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The mere mention of the word root canal by the dentist, makes people cringe with fear. But it is not so scary. Here’s what you need to know about root canal treatment. By the end of this article, you will see that it is a simple routine procedure performed by dentists all over the world.

What is root canal?

The  root canal is a cavity at the root of the tooth, which is filled with pulp. The pulp  is part of the tooth called root canal. The base of the tooth is a hollow segment of the tooth which contains blood vessels, nerve tissues and other cells. The dental procedure called root canal is in fact an endodontic therapy which means a treatment done inside the tooth.

Root canal treatment

A root canal treatment is suggested to patients after reviewing the pain and conditions of the concerned tooth. It is done to remove the affected tissues and bacteria from the canal to relieve pain. Because of improved technology for the treatment, it is done today with relatively minimum invasion in one or two sittings. This treatment is carried out in the pulp or the root canal, therefore the name given to it is root canal treatment.

Who needs root canal treatement?

Root canal is recommended when the infection in the tooth has reached deep down to the roots of the tooth. The pulp in the insides of the tooth can become infected because of various reasons, like a cracked tooth, injury to the tooth, or a cavity which was untreated, or even a loose filling. The increased infection seeps in the tooth making it vulnerable for extraction. In such a situation the dentist advises root canal treatment to save the tooth by clearing infection from the pulp and treating it with medicines so that infection does not grow again. The root canal treatment cleanses the pulp and repairs it, which pulp cannot do on its own, if it is injured or diseased, which can result in extraction of the tooth, because of the dead tissues. If the root canal treatment is not done, the bacteria may enter the jaw bone and infect it too leading to major course of treatment, because the infection can weaken and breakdown the bone tissues and causing the swelling of ligaments around the bone.

What are the steps required for  root canal treatment?

The root canal therapy consists of three major steps. It used to take at least three sessions initially, but with advanced technology, now it is possible to complete the job in one or maximum two sessions.

Step 1: First of all, the dentist checks for the damage that has been caused by the infection.  The first step consist of removing everything that is inside the root canal.  Since metal pins are used to clean the cavity, the dentist gives an injection of anaesthesia on the area and dulls the nerves surrounding the affected tooth. With the local anaesthesia in place, the dentist will use a small dam made of  rubber to isolate the affected tooth from other teeth and to keep it dry while work is on.

Step 2: The second step consists of using a small drill to create a tiny opening on the top of the tooth for the dentist to work through. This opening is to provide access to reach the insides of the tooth. Before filling the canal, the dentist cleanses the hollow area of the infectious pulp and all damaged tissues. After cleaning the area the dentist will shape the inside of the tooth and root. With special equipment he will flush the area with water to cleanse it completely.

After cleansing, he will apply antibacterial medicines to decontaminate the area with irrigation solutions. This step will put a stop to further bacterial growth in the future. After cleaning, the cavity is filled with a rubber like material or adhesive cement which will help seal the canals completely. The cleaning and filling the cavity makes the tooth dead to sensation of pain. The patient cannot feel any discomfort in the tooth because there are no infections and no nerve endings remaining in the tooth.

Step 3: In the third stage the dentist will have to fill and crown the tooth because the tooth has become vulnerable now due to so much work done inside it. The tooth has lost its pulp and for nourishment it has to look for ligaments that attach the tooth to the bone. This arrangement is fine for some time but eventually it makes the tooth more brittle. To save the tooth for longer duration, the tooth needs the protection of a filling and a crown. The dentist will  fill the cavity with rubber like material and close the opening with a temporary filling. A permanent crown will be fitted eventually, may be after a few weeks. After the crown on top of the tooth is placed the treatment is complete. The patient has to desist from chewing or biting with the treated tooth, till the tooth is fully protected with a crown and a filling.

Usually this treatment can be done in one sitting nowadays, but depending on the patient, and the amount of damage due to large infections, the dentist may need to work for more than one session.

Is the root canal treatment painful?

The pain actually comes from the infection in and around the tooth. Once the treatment begins, the pain will vanish. The dental procedure of removing damaged pulp from the tooth will begin with local anaesthesia and after taking the anaesthesia, there will be no pain. Some tenderness and little discomfort is normal because so many tiny instruments were used on the dental work. But it is temporary and will go away with some medication prescribed by your dentist. An antibiotic may be prescribed to curb infections around the tooth.

Is it expensive?

The costs differ from dentist to dentist and city to city. But having root canal treatment done to save the tooth is any time cost effective rather than removing the tooth.

Stains on teeth is a common problem plaguing people across the world. It causes sparkling teeth to changes colour to yellow or brown. Many people seek dental care for discolouration of teeth as it is a very visible problem. There are many reasons behind staining of teeth. Lifestyle, food habit, medicines, trauma and even lack of personal hygiene to the teeth all bring about staining in the teeth. Aging also changes the colour of the teeth.

Staining of teeth, be it recent or something that has been there for a long time, usually will cause distress in people. The main worry is that other people would notice. Being conscious of losing the pearly white colour of the teeth have known to bring down self confidence in people. Help is easily available at any dental clinic. Before that it is important to know the different types of staining.

Types of stains

Stains are classified based on where they appear – is it below the dental enamel or on the surface of the teeth. They are called extrinsic or surface stains, intrinsic stains and those related to age. Pigmented stains on the surface of the teeth are called surface stains. These are caused due to food or residue from the food or drinks that are consumed. They would stick on the surface of the teeth - on the enamel part of the teeth. Habits such as smoking or tobacco usage also cause this type of stains.

Intrinsic stains are seen below the surface of the teeth. This is a bit more complicated as the stain causing particles to penetrate the dental enamel part of the teeth and accumulate there. Being exposed to too much fluoride during childhood, trauma to the teeth or using antibiotics – all these are known to cause internal staining.

Age related staining combines both the internal and external staining characteristics. As one age, the dental enamel loses its protective covering. The inner part of the teeth becomes more visible which is more yellow compared to outer dentine. Staining also is seen due to continued exposure to habits such as smoking or eating habits. A combination of factors leads to yellowing of teeth as one gets older.

Staining of teeth is not seen in only adults, children also have discoloured teeth. One of the primary reasons would be improper brushing. Children’s teeth are usually whiter than adults as they are milk teeth. Improper brushing can result in plaque or tartar build up in the teeth. Many medications given to children have a high content of iron in them, this can also cause discolouration. Some would also develop yellow teeth if they have any illness or too much fluoride. Milk given to children if mixed with water that has too much of fluoride can also cause staining of teeth.

Treatment and procedure to remove stains

Stain removal products and techniques are many and varied. Extrinsic stain removal is comparatively easier when compared with the other types. Stained enamel is one condition that is commonly seen in many. This can be easily done in dental clinics. The external stains are removed using instruments. Focus is on the removal of plaque or tartar build up. After this cleaning process, teeth are polished. A technique termed as ‘air flow’ is commonly used. This will help in removing the surface stains and also calculus deposits. The result would be clean and bright teeth. This is one of the processes that can be done within a short time in a clinic.

Another quicker treatment is in-house teeth bleaching. This also takes less time like the stain removal technique and within a few hours one would get whiter teeth and a boost of self-esteem. Other products that are available are whitening toothpaste, whitening strips and whitening gums and mouthwashes. These whitening products can be bought as over the counter products. There are different views on the effectiveness of these products. It is recommended that suggestions from dentists are taken before these products are used. Some would be allegoric to the ingredients used in these over the counter products.

Teeth whitening is another type of treatment that is provided by dentists. This requires professional expertise and makes the teeth whiter. It involves professional bleaching and is the most common method used in teeth whitening. The type of treatment is decided by the dental experts after consultation. They would place a protective cover to shield the gums. The whitening product is then placed on the teeth. It can be easily applied – trays of whitening products are placed on the teeth to change their discolouration.  This will take a few weeks as time is needed to prepare the whitening trays. These trays are custom made. They are made after taking the exact measurements of the teeth for a good fit.

Laser whitening is one of the revolutionary techniques that is adopted by many these days. In this method, a whitening gel is applied to the teeth. After application of the product, teeth are exposed to laser light. This would be usually done for an hour or so. After the process is completed, the teeth become whiter instantly. This is favoured as teeth whitening is done in a single session. Besides the above teeth whitening methods, some would also go for other dental procedures like teeth bonding and dental veneers.

Teeth whitening would induce teeth sensitivity and irritation of gums in some. In teeth sensitivity, teeth would experience discomfort while consuming hot or cold food and drinks. The tingling sensation and slight pain would remain for some time and would fade away later. Irritation of the gums is also observed. Even though protection is used while applying whitening products to the teeth, if the gums come in contact with the products it can irritate the gums. Gums will appear red and inflamed due to this exposure. All these are temporary but if unsure it is better to check with dentists. Guidance from dentists should be taken before one decides to go for any dental procedures, this helps promote good oral health.

Losing one’s permanent teeth would be an experience many would not want to have. Growing old and losing teeth, teeth lost due to injury or trauma or disease – all these would bring in stress to people. Affecting one’s appearance, disability in speech and difficulty in chewing food are some of the issues related to teeth loss.

Replacements to lost teeth are available through dental services. They are custom made and help people in having continued use of teeth. Mimicking natural teeth, they provide structurally and functionality of teeth and also retain facial structure and appearance.

Different type of dentures is available based on a person’s need and oral health. Complete dentures and partial dentures are the two major types that are usually seen. They are made of plastic or ceramic and they are identical to natural teeth in appearance.

This is decided after consultation with the dentist. Usually if a child loses milk teeth then replacement teeth are not prescribed, as permanent teeth will take their place in due time. Some dentists will suggest placing spacers so that teeth will not lose their proper position due to missing teeth.

Here we discuss some of the benefits of using dentures:

1. Dentures support dental health

Dental health reflects the overall oral health of the person. This is inspected in dental consultation. Infection in the mouth, inflammation in the gums, tooth decay, cavities, discolouration of teeth, tooth fillings and many other deficiencies are checked when dental health is checked. Dentures also form an important part when dental health is considered.

2. Better quality of life

Losing teeth affect a person’s lifestyle. There are restrictions in diet, consuming favourite food might not be possible as before. Wearing dentures helps a person to continue the same lifestyle as before. When dentures are used at first there may be some discomfort, but later it will disappear. Soft food is generally suggested by dentists when people start to wear dentures, later on they can slowly move on to consuming their usual diet. Taking care when chewing with the front teeth is advised, as this might cause the dentures to move a bit. Canine teeth are better when one needs to chew food. It will also be helpful to cut food into small pieces when using dentures initially. Later on, other types of food can be introduced.

3. Boosting self confidence

Dentures help to restore self confidence in people. When people lose teeth, they are conscious of their smile and appearance. They will hesitate to interact with people and generally try to limit meeting people. Dentures help them to gain back their self-esteem. Developments in technology have helped in creating dentures that are a natural fit. There is no fear of dentures falling off or coming off loose while speaking. Dentures give back the healthier smile and the structure of the face and restore the youthful appearance of the face. Wrinkles in the face are more pronounced as there is a lack of supporting structure. When a person starts wearing dentures be it complete or partial the basic facial structure is not lost and helps the face to look fuller.

4. Improvement in speech

Teeth play a very important role in speech. When teeth develop they help in providing the correct speech development support along with lips, mouth etc. They help in regulating the flow of air in the mouth. This ability is hindered when teeth are lost. Clarity of speech and difficulty in pronouncing some words is experienced. Dentures help by restoring this significant function. When dentures are made, they are custom made – they are made to be a good fit with regard to aesthetics and also with regard to pronouncing appropriate speech sounds. When dentures are used at first people would find it awkward and not all speech is clear, but slowly with continued use and practice they can achieve their former speech quality.

5. Protecting remaining teeth

Each tooth has set positions in the mouth. When one or more teeth are missing, there develops a gap in the mouth. Remaining teeth in the mouth will begin to gradually shift their position due to the gap. Due to this, the proper alignment of the teeth. This results in changing the shape of the mouth. They also affect the health of other teeth. When teeth shift their position, they can reduce the space between teeth. This will cause difficulty in cleaning the teeth. Lack of proper hygiene can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Losing molars can affect overall health along with oral health. Molars do most of the grinding and chewing – when one or more are missing it becomes difficult to chew food. So it becomes important that lost teeth are replaced.

6. Easy maintenance and prolonged good health

Unlike other prosthetic dental devices, dentures are easy to maintain. Dentures can be removed and cleaned. Special tools are available for cleaning dentures. Removing and cleaning helps to make sure that all areas of the replacement teeth are cleaned. After each meal, dentures should be removed and cleaned. Dentists will also recommend keeping dentures immersed in solutions overnight. Care must be taken when cleaning, as if they fall they might crack and break. Wearing dentures does not mean plaque or tartar cannot develop. If not cleaned properly other dental concerns such as infection and decay can all be affected.

7. Cost effective and durable

Dentures are very cost effective and durable. Appropriate upkeep can help dentures last for many years. An Annual check-up is recommended, this is to evaluate if the dentures are providing the required support for oral health. Changing the dentures is usually because they might become loose due to change in jaw structure. Bone loss and aging affect the jaw structure. It is important that dental consultations are done properly, this will also help in adding years to your dentures. Help and guidance from dentists must be sought for understanding the nature of dentures and how they need to be taken care of.

Do you consider yourself young at heart? Want to remain fit and enjoy outdoors?  Come join the Over 50s Walking Group at Rose Bay starting on  Wed 3rd July at 8.15am  to 10.00am every week until further notice.

Walking is one of the best forms of exercise, and if you do it with a group of friends, then you double the enjoyment. As you grow older it is extremely important to keep yourself active and walking is one of the best ways to accomplish that. It is a low-impact form of exercise that anyone can do. Even if you are currently not in great shape, start walking. You will be surprised to see how your health improves.

Become part of the fun group and continue to enjoy the walk every Wednesday at Rose Bay, come rain, hail or shine. It caters to all levels of fitness and abilities, so bring along a friend or a relative to enhance your joy. Getting fitter in the company of friends in a fun-loving group will make it a remarkable social experience.

The walk begins at Rose Bay ferry wharf, Lyne Park Rose Bay. The best part of the walk is that it is Free.

Rose bay is a beautiful suburb of Sydney in NSW, located 7 km from central Sidney on harbour side.

It will take 4 min by car or taxi from Edgecliff to Rose Bay. Line 324 bus will take 10 minutes to Rose Bay.

If you like to walk, it will take 43 minutes.

For more information call: 02) 93917166

Visit to know more about the walk: Community@woollahra.nsw.gov.au

Wisdom Teeth gets its unique name because it appears last. It is the last of the permanent teeth that erupt when a person grows into a young adult, when becoming mature and supposedly attaining wisdom. For some, this teeth comes out smoothly, but for some it turns out problematic. This usually happens when these molars do not have enough space to come out.

Impacted wisdom tooth brings on more dental health concerns. Wisdom teeth cannot erupt and come out freely. Few reasons lead to this – one of the most common reasons that can be noticed is lack of space. As mentioned earlier wisdom teeth appear last, so space is taken up by other teeth. It can also happen when the teeth erupt at a particular angle, this can be straight up or down like normal teeth but can be trapped in the jaw bone.

Examining dental concerns and impacted wisdom teeth

Affecting other teeth - Lack of space in the mouth when wisdom teeth appear, pushes other teeth from their position. Teeth gets pushed from their original position. Alignment of teeth is lost and infection can set in that area as tissues get bruised. This would require the help of dentists to straighten the teeth and address the issue of overcrowding of teeth. The shape of the face can be changed, speech can be affected and also importantly self-confidence of the person due to crooked teeth.

Dental health - Closely linked to overcrowded teeth is the issue of dental health. This declines when teeth are affected. When there is overcrowding, it becomes difficult to clean teeth. Food gets trapped between teeth and it even the most rigorous cleaning practices will not be able to clean teeth properly.

Tooth Decay - Developing cavities and resulting tooth decay is also seen in those having impacted wisdom teeth. Overcrowding and infection can affect oral health. Infection can set in when bacteria acts on unclean teeth. Bacteria release acids which affect the protective dental enamel of teeth. If this goes unchecked, cavities can develop and this will result in decay of the teeth.

Gum Infection - Impacted teeth do not affect only the teeth, it also affects the gum lining. Infection can also be seen in the gum lining. The gums will be inflamed and red in colour due to infection. Pain can also be felt in the gums. These will work slowly on the gum tissues and affect their function. Proper support for the teeth from the gum tissues will lessen and this can also affect their position in the mouth.

Inflammation and Cysts - Another crucial dental concern that can be seen with impacted wisdom teeth is painful cysts developing. The wisdom teeth will develop within a sac in the jaw bone. This sac will be filled with fluid and this can affect dental health. Extensive damage can happen to the jawbone, teeth, nerves and gums. Tumour developing from this sac is also a serious complication this will require surgical removal.

Stiffness in Jaw bone - Jaw bones also get affected when there is an impacted wisdom teeth. Teeth are pushed against each other and move from their position. This puts more pressure on the jaw bone. Stiffness in the jaws, pain and discomfort is felt because of this. Difficulty in opening mouth, chewing and speech can all be affected due to this. Few also have sinus problems due to this. When wisdom tooth is getting ready to erupt it will push against the sinuses. Pain and headache also appear due to this issue.

Teeth ache and difficulty in consuming food is one of the common signs noticed associated with wisdom teeth. It is important that pain experienced is not brushed off as something normal and allow more complications to develop against oral health. Consulting with a dentist at least twice a year on a normal basis is important. Consulting dentists when toothache builds up and affects your day to day functions is essential. Many dental problems can be healed easily if help is sought when they appear.

Treating the problem

Dentists will use different tools and technology to understand the real nature of the problem. X rays and scans are done to get the real picture. It also helps to know if other teeth are affected due to wisdom teeth. Once the dentist determines the course of treatment, this is discussed with the patient and a treatment plan is created.

Problematic wisdom teeth are removed through surgery. This is conducted under local anaesthesia. If the teeth are impacted – stuck in the jaw bone, then the bone needs to be cut and then removed. The teeth will be extracted from its socket. The area of dental surgery is then stitched. Some stitches are self-dissolving ones while some others need to be removed.

Bleeding after surgery will be seen. This is normal, but if it doesn’t stop then there is a need to see the dentist. Benefits of removal wisdom teeth is the cessation of the toothache. Pressure applied to other teeth and jaw bone will be lesser and finally stop. Overcrowding of teeth will not evident and it becomes easy to achieve good oral health.

It is important to follow good dietary habits and also put an end to certain habits like smoking. Smoking will affect the healing process. Reducing spicy food and the use of tobacco immediately after surgery is important to speed up the recovery. Usually complete healing will happen in three to four weeks’ time.

Following regular cleaning practices brushing and flossing is important. If proper care is not given to oral health then tooth decay and infection in gums tissues can develop. The basis of good oral health is cleanliness. Having a discussion with dentists and seeking guidance on proper dental health and maintenance will be helpful.

Nature v/s Nurture  is a debate going on since we became aware of inherited and acquired qualities in human beings as they grow from an invisible cell to full-fledged human adults.

On this Study Day the experts on the inherited abilities and acquired abilities are going to discuss and show how all achievements are not a result of your innate abilities. The factors that contribute to turn high intelligence into high achievements are under our control and it is possible to master the art of achieving given the required intelligence.

Organised by the Academy Conferences Gifted & Talented , It is going to be a fascinating session with a lot of interaction and discussion to examine the proofs of intelligence and other contributing factors that produce high achiever.

It is an opportunity for schools to introduce their gifted students and their corresponding staff to learn about important factors that produce outstanding performance on the part of students and teachers.

Parents who know, or who have a feeling that their child is gifted, may also gain an insight into how to gear their child towards high achievement in life.

The aim of this study day is help students to

1. Improve on their thinking skills, by thinking creatively
2. Help them identify what is fundamental and what is trivial
3. Distinguish between good and bad arguments
4. Think systematically about relevant issues concerning modern life

Booking places for the conference

Fees: $AUD 45.00.

One free staff member for every 12 students allowed for school bookings

Staff who attends for professional development is given special reduction fees, from $ 195 to $95.

Parents can attend the conference at normal student fees.

Unaccompanied students are not accommodated.

Date: 22 May 2019-05-11

Venue: Ascham School, 188, New South Head Rd, Edgecliff  NSW 2027
Sydney, Australia.

Edgecliff is very well connected by bus and by train, from Sydney airport.

Dental fillings are used to help treat cavities and stop the decay from advancing to other parts of the teeth.

Why do you need dental filling?

Teeth are mainly composed of calcium besides many other elements. When the body is deficient in calcium, the teeth becomes cavity prone.

Improper brushing and flossing results in food particles or sticky foods remain in contact with the teeth for long periods of time which causes bacteria to eat away the food on your teeth. This releases toxins and acids which dissolve the teeth enamel causing the teeth to lose its bright white colour and looking yellow or brown, or even black. If not treated, the tooth will decay and produce a cavity.

What is dental filling?

Dental filling is the substance that is filled in the cavity created by dental decay. The dentist has to remove the decayed part of the tooth. The part that the decay occupied has to be refilled with a suitable substance.

Fillings are used for other dental problems too. Teeth sometimes break for various reasons including accidents apart from decay for which fillings are needed. Many kinds of cracks in the teeth are also repaired with fillings. Nail biting or teeth grinding are also reasons for which fillings have to be used.

How are fillings inserted into the cavity?

The whole procedure of putting fillings in the cavity depends on many factors.

First of all, the dentist will ascertain the extent of decay. The amount of decay and the area where the decay has occurred will decide what and how much filling is required to treat the tooth. The dentist will have to remove the decay and clean the cavity of bacteria and debris. Sometimes, the dentist will put in a liner made of resin or glass ionomer to protect the root, if the cavity is very close to the root. Usually local anaesthetic is used to numb the area around the decayed tooth. Specific instruments are used to remove the decay based on the training of the dentist as well as the amount of decay to be removed and the location of the decayed tooth.

After the removal of the decay, the filling material which matches in colour with your teeth, is applied in layers. The filling material is then hardened with a light layer after layer. After the completion of the layering, the dentist will trim and polish the filling to align with the tooth.

There are multiple choices of filling material available to us today. Gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, plastic, and glass material are among fillings that can be used according to the requirement of individual. The choice of material depends on the cost, the location of the decay, and the dentist’s preference among other things.

After the dentist fills out the cavities, the tooth becomes as good as normal, allowing eating and chewing normally. There is no pain or sensitivity after the filling. The fillings are almost permanent if taken proper care like regular brushing and flossing.

Reasons for dental fillings to fall out

• When new cavity develops in or around the filling, it becomes loose and falls out.
• When cavity develops under the filling, without a solid surface to rest on, the filling falls out.
• Not enough bonding has occurred between the filling with the tooth, after placing the filling in the tooth.
• Vigorous flossing - the filling that is not fixed properly sometimes fall out with flossing.
• Strain on the teeth - the mouth is used almost constantly, in changing temperatures like hot coffee and tea and ice cold drinks.  Chewing is a strenuous exercise for the teeth.
• Even with cleaning the tooth decay sometimes, the decay occurs underneath the filling.
• Natural wear and tear. Like everything under the sun, the filling also experiences wear and tear.

Due to these reasons, sometimes fillings get loosened and fall out. When this happens it is painful, because the tooth tissue gets exposed and get sensitive to pressure.

The signs of fillings falling out

Increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods, sudden pain in the tooth, sudden realization of a crack or a hole in the tooth and a feeling of a hard substance in the moth.

What to do when your dental filling falls out

It is quite a shocking experience when your filling falls out, but it is not considered an emergency. But it has to be addressed quickly as soon as possible.

But after the initial shock, do not panic. Stay calm. Remember this is common. And treatment options are available.

The first thing you should do is to call your dentist, and arrange for an early appointment.

Before doing anything else with the mouth, carefully take out the displaced filling.

Keep the area clean, by flossing and brushing, even though it will be painful. It is needed to prevent further decay and infection.

Avoid chewing from the side where the filling has fallen out.

If the sensitivity to air is painful then you may fill the cavity temporarily with a sugar-free chewing gum or dental cement so that your tooth tissue is not fully exposed and it will give you temporary relief till you see the dentist.

You can apply clove oil to numb your tooth and surrounding area to lessen the pain, after cleaning and gently brushing the area from where the filling has fallen out. Clove oil lessens some discomfort.

Salt water rinse also helps prevent pain and keep the area clean.

You can take over the counter pain relief medication to relieve the pain.

When you are getting the fillings put on, you can ask your dentist about what to do if your filling comes undone again some other day.

Just go in for the appointment and your filling will be put back in place. Remember not to ignore the filling falling out because the hollow area will be more susceptible to decay. Stay calm and get it fixed at your dental clinic at the earliest.

Porcelain veneers are a decorative dental treatment for people who want a beautiful smile. This service is provided by many dental clinics which are into Cosmetic dentistry all over the world.

So what is cosmetic dentistry?

Basically anything that requires a dentist to work on your teeth to make them look beautiful and to produce an appealing smile is called cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry is a kind of treatment which is used to make the face beautiful by engaging in various dental procedures which are available today thanks to tremendous progress the dental industry has made. People who keep a high profile lifestyle, usually opt for cosmetic dentistry more, but it is not limited to a certain class of people. There are many such procedures available to make your smile attractive. Porcelain veneers is one such procedure.

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are very thin sheet of ceramic porcelain (different from regular ceramic, consisting of medical grade porcelain), which are attached to front of the teeth. It is one of the most prevalent techniques in dental cosmetology, offered to people who have teeth which are crooked, uneven, or stained. These thin medical grade porcelain shell is constructed carefully according the shape and colour of the tooth on which it will be bonded. These veneers mimic the original tooth perfectly. The best part about veneers is that they can be perfectly customised, hence look most natural.

How long will porcelain veneers last?

Porcelain veneers can last for a life time. On an average it can be safely said that porcelain veneers will last for 10 years minimum. As the porcelain bonding becomes stronger, it can last for a long time. But like everything else, they are susceptible to harm.

Can porcelain veneers fall off?

Yes. It can. On an average the ratio of falling of porcelain veneers is minimal compared to its success, still, it cannot be denied that they may fall off or break down in some cases, for a variety of reasons.

Porcelain veneers are attached to the original tooth following a long procedure. The patient has to be examined and treated for tooth decay root canal teeth cleaning etc. Then the option of fitting the teeth with porcelain veneers is discussed at length and a decision is taken if the veneers are the best option according to its need and cost. The dentist has to take the proper measurements and the order for veneers is placed in the laboratory which will make them according to customization request made by the dentist. The customization will be done according the need of the patient, for chipped or uneven teeth or for stained teeth. The customised veneers are applied to the teeth which have been shaved a little to make place for the veneer. The veneers will take some time to get bonded to the teeth with a special chemical so that bonding is strong and everlasting. When so much background work has been carried out to fix the veneers, there is a minimal chance of them to fall off.

But as things go, on a few occasions porcelain veneers also break or fall off due to a variety of reasons.

The main reasons for breaking and falling off porcelain veneers are many.

The common reasons are as follows.

• Damage to the frontal face, Habit of grinding teeth, Tooth decay behind the veneer, Eating very hard foods like ice or candy and sugary sticky foods regularly. 
• When there is a strong impact on your face, the teeth takes the brunt, it may cause the porcelain veneers to loosen from the bond it has with the original teeth. Damage to the face has a natural consequence of teeth taking some of the damage. 
• Many people have a nervous habit of grinding teeth when they are angry or upset. This habit may lead to loosen up the veneers from the bond that attaches them to the original teeth and may cause a falloff the veneers. 
• Sometimes the tooth decays and the decay causes the chemical in the bond to loosen making the porcelain veneers detaching from the tooth and fall off.  
• Ice is one of the hardest food to bite into. If you keep biting onto hard foods like ice, and candy, it will cause the veneers either to break or loosen up and fall.  
• Similarly, sticky foods like candy and sugary sweets stick to the teeth and are difficult to remove, causing veneers to lose contact with the original tooth.

The Thienny Lee Art Gallery opened in 2017 striving to promote and encourage new talent and also to providing space to established artists. It hosts contemporary works from local and also international artists. The art that is exhibited spans through various media for artists and for connoisseurs of art both.

Event: The First Element: Ignite by Neelum Nand

Dates: 4 April - 16 April

Venue: Thienny Lee Gallery, 176 New South Head Road, Edgecliff , NSW 2027

Thienny Lee is a Malaysia born artist having association with contemporary art in Southeast Asia. Besides being an artist herself, she is also an Asian art historian, having a masters degree in Asian art and archaeology from University of London. She also has earned a PhD from University of Sydney in 2016. Her rock solid background of theory and practice in art is visible in the gallery’s Annual Exhibitions, which are full of innovative ideas. Thienny Lee art Gallery is an attempt to reconcile cultural variations in western and Asian art.

Neelam Nund’s The First Element: Ignite explores the relationship between metaphysical and physical worlds. The paintings are in the style of abstract-expressionistic, that converge on the element of fire. Fire embodies power, hate, anger and love, and creativity. The paintings reflects chaos and unyielding universe which is represented by fire as a symbol.

The exhibition is being held in Thienny Lee Gallery, 176 New South Head Road, Edgecliff, NSW 2027.

The Thienny Lee art Gallery is situated in Edgecliff, one of the suburbs of Sydney. The distance between the Kingsford Smith International airport to Edgecliff is 6 miles in northeast.

The exhibition will be on from 4the April to 16th April. The opening reception will take place in the evening on 4th April between 6 to 8pm. Melissa Thomas, CEO Aspen Film Corporation, Los Angeles, will open the exhibition.

Bus is very convenient mode of transport to get here. Bus 326,327, and 328 stop at station Edgecliff.

Car parking facility is available at the Edgecliff centre which is at the station. For fast drop off for collection 30 minutes parking is available in front of the gallery.

Here is how Neelam Nund describes her paintings:

“Ancient philosophy states that all matter is composed of five elements. Inspired by the miracles of child birth, my series is a spiritual journey that attempts to understand these life forces that shape us. In understanding the divine, our modern sophistication has lost the key understanding of spiritual energy. Perhaps with this knowledge, we may come closer to a universal truth.” – Neelum Nand

Teeth whitening is a procedure which removes the stains of the teeth and makes them whiter. Teeth whiteners are used to give a brighter smile.

Each tooth is made up of a hard outer layer called enamel and an inner layer called dentine. The outer layer protects the teeth from the onslaught of food particles and chemicals and bacteria that are already present in the mouth which feed on the food that gets stuck on the outer layer. This process results in another layer called pellicle film that forms over enamel. The foreign material in the film gets into the enamel layer over the years, because enamel is porous, hence the teeth get stained.

Many people find these stains unattractive. To remove these stains teeth whiteners are used popularly by most individuals.

How do teeth whiteners work?

Teeth whiteners are bleaching agents basically. Most teeth whiteners use bleaching chemicals which are peroxide based. These chemicals start a chemical reaction which results in breakdown of staining compounds. Teeth whitening can be done at home or in the office of the dentist. The dentist usually use stronger chemical than what we get over the counter.

What constitutes breast milk?

Breast milk is the best food for your infant. It changes according to the changing needs of the baby over days and months,  and nothing could be better for the baby than the breastmilk that his/her mother provides. It has all the basic food groups’ essential nutrients, like fat, carbohydrates, protein and water, in addition to minerals and vitamins required by the baby’s growth needs.

The breast milk has millions of live cells including white blood cells, stem cells, and other cells to build immunity.  It has protein to boost baby’s growth and development. Breast milk contains more than many kinds of amino acids, the building blocks of bones and muscles. These amino acids include nucleotides which increase at night to induce sleep in the baby at night.

It also has more than hundred types of complex sugars which act as pre biotic. These probiotics feed good bacteria in the baby’s gut to digest the milk easily. It also has enzymes which speed up chemical reactions in the body. Breastmilk contains hormones which help the baby’s system organs and tissues to work in coordination with each other. It also contains antibodies to protect the baby from illnesses.

Which substances can pass into breast milk?

The breast milk is produced in the mammary glands and the glands take all the nutrients and chemicals that are required from the mothers body. A lactating mother has to be very careful about what she eats and what chemical compounds she comes into contact with. As we know the milk is produced in the mother’s body with whatever the mammary glands take, and whatever is available. There are certain substances that pass onto the baby through breast feed. Caffeine, Alcohol, nicotine, drugs which are banned, and certain medications are known to pass through mother’s digestive system to breast feeding baby.

Can a lactating mother opt for teeth whitening treatment?

Usually the chemicals which are used in teeth whitening do not pass on to the breast milk. Ultraviolet lights which are used in the dentist’s office, if you choose to get your teeth whitened in a dentist’s office, does not affect breast milk, or breast milk production.

When the breast feeding mother whitens her teeth at home, the amount of chemicals on the strip that she swallows will be negligible to be absorbed by the blood stream, and thus it may not reach the breast milk.

As a safeguard, dentists usually ask pregnant women to wait till the baby is delivered for any dental work unless it is an emergency. Going by the same rule, the lactating woman also wonders whether what is not safe during pregnancy is safe now? There are no conclusive findings but opinions are divided. Many dentists feel that there is no harm in going for teeth whitening during breast feeding months because the chemical that is used in teeth whitening is peroxide and it is in such a small amount that it will not have any ill effect on the baby’s system.

The active ingredient carbamide peroxide is made of water with an extra atom f oxygen. It should be kept in mind that too much peroxide on gums causes topical irritation.  Even when it touches the gums in minimal proportion, it will be metabolized in no time. Some mothers prefer to use whitening tooth pastes which again are should not be used over the limit.

Some dentists believe that the sedatives taken during treatment at the dentist are also a minimal risk for it to pass in the breastmilk, because it gets disseminated quickly. There is a lack of enough research to conclusively prove that teeth whitening during lactation are harmful for the mother and the baby. But by the same theory some doctors advise to wait till after lactation to go for teeth whitening - better safe than sorry.

When teeth whitening is done in the office, a whitening gel which is hydrogen peroxide as a solution is directly applied to the teeth. Then LED light is applied so that hydrogen peroxide quickly breaks down and releases free radicals. These then help in removing teeth stains thereby giving whiter teeth to the patient.

During this procedure, and similar procedures for teeth whitening, a little peroxide does get swallowed and gets into the blood stream. It is argued by many doctors to pay heed before embarking on the journey of teeth whitening. After all teeth whitening is not an emergency that a mother would want to risk her baby’s health for.

In conclusion we can say that although a good pearly smile is important to drive away the post partum depression, no mother may like to risk baby’s well-being for it. To be on the safe side, it may be best to wait till after the baby is weaned. Teeth whitening is not an emergency after all.