Q&A about Dentistry-Answered by a qualified Goan Dentist

mercedes10

Hi Goandentist, I wonder if you can help. I'm lucky enough never to have had any real problems with my teeth, no fillings etc. What bothers me though is that I've noticed recently that my front teeth (top & bottom) are starting to look a little see-through. My dentist here has ordered a bite-splint for me as she thinks I'm grinding my teeth at night. I actually really doubt this but will give it a try anyway. The problem is though that although this might reduce future damage, is there anything I can do to improve the current look of my teeth? I've heard that it's possible to get some kind of 'caps' or something to put over them? I'll be in Goa in December so am interested in having cosmetic treatment. Whitening is also something I'm interested in - though as someone else suggested, I still want my teeth to look natural. Some peoples' teeth are SO white they look scary & wrong. Any advice? or idea of costs involved? Is it possible to have a consultation with you in Goa to discuss what the best options are? How far in advance does one need to make an appointment? Many thanks! :-)

Frutiji

Howdy,

In India I haven't seen any dental floss for sale. When an Indian friend saw me flossing one morning he said, "What are doing? If you keep doing that every day your teeth are going to fall out!" I had to laugh.

Now to me, flossing is as or even more important than brushing. American dentists will always admonish their patients to do it, but Indians don't seem to even know about it. So I'm just curious how Indian dentists feel about flossing and if they prescribe some alternative to it for gum maintainence.

Thanks!

p.s. Do you know where I can get some dental floss?!

Goandentist

Hi Mercedes 10 and Frutiji,

Frutiji ,to answer your query about Floss, yes its great that you are flossing. Thats the best way to supplement brushing. Many a times we brush superficially and cant get out that steak thats stuck between your teeth. I encourage you to continue the trend and would advise people who are not flossing to seriously consider Flossing. And yes floss is available at any chemist and its really quite cheap.

Mercedes 10, to answer your query, I think Crowns/Venners are the best way forward for your teeth. You could opt for Empress II metal free porcelain crowns that are the best in dentistry today when it comes to looking perfectly natural. Please note I have addressed you personal requirements by PM.

May I also request members not to post requests for appointments and prices with me on this forum as this is not in line with the Forum guidelines. My details are available by clicking on my username.

__________________
Dr. Ambert Pimenta
www.goadentist.com

The India Mike Dental thread

jpvs

Dear Doc, (or should that be Dear Dent)

Thank you for this thread, I have a fear of dentists and seeing theinteraction on this threat has allayed my fears somewhat.. I might just go visit a dentist finally.

JPVS

Goandentist

Many thanks to all you fellow IM'ers for the support on this thread and thru PM . Hope this thread can take away the "butcher" image of dentists.

genevieve_lalune

Goandentist, how many years does it take to become a dentist in India including undergraduate studies ?

Goandentist

It takes 4 years for the actual course, and 1 year for training called Internship. So its a total of 5 years for the course. It involves 2 years of medicine as well so you must have the nerve for Blood !

crvlvr

its five years after high school. no separate undergraduate degree is required.

while the dentists in india are worldclass when it comes to skill. I understand that the technology used by the labs in india (to manufacture bridges, crowns etc.) is not yet world class. some cities have top notch labs. but smaller town may not. this is my opinion. Goandentist, feel free to add your 2 paise.

Goandentist

About labs you brought up a very interesting point. Yes I agree that labs in smaller towns are not upto the mark; here in Goa we have 2 labs out of 5 that are actually upto the mark. Though most small town dentists like me opt to have our work done at quality labs in Bombay and Pune we are facing a real problem in Goa to deliver quality work. I am lucky enough to be associated with the best Dental Lab in Goa, but this lab takes on only a few clients so its difficult for my other colleagues to get quality work done here.

GoanCanuck

Ambert, do you live in Calangute or Margao?

Indiamad

Thanks for your reply Goan Dentist

I'm all ready to make my appointment!!

Goandentist

Hi there,

I live in Calangute from November to April , then live out in Africa (in the jungle ) till the season starts in Goa again, thats the only way I can save my "back" from not giving me problems in my old age. We dentists suffer from a professional hazard i.e back pain.

Indiamad , see you in Goa soon !

Goandentist

I have recieved quite a few PM's for more information on Brite Smile whitening so I am posting the process here for those interested, it makes good reading

The BriteSmile Teeth Whitening Process : The patented BriteSmile whitening treatment consists of a lamp filtered to emit light in the blue-green region of the spectrum (approximately 400-500 nanometers) and a patented delivery device, which illuminates all smile teeth at once. The BriteSmile light is used in combination with a patented peroxide gel, which has been optimized to obtain a maximal whitening effect and to ensure patient safety. The patented chemistry consists of a 15% hydrogen peroxide gel buffered at an approximately neutral pH that is compatible with tooth enamel. The gel also contains other ingredients such as glycerin and highly purified water to prevent tooth dehydration and to further ensure safety. The gel also contains a patented photo-initiator, which assists in chromophore destruction at the tooth's surface.

The BriteSmile Light :
The BriteSmile light system is patented and available exclusively at BriteSmile whitening spas and through our Associated Center network. Due to its unique design, our light is able to whiten all "smile line" teeth simultaneously and uniformly, with an amazing 9+ shades of improvement on the Vita-Pan shade guide. Nothing has been proven to whiten teeth faster, easier, and more effectively. Beware of imitators that may claim they work as well as BriteSmile. Some may use less commonly accepted shading scales and/or lack independent clinical research to back their claims.

The BriteSmile Whitening Gel :
The gel contains a patented photo-initiator, activated by our patented blue-light, which shines on the gel and acts as a catalyst, accelerating its natural teeth whitening compounds. The new treatment includes an additional step in the protocol consisting of the application of a liquid whitening accelerator just prior to the second and third applications of the gel. The blue-light triggers the gel because it is specifically tuned to respond to certain wavelengths of light. How does this happen? It is a similar bleaching process by which objects are naturally whitened by sunlight but, thanks to the blue light and hydrogen peroxide, our whitening treatment allows our clients to leave in just over an hour with their teeth at their optimal whiteness. It is also completely safe, because unlike sunlight, our patented light does not release harmful ultra-violet rays. Instead, it operates in the gentle blue-green spectrum, which is safe for tooth enamel as well as skin, gums, and other soft tissues.

Information as provided by Brite Smile Inc , to me having an affiliate surgery.

Bobbyfan

Hi Goan dentist.I've recently had temporary plate fitted for a missing front tooth and have been told that after 3 months I should have an implant fitted.Is this something you can do,and could you give me any idea of cost?I could tell you how much I've been qouted to have the work done in Spain but wouldn't want you falling off of your chair!!

Goandentist

Hi there,

Yes I do implants , thought it may be a cheaper option to do a bridge to replace a missing tooth. Have replied to you by PM as well

Regards