Tag: dental care

Health Scope

Orthodontics: Straightening Smiles, Boosting Confidence

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Dr. Mallika Manoj Prabhudesai, Consultant Dental Surgeon

Orthodontics focuses on correcting misaligned teeth, jaws, and bite (occlusion). Whether you’re a child, teenager, or adult, orthodontic treatment plays a crucial role in improving both dental health and self-confidence.

Misaligned teeth are not just a cosmetic concern. They can lead to plaque and tartar buildup, gum disease, difficulty in cleaning, uneven tooth wear, and even jaw pain or headaches. Orthodontic treatment helps place teeth in proper alignment, making daily oral hygiene easier and improving overall dental well-being.

Common Orthodontic Treatments

Braces
Traditional braces include metal, ceramic, or lingual (behind-the-teeth) braces. These are fixed to the teeth and connected with stainless steel or NiTi wires that apply gentle, controlled pressure to gradually move teeth into their correct positions.

Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are transparent, removable trays worn for most of the day. They can be removed while eating or cleaning and offer a discreet way to straighten teeth without the appearance of braces.

Retainers
After braces or aligners, retainers help maintain the corrected alignment and keep your smile in place long-term.

Why Choose Orthodontic Treatment?

  • Healthier teeth and gums: Straighter teeth are easier to clean and maintain
  • Improved bite: Better chewing efficiency and reduced jaw discomfort
  • Enhanced confidence: A well-aligned smile can positively impact self-esteem and social confidence

Orthodontic care is an investment in your health and well-being. Visiting your dentist or orthodontist allows you to receive an accurate diagnosis and a customized treatment plan suited to your needs and lifestyle.

✨ Because a confident smile begins with healthy alignment.

Health Scope

Teeth Cleaning vs Teeth Whitening: What’s the Real Difference?

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Dr. Mallika Manoj Prabhudesai, Consultant Dental Surgeon

Many people walk into a dental clinic expecting a brighter, whiter smile after a routine teeth cleaning. When that doesn’t happen, disappointment often follows. The truth is, teeth cleaning and teeth whitening are two completely different dental procedures, each serving a unique purpose.

What Teeth Cleaning Really Does

Professional teeth cleaning, also known as scaling and polishing, focuses on maintaining oral health. During this procedure, dentists remove plaque and calculus (tartar) that build up over time. These deposits can lead to gum disease, bad breath, and cavities if left untreated.

Cleaning also helps eliminate extrinsic stains — the surface stains caused by coffee, tea, tobacco, and certain foods. While your teeth may look fresher and cleaner after scaling, the natural colour of the teeth remains unchanged.

What Teeth Whitening Actually Does

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure designed to lighten the intrinsic colour of the teeth. These intrinsic stains lie deeper within the tooth structure and cannot be removed by cleaning alone.

For professional, in‑office whitening, dentists protect the gums using a special barrier gel. A high‑strength peroxide‑based bleaching gel (usually between 15–35%) is then applied to the teeth. This gel is activated using a special light or laser, allowing it to penetrate the enamel and break down deep stains.

Each whitening cycle typically lasts around 15 minutes, and most patients require one to two sessions in a single visit. Once the process is complete, the gel is rinsed off and a fluoride treatment is applied to help reduce sensitivity.

Possible After‑Effects of Whitening

Teeth whitening is generally safe when performed by a dentist, but some temporary effects may occur:

  • Mild to moderate tooth sensitivity for a day or two
  • Sensitivity usually subsides with desensitizing toothpaste or over‑the‑counter pain relief
  • Results can last 6 to 10 months with good oral hygiene and by limiting staining foods like coffee, tea, and red wine
  • Some patients may be given touch‑up trays for long‑term maintenance

Is Whitening Right for Everyone?

Not all stains respond equally to bleaching. In some cases, treatments like tooth‑coloured fillings, veneers, or other cosmetic procedures may be more effective.

That’s why a quick consultation with your dentist is essential. It helps determine whether professional whitening is suitable for you or if another treatment would deliver better, longer‑lasting results.

A healthy, confident smile starts with understanding your options — and choosing what’s right for your teeth.

Health Scope

Dental Implants: A Long-Lasting Solution for Missing Teeth

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Dr. Mallika Manoj Prabhudesai, Consultant Dental Surgeon

Dental implants have become one of the most trusted and advanced solutions in modern dentistry for replacing missing teeth. Designed to look, feel, and function just like natural teeth, implants not only restore your smile but also help maintain overall oral health.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a small titanium fixture placed into the jawbone. This fixture serves as a strong, artificial root that supports a crown, bridge, or even a denture. Titanium is used because it is biocompatible, meaning it integrates safely with your bone through a process called osseointegration.

How the Dental Implant Process Works

1. Implant Placement

The process begins with a minor surgical procedure.
Your dentist or oral surgeon makes a small incision in the gum to access the jawbone. A precise space is drilled, and the titanium fixture is carefully inserted. The gums are then sutured back into place. This forms the foundation for your future tooth.

2. Healing & Osseointegration

Over the next 2 to 6 months, the implant gradually bonds with the bone.
This natural fusion—osseointegration—creates a stable and durable anchor, just like a natural tooth root. This step is crucial for the long-term success of the implant.

3. Crown or Prosthesis Attachment

Once the implant has fully integrated, an abutment (connector) is placed, and a custom-designed crown is attached. This crown is carefully shaped and shaded to match the surrounding teeth, offering a seamless, natural smile.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

While implants may cost more upfront compared to dentures or bridges, they often prove to be a worthwhile investment due to their longevity, comfort, and natural appearance. They help preserve jawbone structure, improve chewing ability, and restore confidence.

Dental implants combine advanced technology with aesthetic precision — giving you results that last for years.

Health Scope

Understanding Root Canal Treatment: A Complete Guide

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Dr. Mallika Manoj Prabhudesai, Consultant Dental Surgeon

Root canal treatment often gets a bad reputation, but in reality, it’s a safe and effective way to relieve tooth pain and prevent infections from spreading. This treatment preserves your natural teeth, which is always preferable to extraction.

Why Might You Need a Root Canal?
At the center of each tooth lies the pulp – the soft tissue containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. It keeps the tooth alive. When the pulp gets damaged—due to deep decay, cracks, or repeated fillings—bacteria can invade, causing infection. Untreated infections can reach the tip of the root, spread to surrounding bone, and form painful abscesses, sometimes even leading to bone loss.

The Procedure Step by Step:

  1. Anesthesia: The area is numbed with a local anesthetic to ensure a pain-free experience.
  2. Access Opening: A small opening is made in the tooth to reach the pulp chamber and root canals.
  3. Cleaning: Diseased pulp is carefully removed using files or rotary instruments, followed by flushing with medicated solutions to eliminate any remaining bacteria and debris.
  4. Filling: The empty canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha along with a sealer.
  5. Restoration: To prevent re-infection, a permanent restoration (usually a crown) is placed to strengthen the tooth, which may become more brittle after treatment.

Thanks to modern techniques and instruments, this treatment typically requires only one or two appointments.

Root canal treatment is more than just a procedure—it’s a way to save your natural tooth, protect your oral health, and maintain a confident smile.

Dr. Mallika Manoj Prabhudesai at Prabhudesai’s Elite Dental Care and Implant Center, Mandopa Navelim, Salcete, Goa, specializes in compassionate and advanced endodontic care to make your dental experience safe, comfortable, and effective.