1.What Are The Early Signs Of Dental Trouble?
Dental issues do not occur all of a sudden. They build up gradually though they may become visible only after significant damage has been done. Some early warning signs of dental issues are
- Bad breath even after brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. This could be a sign of gum disease, cavities, or even serious diseases like oral cancer.
- Tooth decay from the buildup of plaque or tartar which leads to further damage or tooth loss
- Mouth sores or mouth ulcers can be painful and a sign of other health issues
- Sensitivity in tooth/teeth when eating or drinking something hot or cold could be a sign of cracked teeth or weakening enamel
- Toothaches, however mild, could be an early sign of cracked or decaying tooth/teeth or early gum disease.
2.Why Do I Need A Regular Dental Check Up?
Healthy gums and teeth are not just a result of maintaining proper oral hygiene and habits at home but also of periodic dental visits at least once every 6 months. Regular dental checkups are the best way to prevent dental problems and to catch dental issues before they escalate into bigger problems. Signs of gum diseases like gingivitis or periodontitis can be prevented to a large extent with professional dental cleanings and early dental interventions. Dentists are also trained to recognize early signs of oral cancer and may screen for the same during routine checkups. Sharing overall health updates during routine visits also helps the dentist check for connections between oral health issues and other systemic conditions.
3.What Causes Dental Decay?
Dental decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, is primarily a result of an improper diet and poor oral hygiene. Bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva mix to form dental plaque which accumulates on the teeth. This accumulated plaque causes demineralization dissolves dental enamel and weakens the teeth, unless it is washed away with proper brushing twice a day and flossing of the teeth. The hole that is created when the enamel is eaten away causes the formation of cavities, which cause a change in the color of the tooth, tooth sensitivity, and pain. Left untreated, the decay can eat into the dental pulp, causing pain and swelling and later leading to infection.
4.How To Maintain Good Oral Hygiene At Home?
There are five basic steps that can help to maintain good oral hygiene at home.
- Brushing of teeth (twice a day) with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste.
- Flossing of teeth at night to remove food debris that may be stuck between gaps in the teeth where the brush is unable to reach.
- Brushing of the tongue along with the teeth so that bacteria and acids on the tongue can be washed off.
- Avoiding bad lifestyle habits like smoking, other tobacco products, and alcohol which can lead to cancer.
- Avoid excessive sweet foods and beverages which speed up the growth of bacteria and accumulation of plaque in the mouth.
5.What Are The Signs Of Gum Disease, And How Is It Treated?
Infection of the gums or the tissues that surround and support your teeth is known as gum disease. They are broadly of two types –
- Gingivitis (swelling, redness, and bleeding in the gums because of infection from accumulated plaque) left untreated can progress to periodontitis
- Periodontitis (where the gums and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets, where food debris and bacteria cause infection.)
Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that can cause swelling of the gums, bleeding, bad breath even after brushing, flossing, and use of mouthwash, pus between the teeth and gums, loose teeth or loss of teeth, pain, and changes in the functionality of the teeth.
Gum diseases are treated using non-surgical procedures such as scaling, root planing, and consumption of antibiotics or using surgical methods such as pocket reduction surgery or guided tissue regeneration.
6.Is Tooth Extraction Painful?
Not necessarily. With the advent of latest surgical techniques and medicines, most dental extractions are uneventful. Post operative discomfort is managed through pain medication and post operative care. The presence of infection around the tooth to be extracted may hamper the effect of anesthesia and so, extractions of infected teeth should be performed only after a course of medication is administered to control the infection. Teeth extraction of milk teeth is relatively painless because the roots are not very deep. Wisdom tooth which might require surgical removal may be tricky as these teeth are partially or completely embedded in bone. Dentists use conscious sedation with nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or anesthesia (local or general) to help numb the pain during tooth extraction and keep the patient comfortable throughout the procedure.
7.What Should I Do If I Need To Cancel Or Reschedule My Appointment?
In addition to appointment bookings through our website, Taha Medical Centre has a dedicated phone number for making appointments – +971 26 34 3438. In case you need to reschedule your appointment or need an existing appointment to be cancelled due to any reason, you may contact us on the same number. We will try our best to assist you and help you secure an appointment on another date/time based on the availability of the dental professional. You can also be connected to the Appointments Desk through our mobile phone line +971 50 818 5951.
8.Are Invisible Braces Suitable For Everyone?
Invisible braces are clear, removable aligners that are less noticeable and work very well for the correction of regular orthodontic issues. However, it cannot be used in the case of repair of severe malocclusions like major gaps between teeth, severely rotated or crooked teeth, or acute bite corrections. If a patient suffers from gingivitis, periodontal disease or other gum issues or has tooth cavities, he/she cannot be considered for treatment with invisible braces until the dental issues have been corrected. Those who are regular smokers are also not good candidates for invisible braces as smoking can cause the braces to stain and be obvious and unappealing.
9. Is Tooth Extraction Painful?
Tooth extraction is often the last thing a dentist will consider because their aim is to try to preserve existing teeth as much as possible. Some of the common reasons for extraction are unmanageable tooth decay, advanced gum disease (Periodontitis), infections/abscesses in teeth, impacted wisdom teeth, breaking of tooth due to injury, or due to orthodontic treatment where teeth need to be removed to make space for remaining teeth. Tooth extraction at the dentist’s office will always begin with the administration of an anesthetic for the tooth, gum, and surrounding tissue which will numb the pain. After the effect of the anesthesia wears off, there may be some amount of pain which can be relieved with an ice pack and painkillers.
10. What Are The Options For Replacing Missing Teeth?
Missing teeth are not just an aesthetic issue, they have an impact on oral health as well as the overall health of a person. Missing teeth cause difficulty with biting, chewing, speech and breathing and could lead to health problems in the long run. Missing tooth/teeth can be replaced by dentists using various options:
- Dental Implants – They are a fixed dental solution to replace a tooth/teeth where the dental root is replaced with metal screws which act as an anchor for the false tooth on top. The implant is then covered by a dental crown.
- Implant-supported Dental Bridges – When multiple teeth are missing in a single row, the missing teeth can be replaced by securing the end teeth with implants which then support the teeth in the middle (which do not have screws).
- Tooth-supported Dental Bridges – Instead of implants, dental crowns are placed on teeth that are next to the missing teeth and these teeth then support the replacement teeth in the middle.
- Removable Partial Dentures – When only a few teeth are missing, removable partial dentures are secured into place with metal clasps so that the spots where teeth are missing are replaced with false teeth while the rest of the natural teeth remain in place.
- Implant Supported Complete Dentures – When most, or all, of the teeth are missing, a set of complete dentures are used. They are a removable set of artificial teeth that fit snugly on the gums and are to be taken out at night when going to sleep.
11.How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Typically Take?
Orthodontics is a dental specialization that focuses on the assessment and treatment of dental abnormalities and malocclusions to improve their functionality and appearance. Each patient will have a unique set of dental abnormalities and the time taken to treat a person will depend on how much time is required to correctly address the improper alignment of teeth, bite issues, and other malocclusions. The age at which the treatment is taken is also a key factor in determining the time taken for treatment. Since the jaw bone is still developing and is more flexible in children, the dental irregularities can be corrected faster and with less effort. The average time taken for orthodontic treatments is between 12 and 36 months.
12.How Can I Check If My Insurance Plan Is Accepted At The Hospital?
At Taha Medical Centre, we support 25+ medical insurance companies, the details of which are available at https://www.tahamedical.com/insurance-companies/ .If your insurance plan belongs to these companies, you can complete formalities at the Insurance Desk at our hospital. If your insurance plan is from an outside insurance company, please approach the Insurance Desk with details of the plan. We will try our best to guide you on how to claim your insurance amount as reimbursement after the treatment and help you compile the necessary documentation for the same.
13.What services does Taha Medical Centre offer?
Taha Medical Centre is a leading healthcare provider in Abu Dhabi and offers medical and dental services. The medical services offered by the clinic include Internal Medicine,Pediatrics, Homeopathy, Pathology and Radiology while dental services include Preventive Dentistry, Orthodontics, Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Cosmetic Dentistry and Prosthodontics. In addition to these services, Taha Medical Centre also has its own well-stocked Pharmacy and in-house Laboratory to cater to the convenience of the patients.
14.Do you have on-site laboratory and diagnostic services?
Taha Medical Centre features an in-house laboratory that supports accurate diagnosis and treatment. In addition to Complete Blood Count, we offer tests for Liver and Kidney Function, Thyroid Hormones, Blood and Urine Cultures, Stool Analysis, and Rapid Card Tests. Our diagnostic services also include Pathology, Hematology, Radiography, Ultrasound, and Fluoroscopy, using advanced equipment. Experienced staff ensure reliable results with minimal patient disruption.
15. Do you have pediatric specialists?
Taha Medical Centre in Abu Dhabi offers comprehensive pediatric healthcare services for children from newborns, infants and toddlers right up to adolescence. Our pediatric specialists offer expert care and management of various health issues of children in an atmosphere of warmth and comfort and are ably supported by a dedicated team of nurses and paramedical staff. The pediatric medical team also works with specialists from various disciplines to ensure optimal healthcare and outpatient services to our young patients. In addition to therapeutic treatments, our pediatric department also provides preventive treatments including development assessments which are done through regularly scheduled and recorded appointments.
16.How long does orthodontic treatment usually take?
Orthodontic treatments can typically take between 1-3 years but the actual time for treatment will depend on various factors and will vary for each individual patient. The main factors that influence the duration of treatment are:
- The extent of severity of the malocclusions or other dental issues faced by the patient
- Age of the patient, with younger patients with still developing oral faculties getting faster results
- The type of orthodontic treatment opted for as conventional treatment options like metal braces may take a longer time but may be stronger and more affordable
- Other physical ailments and medications which may influence the course of the orthodontic treatment
- Adherence to the instructions provided by the orthodontist for optimal results for the particular orthodontic condition.
17.Are there any alternatives to traditional braces?
Traditionally, orthodontic treatment for correction of malocclusions or alignment of teeth involved the use of metal braces with visible metal wires and brackets. While these braces are strong and effective, they lack an aesthetic appeal and it is difficult to care for the teeth during the course of the treatment since brushing and flossing of teeth can take considerable time and effort. Depending on the complexity of the orthodontic issue, patients can now opt for alternatives like:
- Clear braces that are nearly invisible and therefore more aesthetically pleasing. However, they cannot be used to correct very complex orthodontic issues.
- Ceramic braces are tooth-coloured and therefore less visible than metallic braces. They are more expensive than traditional braces and are also more likely to break.
- Invisalign aligners that look natural, are comfortable to wear and can be removed while eating or brushing but require more frequent dental visits for better alignment.
18. How long does it take to see results from smile design?
The time duration of a smile design procedure can vary according to the treatment needs of the patients and the complexityof each individual case. After an initial assessment of the type of dental issues the patient has and their expectations about desired outcomes, smile design specialists chart out a treatment plan. Common smile design procedures include teeth whitening, dental veneers, dental bonding, gum contouring, dental implants, orthodontic treatments and dental dermal fillers. Some procedures may be non-surgical, day procedures but some may involve intervention from different branches of dentistry and medicine such as orthodontics, orthognathic surgery, periodontal surgery, cosmetic dentistry,oral surgery and plastic surgery
19.What should I do if I have sensitive teeth?
Wearing down of the tooth enamel can cause the underlying later of tooth dentin or portions of the tooth roots to be exposed. Tooth sensitivity is commonly caused by the loss of tooth enamel, exposure of tooth roots, inflammation or infection of dental pulp of the tooth due to external stimuli, causing a sharp and shooting pain or discomfort in the
affected tooth as well the surrounding teeth. This sensitivity may be felt while brushing teeth or consuming foods that may be cold, hot, spicy, or sweet. Depending on the intensity of the sensitivity, the dentist may prescribe desensitizing toothpaste and mouthwash with fluoride content, application of prescription fluoride to strengthen the
tooth enamel, dental sealants and fillings to form a protective coating over the exposed tooth root or underlying tooth layers, or a gum grafting procedure where a small amount of gum tissue from another part of the mouth is grafted to the tooth root that has lost gum tissue for its protection or in severe cases, root canal therapy
20.Does Taha Medical Centre in Abu Dhabi offer same-day appointments?
Medical emergencies involving serious illness or injury and requiring immediate medical action can be brought directly to the Emergency Medicine unit at Taha Medical Centre even without prior intimation. ln the case of regular appointments, priority is given to those patientswho have scheduled appointments in the order of time when the appointment was booked. However, if the patient is experiencing difficulty due to reasons of sensitive health
conditions or other issues, the same can be intimated to the appointment desk and we will try our best to accommodate the patient even if it is through a same-day appointment. You can reach us at •9712634243B to schedule an appointment or book the appointment online at https://www.tahamedical.com/appointment/
21. Does the dental clinic offer sedation or anesthesia options for anxious patients?
At dental clinic at Taha Medical Centre in Abu Dhabi, various sedation options have been made available for patients who may be anxious or experience discomfort during dental procedures, have a decreased sensitivity to local anesthesia, have special needs, or are undergoing lengthy treatment procedures. The sedation is usually at a moderate level, where the patient remains conscious but is put at ease. The options offered to the
patients include:
Nitrous Oxide – also known as laughing gas, inhalation of nitrous oxide gas helps to calm the patient down within 3-5 minutes of administration through a mask and is the safest and widely practiced option. After the procedure. the dentist will administer pure oxygen to flush out the nitrous oxide from the body.
Oral Conscious Sedation – Sedative medication may be provided up to an hour before the dental procedure which may make the patient feel a little groggy, though the dentist will ensure that the patient does not fall asleep.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation – Patients who have severe anxiety or have trouble controlling theirbody movements when awake may be administered sedative medication through an IV line, causing the patient to fall asleep during the
duration of the procedure.
22.Do Taha Medical Centre clinics in Abu Dhabi offer emergency services?
We offer emergency services at our clinics in Abu Dhabi. We are equipped with medical experts who can provide exceptional medical care and are ably assisted by state-of-theart technology and equipment facilities to immediately address medical issues. Our internists are trained to provide professional expertise and offer initial emergency care as well to address subsidiary requirements with effective co-management among subspecialties for patients who may require further treatment or hospitalization. As a super-specialty medical centre providing top-quality healthcare services, patient care and comfort is our first priority. We also have a full-fledged laboratory and a well stocked pharmacy with easy accessibility for the convenience of the patients.
23. What are the most common reasons for seeking orthodontic treatment in Abu Dhabi?
The most common reasons for seeking orthodontic treatment include correction of misalignment of teeth due to crowding, gaps between teeth, and bite issues (overbite, underbite, open bite, or crossbite) which can lead to jaw pain, difficulties with chewing and speech, and inability to maintain proper oral hygiene, which in turn could lead to further problems like cavities, tooth decay, gingivitis or periodontal disease. Another important reason why people seek orthodontic treatment is to improve the appearance or aesthetics of their smile, as it can directly impact the person’s self-esteem, confidence, and ability to meet people for social or business engagements. Taha Medical Centre in Abu Dhabi has a dedicated and capable orthodontic department with dental professionals who treat both children and adults. The clinic also has a well-equipped diagnostic imaging department with state-of-the-art technology in order to make treatment seamless and a comfortable experience for the patient.
24. Are pediatric specialists available at Taha Medical Centre?
Taha Medical Centre has a well-established pediatric department with specialists for a broad range of pediatric health issues. With a focus on preventive care, effective treatment, and follow-up checks, the pediatric experts have also established a smooth consultation network with medical professionals in other departments of the clinic, ensuring that pediatric patients get accurate diagnosis and comprehensive care in a comfortable and safe environment. The pediatric specialists are supported by an equally capable team of medical and support staff, a well-equipped laboratory, and a diagnostic imaging department with advanced technological facilities ensuring that the pediatric patients are given the best care in a personalised manner.
25. Is health screening available in Taha Medical Centre?
Health screening tests are an important part of preventive medical care at Taha Medical Centre. The screening tests are medical examinations of the patient to check for risk factors and other conditions before symptoms of a disease appear, making them an effective tool to identify problems early and provide necessary treatment before the health issues escalate. Health screening is recommended after studying the patient’s age, gender, past medical history, family health history, lifestyle habits, and any issues that may be communicated to the doctor. Conditions for which health screening is commonly recommended include high blood pressure, blood sugar or cholesterol levels, osteoporosis, and obesity-related issues. With a state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging department and a well-equipped laboratory, Taha Medical Centre is able to provide complete health screening to all patients.
26. Is it normal to have sensitive gums after a dental cleaning?
A dental cleaning will include intensive cleaning and scaling of the teeth and gums of the patient to aid in removal of calcified plaque or tartar near the gumline which may cause soreness of the gums, gum bleeding, and sensitivity in the teeth for some time after the procedure. This is completely normal and will subside on its own after a day or two. This is because the removal of calcified plaque and tartar may strip away protective layers of the tooth exposing sensitive areas temporarily. In case gums are inflamed, have recessed or show the early signs of gingivitis, the deep cleaning may expose new areas of the teeth near the gumline which may not have the protection of healthy dental cementum and so, may be more sensitive than usual. In case of a particularly deep dental cleaning or in case of pain, the dentist may offer a local anesthetic before the procedure and may prescribe a topical ointment or mouthwash to manage the pain after. It goes without saying that it is always better to opt for regular dental cleaning to avoid the harmful effects of persistent calcified plaque and tartar.
27. How can I address a gap between my front teeth?
The gap between the front teeth could be due to several reasons – the labial frenum or soft tissue band in the mouth between the teeth and upper lip sitting lower than usual, large jaws when compared to the size of the teeth, malalignment of the teeth, migration of teeth due to gum disease, thumbsucking and tongue thrusting, or due to extra teeth in the bone that prevent the front teeth from coming through properly. The treatment offered for addressing the gap would be dependent on the cause of the gap and whether it is minor or wide. Some effective treatments for addressing this problem include dental bonding (tooth coloured dental filling), dental braces, dental aligners, porcelain veneers, and – in the case of missing teeth – treatments like dental bridges, dental implants, and partial dentures. Your dentist will be able to recommend the best treatment after assessing the cause of the gap.
28.What are the early signs of kidney disease?
Kidney disease shows almost no symptoms in the early stages which is why it is also known as a ‘silent disease’. Most cases of early detection occur accidentally when the patient tests blood or urine for some other medical condition. There are a few indications that can be signs of kidney disease:
1. Increase in frequency of urination, especially at night
2. Presence of blood or foam in urine
3. Experiencing pain while urinating
4. Swelling or puffiness around the ankles, feet, or hands
5. Dull pain in the back, abdomen, under the rib cage, or sides of the upper body.
However, these signs could also be a result of other medical conditions and it is important to get the right diagnosis from a medical specialist.
29.How often should I visit the clinic for diabetes checkups?
As a general rule, it is recommended to get a diabetes checkup once every 3 to 6 months. The actual frequency of checkups depends on various factors including whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, your age, your lifestyle and habits, your family history of diabetes, and whether you have other comorbidities.
● If you are aged 45 years or above you should be screened for diabetes every three years even if there are no other indications.
● If you have any medical risk factors, your first screening needs to be conducted immediately, and the frequency of subsequent screenings must be decided in consultation with your doctor.
● If you are already diagnosed with diabetes, you will need to discuss with your endocrinologist which tests need to be taken during every diabetes checkup. During the checkup, the doctor will check your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and weight, and may recommend visits for foot and eye examinations and dental consultations. Blood tests for diabetes, including HbA1c tests, may also be conducted to
monitor blood glucose levels.
30.What are the benefits of regular dental checkups for children?
Regular dental checkups are key to ensuring that children have healthy and strong teeth and gums when they become adults. In fact, pediatric dentists advise that a child should complete his / her first dental visit by age 1 or when the first tooth appears, whichever
is earlier. Regular dental visits offer children many benefits, including
● Enabling good oral hygiene habits from an early age with support from parents
● Providing preventive dental care so that teeth and gums remain healthy
● Identifying problems early and preventing escalation of dental issues
● Establishing an effective patient-dentist relationship and improving patient’s
comfort level
● Addressing dental anxiety and reducing fear of dental procedures and
instruments
● Monitoring the development of teeth, gums, and jaws as the child grows.
31. How can I ensure my child gets enough vitamins and minerals?
Growing children require a range of vitamins and minerals for their health and development. Their diet should include vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, and folate and minerals like calcium, iron, zinc, and iodine. There are primarily 5 food groups that can provide children with a nutrition-dense diet – vegetables and legumes (in different colours), fruits (in different colours), lean protein, dairy (or dairy alternatives), and cereals and grains. While Vitamin D is primarily received from sunlight, it is present in small quantities in food items like butter, oily fish, and egg yolk, while Vitamin E is present in nuts and seeds, sunflower and canola oils, eggs and wheat germ. Children observe what and how others (especially their role models) consume and this influences their eating habits. By adopting a healthy eating pattern as a family, you will be able to encourage your child to eat food items that provide them with the right nutrients.
32.How do I take care of my veneers?
Dental veneers are a thin layer of tooth-coloured composite or porcelain material that is customized to your teeth and is placed over the existing tooth/teeth to improve the appearance of your smile. It is important to care for the veneers just like you would do
for your natural teeth. Teeth with veneer must be brushed twice a day with a nonabrasive fluoride toothpaste. Teeth must be flossed every night to ensure that no food debris are stuck in between the teeth. Consumption of food and drinks that can stain the teeth (like tea, coffee, wine, citrus fruits, and carbonated beverages) must be limited, and biting with veneered teeth on hard foods (such as nuts, raw apples, carrots, and hard candies) that can chip the veneers must be avoided. It is also important to have regular checkups with your dentist to monitor the veneers as even with ideal care, veneers will need replacement at some point in time.