We are part of the Diestel Dental Group


  Contact : +852 2185 6550

FAQs

We know that visiting the dentist is a dreaded experience! But, regular dental check-ups are vital because oral health is not just about teeth cleaning, it’s about looking after your teeth and gums, which can improve your general health.

We hope these FAQs may put you more at ease so you feel ready for your next appointment or procedure.

If your question is not answered here, please call us or one of our three other practices and arrange an examination to discuss your specific dental concerns with one of our dentists.

What are wisdom teeth? Why do I need them removed?

Wisdom teeth are your hindmost molars and usually appear in your late teens or early twenties. They can often be misaligned, which can crowd or damage adjacent teeth, your jaw or nerves. They can also sometimes be impacted, which means they don’t completely break through your gum. These problems can cause infections, pain, swelling, stiffness and even general illness, which is why you may need them removed. The procedure can be quite simple, or more complicated, depending on your personal case. Our dentists and dental surgeons can discuss your situation with you after a consultation, which may require a dental x-ray.

Are dental x-rays safe? Are they really necessary?

Dental x-rays or radiographs are essential in helping the dentist diagnose conditions such as decay in between the teeth and gum disease. Previous crowns and fillings can also be checked. At Diestel and Partners we use the latest techniques in digital radiography for faster, clearer images and, more importantly, less radiation. Several studies have shown that dental x-rays emit the lowest amount of radiation when compared to natural (outer space) and atmospheric radiation. In addition, our dentists take every precaution to ensure that we take x-rays only when necessary, for example, during new patient appointments, checking wisdom teeth, etc. It is always helpful to bring your previous x-rays to our dentists, especially if they are within the last year or so.

What is cosmetic dental work?

Cosmetic dentistry can improve your smile either subtly, for example by tooth whitening or changing a discoloured filling, or drastically, by using ten or more porcelain veneers. We provide cosmetic dental work at our Central clinic, which serves to improve your smile and begins with a check-up and a thorough discussion with one of our dentists.

What is the difference between braces and Invisalign?

Invisalign is a series of custom-made, clear, removable aligners that gradually move teeth. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten, like braces. The aligners are made of smooth and virtually invisible plastic which you wear over your teeth. These aligners are changed about every two weeks, until your treatment is complete.

What are orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a specialist area of dentistry to correct teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly. Most people think of it as getting braces. However, we also use Invisalign.

Why would I need gum treatment? (periodontics)

Gum disease is an infection of the gum and supporting tissues in your mouth. You can have gum disease without really knowing, as it is not necessarily accompanied by a sore tooth or sore gums. Gum disease eventually leads to tooth loss if left untreated. Gum treatment, such as scaling and root planing, can save your gums and teeth. Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease – the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of which can be done by a specialist in periodontics. We have qualified Periodontists in our Diestel and Partners team.

What is a root canal procedure for? (endodontics)

Tooth decay and advanced gum disease can damage the nerves inside the tooth. The root canal procedure involves cleaning the inside of the tooth to remove the infection and damage. If the tooth is badly damaged the dentist usually places a crown to make it stronger. Most of the time, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure with little or no discomfort involving one to three visits. The dental specialty concerned with the study and treatment of dental pulp – or root canals – is known as endodontics. We have qualified Endodontists in our Diestel and Partners team.

What are veneers?

Veneers are thin porcelain covers that are placed on top of your teeth to improve the colour and the shape of your teeth, for example, they can be used to make small teeth appear larger, or fix badly stained teeth.

What are crowns and bridges?

A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a tooth. It is used to strengthen and protect your tooth structure. There are several types of crowns and several reasons a dentist might recommend crown treatment. Crowns can be made of gold, porcelain fused to gold, or – these days – without a metal substructure.  A dental bridge covers or ‘bridges’ the gap between missing teeth.

What are teeth implants? Are they painful?

Dental or teeth implants are the most stable and comfortable replacement when a tooth is missing. The procedure involves surgical placement of a titanium fixture which then fuses to the bone. A few months later a crown is placed to complete the treatment. We are fully equipped and have qualified dentists to provide dental implants at our Central clinic.

When a tooth is unsaveable/lost, implants can be placed. Implants are small titantium fixtures that integrate into your bone to give you a strong and natural looking tooth replacement. This procedure is not painful and will save the rest of your teeth from unnecessary loading which occurs when teeth are missing.

How often should I visit the dentist? Must I go if I don’t have any pain?

We recommend visiting the dentist for regular check-ups every six months to ensure clean and healthy teeth and gums. Dental problems can present painlessly, therefore it is not advisable to wait until you are in pain to see the dentist. We endeavor to see patients in pain the same day so please give us a call on +852 6071 4530 if something doesn’t feel right.

When should my child visit the dentist?

We usually recommend bringing your child for a dental examination between age two to two-and-a-half years. It can be beneficial for you to bring your child with you to your own dental check-up before this time to familiarise them with the dental environment. At the first appointment the dentist will focus on checking the teeth, reinforcing teeth cleaning techniques and giving dietary advice. Early prevention and good habits will give your child the best possible start in caring for their teeth.

What does tooth whitening at the dentist involve?

Even despite regular teeth cleaning, teeth discolour over time, whether it’s from smoking, coffee, or simply getting older. The good news is, it is possible to reverse this discolouration to a certain extent by tooth-whitening.

When done properly, tooth-whitening is safe, effective and gives you a natural, younger smile. It can be done at home or in the dentist chair. With home whitening, custom made whitening trays are worn. However, in-office procedures – at the dentist – use a UV light (the Zoom light) to achieve the same results but within a shorter period of time. A check-up is necessary to make sure you will benefit from this procedure. You can contact us to find out more about tooth-whitening at our Central clinic.

What are fillings?

Fillings can be used to repair cracked or damaged teeth, or to treat a cavity by removing the decayed portion and ‘filling’ that area. There are several different filling materials available – gold or silver, or tooth-coloured materials, amongst others. The procedure involves numbing the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic.