist.

There are several reasons why your partial dentures are loose. The simplest cause would be that the clasps need to be tightened. This is an easy adjustment for a dentist to do and I would not recommend you do this yourself. It takes a special instrument with finesse to successfully adjust the clasps without breaking them. Another reason may be that your partials just no longer fit because they are too old or worn. Best plan is to follow up with your dentist for the correct diagnosis.

Absolutely YES. Most of the time they are inserted with local anesthesia. You may request IV sedation if you prefer but most are done with just local anesthesia.