Author: Sky Clinic Dental Center

WHY MY DENTIST IS USING DENTAL LOUPES?
You may think that most of the dentists who are using magnifying eyeglasses has poor eyesight or vision impairment.
There’s no need to worry because those glasses are called loupes, a medical tool actually intended to magnify treatment site, which gives dentist more detailed view to properly conduct dental procedures.

Why using loupes are important?
Using loupes makes assessment and diagnosis of oral problems easier as well in treatments and surgeries, it plays a vital role in the overall success of the procedures.
As an Oral Surgeon and Implantologist, working under magnification provides me precision and accuracy in performing dental treatments and oral surgeries.
Apart from the better improvement of vision, dental loupes helps dentist to obtain physiologic posture while working and thereby minimizing risk of slouching which dentist are well known to develop.

Should Dentists consider using loupes in daily dental practice?
Absolutely yes, clinical examination using loupes can be an advantage; it decreases the risk of wrong diagnosis. Magnification helps dentists to practice more safely and with superior standards.
I highly recommend the use of loupes, clinicians should consider adopting this concept and continue to challenge themselves more.
In my line of work, I constantly challenge myself not just in providing quality service for my patients but for personal excellence as well.

WHY IS MY DENTIST RECOMMENDING A CERAMIC INLAY / ONLAY?

Having dental decay is a common oral problem that could be easily fixed with a composite filling. However, in restorative dentistry, there are better alternative treatment approaches that your dentist could recommend though they are a bit more costly they give you far more efficient and quality treatments.

WHAT IS CERAMIC INLAY / ONLAY?

When composite filling is inadequate and impractical, your doctor may recommend a ceramic inlay to restore the broken or damaged tooth.

Inlays and onlays are used when old failing fillings need to be removed or replaced. The material used can be metal or composite however ceramic is a better option because it is more stable, durable and matches the color of the teeth.

CREATING INLAYS / ONLAYS

An inlay / onlay treatment requires two visits to the dental clinic. On the first visit, the tooth is cleaned by removing all of the decay or old filling. Then a conventional or digital impression will be taken and sent to the dental laboratory, you will then be fitted with a temporary filling. On your second visit, the temporary filling will be removed and the inlay / onlay is cemented.

Inlays and onlays could be done as well in one visit if they are milled on the same day of the treatment in the clinic.

ADVANTAGES OF AN INLAY/ ONLAY TO A FILLING

Although fillings are the most immediate treatment option for dental decay and are less costly, filling paste tends to shrink a little in volume upon hardening which may lead to marginal gaps, failures and tooth sensitivity. On the other hand, inlay / onlay restoration margin is finished and polished in a very fine line of contact which minimizes recurrent decay.

Inlays and onlay are more beneficial than a fillings in several ways:

• Last longer than a filling
• Their stability and durability are superior in terms of resistance in occlusal forces.
• Precision of fabrication and marginal integrity
• Prevents further damage of the tooth by strengthening its structure
• Custom made depending upon the case of the patient
• Matches the color of your other teeth, thus resulting a seamless finish
• Aesthetically can help improve confidence by restoring your smile to a beautifully flawless appearance.

Dental problems vary per person, the only difference is how we choose to deal with the problem individually. The used of inlay / onlay treatment is far more beneficial and it prolongs tooth life which prevents the need for more dental treatments in the future.

Before, during and after pregnancy, your body undergoes hormonal changes that could affect not just your body but that or your child as well. Poor oral health increases the risk of developing gum diseases, which can affect the health and development of your baby.

It’s important for you to take good care of your teeth and gums while pregnant.

Here are advices to help you keep good oral health before, during and after pregnancy.

BEFORE EVERYTHING ELSE

Plan a dental visit before getting pregnant. That way, your dentist can advise you how to take care of your oral health in preparation for pregnancy and afterwards. All oral health problems can be treated in advance.

WHILE YOU’RE PREGNANT

• Advise your dentist if you are pregnant. Routine dental care can be done any time during pregnancy. However, before your dental appointment, check with your obstetrician to see if he / she has any special precautions / instructions for you.
• Yes! Dental X-rays can be done during pregnancy. This is one of the main concerns of pregnant women. Your dentist will take the necessary precautions for the diagnostic procedure.
• Tell your dentist that you’re taking medication. Your dentist may need to modify your dental treatment plan based on this information.
• Don’t skip your dental checkup appointment just because you are pregnant. Now more than any other time, regular periodontal (gum) exams are very important, because pregnancy causes hormonal changes that put you at increased risk for gum diseases such as:
  Pregnancy gingivitis – This is caused by hormonal changes that increase the blood flow to the gum tissue and cause your gums to be more sensitive, irritable, and swollen. These hormonal changes also hinder the body’s normal response to bacteria which can cause periodontal infections making easier for plaque to build up on your teeth and susceptible to gingivitis.
  Pregnancy epulis – Some pregnant women will develop a localized swelling on the gum, known as a pregnancy epulis, occurs in the second or third trimester month of the pregnancy. A pregnancy epulis is a benign tumor in the gums that is not have malignant (cancerous).
• Maintain good oral hygiene practices to prevent oral health problems.

AFTER PREGNANCY
Whether or not you experienced oral problems during your pregnancy be sure to visit your dentist, Dr. Rabih Abi Nader, after delivery to have oral examination and periodontal health evaluation.

Over the years our teeth wear down. Dental decay is considered as major cause of tooth loss. However, there are other factors that contribute in wearing down our teeth.

Abfraction is a mechanical loss of tooth structure which is located along the gum line. It is triggered by occlusal forces on the tooth from the teeth touching together, when chewing, grinding and swallowing.

If left untreated, abfractions can cause pain, sensitivity, loss of teeth structure, discoloration on the neck of the tooth and possible tooth loss.

Bruxism is most common cause of abfraction, grinding the teeth place an extreme amount of pressure in the gum line causing the teeth to flex and the outer layer of enamel is chipped off.
Early diagnosis of abfraction through a careful oral evaluation and proper assessment of the patient’s bite is significant in management and prevention of further development of lesions.

Treatment of abfraction lesions can be difficult due to the many possible causes and difficulty in contributing factors.

Unfortunately, abfraction damage cannot be reversed but it could be repaired. Lesions in the gum line can be filled by composite, the material blends with the tooth color leaving it unnoticeable. However, if the occlusion is not protected the filling will come off again.

Abfraction caused by bruxism can be avoided by protective night guard and misaligned bite can be fixed by orthodontic treatment.

In conclusion, there are multifactorial causes that contribute in developing abfraction. Identifying the etiology is vital in management and treating abfraction.

Prevention is always better than cure, early diagnosis might be the key solution rather than the treatment itself. If you experience these signs and symptoms of abfraction, schedule an appointment with Dr. Rabih Abi Nader for professional advice.

Are your missing, irregularly-shaped, or broken teeth holding you back from living a fulfilled lifestyle?

Having veneers fitted by a dental specialist such as Dubai-based Dr Rabih Abi Nader can have positive benefits on both the patient’s appearance and lifestyle, resulting in their full holistic wellbeing.

What are veneers?
Placed over the damaged tooth or teeth, veneers replicate the very best version of your original tooth – just whiter, brighter and smoother. Made of porcelain, each veneer is moulded to the exact fit of your jaw and bonded to your teeth for a life-like finish.

What benefits can I expect from veneers?
A perfect smile is the most desired result from veneers patients. Broken teeth appear as new, discolouration disappears, and a Hollywood-style smile emerges.
Sensitivity from eating hot and cold food and drinks can be greatly reduced, with the new porcelain veneer protecting the tooth’s delicate root from infection and disease.
Finally, a tailor-made set of veneers can affect the patient’s mental health positively. With a new smile that they are now happy to show off, veneer clients have reported feeling an emboldened sense of confidence which is reflected in better relations in both their professional and private lives.

Am I eligible for veneers in Dubai?
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth and are ready for a fresh start, then yes! – veneers could be right for you. Your trusted dentist will be able to confirm during your consultation that veneers are a solution, and check for any dental issues such as grinding and bite alignment, that may need extra care.

Where can I make my appointment?
Book in for your appointment with Dubai’s Dr Rabih Abi Nader for a full consultation and to see exactly how your new veneers could suit your lifestyle. Equipped with cutting edge dental technology and renowned for his included before-and-after photography simulations, Dr Rabih Abi Nader is Dubai’s veneers expert.