Our Tips

The placement of prosthetic products, such as ceramic veneers and inlays, is a complex procedure that requires careful preparation not only from the dentist, but also from the patient before, during, and after the procedure.

During the period when temporary crowns, inlays, or veneers are in place, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene. Do not use electric toothbrushes during this time. Your gums and teeth may be more sensitive during this period, so use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth by applying a small amount to the affected area and rubbing gently.

Getting used to the shape and size of the new teeth after cementing the prosthesis usually takes about two weeks. If you experience any discomfort or notice any issues, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Ceramic veneers are highly resistant to compressive forces, but they have lower flexural strength. Therefore, it is important to avoid any activities that could cause them to bend, such as biting hard objects like nuts, hard candies, nails or pens, as well as picking bones and opening objects with the teeth.

Just like natural teeth, prosthetic products require good oral hygiene. We therefore recommend you to use a manual or electric toothbrush with soft bristles when brushing.

Use non-abrasive toothpastes (we recommend gels) and avoid whitening ones, as these contain coarse particles that can damage both the porcelain surface and the enamel of your teeth.

Floss at least once a day, preferably before going to bed.

Typically, teeth remain sensitive for a period of four to six weeks following cementation. This sensitivity can be influenced by various factors, such as the amount of remaining enamel on the tooth after the procedure and the proximity of the dental nerve.

Due to the removal of excess cement, the gums near the treated tooth may be slightly inflamed and sensitive for a few days after the procedure.

After the placement of ceramic veneers, it is common to experience slight changes in speech. However, you will quickly get used to it, and soon you will be able to speak normally again.

Using a mouthwash that does not contain alcohol is preferable as those with alcohol can weaken the bond between the tooth and ceramic.

Be cautious when using mouthwashes that contain chlorhexidine as some can cause discoloration of both the teeth and the cement used to attach the inlays or veneers. It is also recommended to avoid products containing stannous fluoride or acidulated phosphate fluoride, as they can dissolve the ceramics and make their surface rough.

Consider scheduling regular check-ups with your dentist every six months, even if you don’t have any dental issues.

Injuries to the face and head, and consequently the teeth, are among the most common injuries children can sustain during play and other activities. When a child suffers an injury to their teeth, gums, or mouth, it can be a scary experience for parents who may not know what to do.

The best course of action in this situation is to promptly schedule an appointment with a dentist.

Although baby teeth are typically not re-implanted, the dentist will assess the situation to check if any parts of the root are still in the gums or if any other teeth have been affected.

If a permanent tooth is knocked out, it is important to find it as soon as possible and rinse it gently with cold water. Do not rub or wash the tooth with soap, only rinse it with water. If you can, try to put it back into its socket (alveolus) and hold it in place with clean gauze or tissue. If reinsertion is not possible, the child should keep the tooth under their tongue, or in a container with milk, saliva or water, and seek the help of a dentist or emergency dental care as soon as possible. The sooner you take action, the greater the chance is of saving the tooth.

Even if the tooth is chipped or broken, see a dentist as soon as possible. Acting quickly can prevent the damaged tooth from getting infected and requiring more extensive treatment. It is also important to rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to the affected area to reduce inflammation. If you find a broken part of the tooth, make sure to bring it with you to the dentist.

Dental floss is a tool designed to effectively remove plaque and food particles from the tight spaces between your teeth. These are the areas where tooth decay (cavities) and periodontal disease most commonly begin. 

A recommended frequency for flossing is at least once a day. While the type of floss used is a matter of personal preference, it is important to choose a floss that is comfortable to use and fits well between your teeth. 

So how should you floss? To start flossing, take a piece of dental floss about 50 centimeters long and wrap it around your middle fingers so that there is about 15 centimeters of floss between them. Hold the floss with the thumb and forefinger of each hand, leaving a few centimeters in between. Using a sawing motion, gently insert the floss between two teeth towards the gums. Next, curve the floss around the tooth and gently slide it under the gumline. Then, move the floss firmly up towards the interdental contact and down again to the gums.

You will know that all the plaque has been removed once the floss starts making a squeaking sound. At that point, you can pull it out and use a new section for the next tooth. Continue moving from one interdental space to another until you have cleaned the surfaces between all of your teeth. If you have difficulty fitting the floss between your teeth due to tight spaces or experience floss tearing, it is advisable to inform your dentist.

1. It is recommended to start using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth containing fluoride and 5% potassium nitrate (such as Colgate Sensitive or Sensodyne) at least two weeks before beginning the whitening treatment.
2. After brushing your teeth, wear the tray provided by your dentist for a few hours during the day or overnight.
3. The next day, repeat the process, but this time, use a toothpaste that is free of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), such as Sensodyne, and wear the tray for a few hours during the day or overnight.
4. Once you get used to the tray, you can fill it with the whitening gel provided by your dentist and follow their instructions carefully.
5. During the whitening phase, make sure to brush your teeth several times a day with a toothpaste that contains 5% potassium nitrate and fluoride when you’re not wearing the tray.
6. If you still experience sensitivity or discomfort, stop the whitening process for a day or two and then resume. You can also switch from night to daytime whitening, or reduce whitening time. When you are not whitening your teeth, put gel or toothpaste for sensitive teeth into the tray and keep it in your mouth for 10 to 30 minutes. Put desensitizing toothpaste and whitening gel into the tray alternately.

Before teeth whitening, it is important to take into account the following tips and warnings:

Dental products
Teeth whitening procedures are designed to lighten natural teeth and will not affect dental restorations such as fillings, crowns, bridges, or other dental products. To achieve a consistent appearance, it is likely that all dental restorations such as fillings, crowns, and bridges will need to be replaced to match the new color of the whitened teeth.

Results
Tetracycline-stained or gray-stained teeth can be more difficult to whiten, resulting in varying degrees of success from patient to patient. An exposed tooth root caused by receding gums will not whiten through teeth whitening. A prolonged teeth whitening treatment can result in green discoloration of teeth that have amalgam fillings.
Whitening translucent teeth can cause them to become even more translucent, resulting in a darker appearance.

Sensitivity
Your gums and teeth will likely be more sensitive after whitening. This is normal and not dangerous when using products containing peroxide gel. The sensitivity will disappear within a few days after the procedure.

If the teeth become hypersensitive during the teeth whitening process itself, follow the general recommendations to reduce tooth sensitivity.

A few more tips:

Keep teeth whitening products out of the reach of children. Do not use these products if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

It’s important to avoid eating or drinking while the whitening tray is inserted in your mouth. You should also avoid smoking and drinking coffee, tea or wine during the whitening process.

If you have any questions or concerns about teeth whitening, our team at the Dentavital Oral Health Centre will be happy to provide answers and guidance. Don’t hesitate to contact us!

By implementing appropriate and efficient oral hygiene measures, we can facilitate expedited and successful healing of post-tooth extraction wounds while promoting a clean and healthy oral cavity. Conversely, smoking impedes the healing process and may result in potential complications following tooth extraction.

Rest: It is recommended to rest for a few hours following the procedure. Avoid heavy exertion on the first day.

Swelling: It is common to experience swelling at the site of tooth extraction, which typically subsides within two to three days. Application of cold compresses or ice to the affected area can aid in reducing swelling and promote a speedy recovery.

Rinsing: Refrain from rinsing your mouth for the initial 24 hours following the procedure. Subsequently, for the ensuing two days, it is advised to gently rinse your mouth with chamomile or sage tea after meals and before bedtime. Ensure that the tea is cooled down to a suitable temperature that will not cause scalding. Gently swish the tea in your mouth for approximately one minute before expelling it, and repeat the process several times.

Food: It is advised to abstain from consuming hot and solid foods, and particularly to refrain from alcohol intake, on the first day following the procedure. Select cold non-alcoholic beverages and consume soft or finely chopped foods for a more comfortable and successful recovery.

Avoid any form of sucking at or touching the wound site.

Bleeding: On the initial day following tooth extraction, minor bleeding at the extraction site may occur. In the event of bleeding, it is advisable to remain in a seated position. If lying down is preferred, ensure to elevate the head. Applying gauze to the extraction site and holding gentle pressure for 15 minutes can help curb bleeding. If required, this process can be repeated.

Pain: Analgesics may be taken as needed to alleviate any discomfort. It is important to avoid aspirin when seeking pain relief, as it can potentially thin the blood and lead to increased bleeding.

Should heavy bleeding, severe pain, or any other complications arise, you should promptly contact your dentist.

Elevated levels of oral plaque increase the risk of developing periodontal disease.

By adhering to the following recommendations, you can effectively decrease the probability of developing periodontal disease while also facilitating successful scaling and root planing treatment outcomes. In the event of any concerns or complications, do not hesitate to contact your dentist immediately.

Do not eat or drink for several hours after the procedure.

Substituting your regular mouthwash with Curasept mouthwash that contains 0.2% non-chlorhexidine for a minimum of two weeks is strongly recommended. Of course, it is essential to continue regular tooth brushing as well.

During this period, it is advised to use Curasept ADS toothpaste as it does not interfere with the efficacy of the mouthwash. If your toothpaste contains sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), it is recommended to allow at least one hour to elapse between toothbrushing and oral rinsing with mouthwash.

Following tooth brushing and flossing before bedtime, it is suggested to brush the tongue for an additional minute utilizing Curasept toothpaste and a toothbrush.

Should you experience tooth sensitivity, it is recommended to use Sensodyne toothpaste in accordance with your dental hygienist’s guidelines.

If your dentist has prescribed supplementary medications, it is imperative to adhere to the prescribed directions for optimal results.

IMPORTANT! Smoking is a primary risk factor for the progression of periodontal disease. Smoking diminishes the likelihood of successful treatment for periodontal inflammation, as it impairs blood flow to the gums and reduces the defensive capabilities of protective cells.

During the initial week following dental implant placement, it is recommended to rinse the mouth with Curasept mouthwash containing 0.2% chlorhexidine four times daily.

It is common to experience swelling around the implant. In the case of upper jaw procedures, it is probable to observe some swelling beneath the eyes as well. Application of cold compresses or ice to the surgical site for the initial two days can help minimize swelling. While resting, make sure you lie with your head elevated.

If antibiotics have been prescribed by your surgeon, it is crucial to complete the full course of treatment as directed, even if symptoms improve rapidly.

Prior to the dissipation of the local anesthesia, it is recommended to take painkillers as prescribed, and continue their use for the following several days. However, make sure that you don’t exceed the recommended daily dosage.

Minor bleeding from the surgical site is normal. If bleeding does not dissipate, place sterile gauze at the surgical site and apply gentle pressure for a period of twenty to thirty minutes. If necessary, repeat the process.

If you have any post-operative queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your dentist.

Remember, a healthy and clean oral cavity is vital for prompt and successful healing. Adequate oral hygiene measures play a crucial role in this regard, and should never be overlooked.

To attain maximum teeth whitening efficacy without discomfort or pain, it is essential to conduct the whitening process correctly and safely. What can we do about it ourselves?

Before whitening
Prior to teeth whitening, it is essential to thoroughly brush and floss teeth, as the whitening gel is most effective on clean and debris-free teeth. Before applying the whitening gel, it is advisable to wear the tray alone initially to allow for adjustment and increased comfort. Ensure that the tray is thoroughly clean and dry prior to inserting the whitening gel. Moisture can impair the effectiveness of the whitening agent and decelerate the whitening process.

Applying the whitening gel
When applying the whitening gel, it is crucial to avoid overfilling the tray. Apply a small drop of gel to the inner wall of the tray that comes in contact with the visible surface of the tooth. Ensure that the gel only covers approximately half of the surface area of the tray. Avoid smearing the gel onto the tray. Be sure to close the gel syringe securely following use. Approximately 0.5 ml of whitening gel per arch is typically the recommended amount for each application. It is recommended to whiten only the front eight to ten teeth.

Inserting the tray
After placing the tray in your mouth, gently push it onto your teeth. While holding the tray in place with one hand, use the other hand to wipe away any excess gel that may flow from behind the tray using a tissue or gauze.

Wearing the tray
If you are whitening your teeth for the first time, we recommend limiting the initial treatment to 30 minutes. If no discomfort is experienced, you can increase the whitening duration.

Whitening gels containing carbamide peroxide require special attention and care during use
When using a whitening gel with a 10- or 15-percent concentration of carbamide peroxide, you can whiten your teeth for two to four hours once or twice daily. If no discomfort is experienced, you can leave the gel tray in the mouth overnight.
A whitening gel containing 20% carbamide peroxide can be used only for 30-60 minutes once or twice a day. Make sure you do not exceed the recommended duration.
Whitening gels containing hydrogen peroxide should only be used for 30-60 minutes per day.

After whitening
After removing the tray, it is recommended to rinse the mouth with water to eliminate any residual gel left on the teeth. Then brush and floss your teeth thoroughly. If teeth become sensitive, consider using a gel designed for sensitive teeth as a follow-up.

Storage
After every use, clean the trays with a toothbrush and cold water. It is recommended to keep the trays in the provided container, while storing the whitening gel in a cool, dry place, away from heat and direct sunlight. The whitening gel can also be stored in the refrigerator, but freezing should be avoided.

Good to know
The desired teeth whitening effect is typically achieved after approximately 20 to 30 applications of the whitening gel. The longer you wear the tray with the whitening gel, the more effective the teeth whitening process is likely to be. Approximately 50 percent of the whitening gel’s effect is achieved within the first two hours after insertion. Teeth whitening can also be expedited by utilizing gels that contain higher concentrations of active substances, such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide.