Q1. What are the risks of dental implants, and how to minimize them

A: While there are essentially no major risks that are life threatening with placement of dental implant, some mild-moderate risks include infection of the surgical site with pain and swelling, bleeding risks, and risk of nerve damage (very rare).

To minimize the risk of infection at surgical site, good blood sugar control, healthy lifestyle (sleep and eat healthy), and strict adherence to antibiotic regimen prescribed by your dentist is paramount.

To reduce bleeding risk, consultation with physician for patients on bleed thinner is recommended. The surgeon's ability to minimize trauma and control bleeding intra-operatively is also important.

Nerve damage is likely the most severe risk but also extremely rare. With modern digital dentistry, the mandibular nerve is easily visualized on 3D x-rays and risk of damage can be avoided in 100% of the cases.

Keep in mind the overall success rate of implant surgery is 97-99% and most patient experience little discomfort post-op.

Q2. Veneers vs teeth whitening: who are they right for and how to decide which to get?

A: Teeth whitening is strictly a cosmetic procedure to remove extrinsic staining on the teeth. The goal is to make the teeth whiter and brighter in color. It is not permanent and has a limit to how much "whitening" can be achieved.

Veneers can be used for cosmetic and/or restorative purposes. It is a thin porcelain lens that is chemically bonded to the teeth to modify color, shape, alignment, and/or repair fractured teeth. It maintains the shape and color much better as it does not stain to any noticeable degree compared with natural teeth. Patients also have full control over how "white" the teeth will be. Veneer will often require removal of some tooth structure even though it can be minimal.

Q3. Best ways to cope with a fear of dentists?

A: Familiarize yourself with the dentist and the clinic. Ask questions so you know what to expect, but not too many questions about the specifics because anxious patient usually form a mental imagery that is much scarier than what the procedure really looks like. Find a dentist you trust, and trust them to do their best job. I know this is easier said than done but it is true.

Q4. What are the most common dental hygiene mistakes

A: From what I've seen, the most common mistake is incorrect brushing technique. I classify them into either under-brushing or over-brushing.

Under-brushing, not brushing for long enough, or missing certain areas when brushing will lead to plaque build up which in turn may lead to gum inflammation and cavity.

Over-brushing or aggressive brushing can thin tooth enamel over-time, leading to increased tooth wear. It can also traumatize the gum and cause gum recession. These are often seen in patients who brushes >3x/day and is overly meticulous about having good oral hygiene.

Q5. Any additional insights you think people should know?

A: You tell me :). Send your questions to info@g-dental.ca or subscribe to our smile workshop for updates on the newsest tips and insights on how to care for your teeth!

Cheers,

Dr. Neo Cheng

Ingredients

List item
List item
List item
List item
List item

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Common questions from patients