• Is extraction better or root canal treatment (RCT) ?
We give more thrust on saving the natural teeth as far as possible. But, in the following cases, when : the tooth is extremely mobile,
• Fractured till the roots below the gum level or only the root piece is left.
• It is malaligned (impaction) in a way that it harms the other teeth  then an extraction is advised. Also when roots are curved and RCT is not possible.

• When is an RCT indicated ?
When the dental x-ray shows the decay to have reached the nerve tissue inside .
When the wear and tear of the tooth is causing sensitivity, but tooth is not mobile. When there is septic focus/ pus beneath the root of the tooth.

• Till what age can orthodontic treatment be taken ?
For orthodontic treatment the bones of the jaws have to be healthy without any infection and sufficient in height i.e till the neck or cervical region of the tooth. If that is the case, age is really no bar. But, teenage is the best as after 25 -30 yrs of age, movement of teeth has to be done very slowly, hence duration taken is long. We have patients in their 40s who have just started with orthodontic treatment.

• If gums are swollen, does it mean pyorrhea ? What is the remedy ?
Tartar if not removed, it causes gums to swell. If kept unattended for years there is infection and bone loss. Cleaning of deposits, root planing , flap surgery and bone grafting along with splinting in some cases can be  done as remedies. Determining exact line of treatment is possible only on examination and  x- ray report.

• What causes decay ? How can it be prevented or minimised ?
Saliva acts on the food that collects on the teeth and produces acid which dissolves the tooth material. Recurrance of this phenomenon causes decay. It can  be minimised by brushing properly and by eating fibrous foods more than sticky foods.

• Is bottle feeding for babies harmful ?
Bottle feeding especially at night causes sweetened milk to remain on the tooth surfaces for long and that causes decay in multiple teeth.But, if the teeth are cleaned after bottle feeding, then the chances of decay are reduced though not completely.

• Does cleaning or removing tartar loosen the teeth ?
No. It is a misconception. Collection of tartar on teeth inflames the gums and separates its attachment on the teeth. If not removed causes reduction of bone and gums. Hence, if tartar is removed on time, every 6 months, teeth and gum health is maintained.

• Will dental treatment or extraction affect my eyesight ?
No.

• What precautions should senior citizens take before coming for dental treatment ?
They should get their Blood sugar levels and blood pressure checked. If any history of cardiac problems or hypertension exists and if they are on aspirin, they should inform the operating dentist. Preferably, they should get their Physician’s consent before taking dental treatment. They should also have a list of  any known allergies to any medicine or food  of which the dentist should be informed.

• How frequently should we get our dental check-up done ?
Every 6 months. Mark those dates on the calendar for entire family’s dental checkup.

• What should the patient ensure  in a dental clinic before deciding to take treatment ?
Qualification of the dentist, Basic equipments, cleanliness, sterilised instruments,  use of disposable needles, handgloves, glasses etc. Patient should get the treatment options for his / her dental problem and should get the treatment plan explained along with the costs and time involved.