Should we replace missing teeth? Why?
Yes missing teeth should always be replaced. If the missing front teeth are not replaced, it affects the look of the person and also has a psychological impact. If missing back teeth are not replaced, it results in a myriad of problems.
Further more the joint which is responsible for opening and closing the mouth during speaking; swallowing & eating will also be affected.
Effect of tooth loss:
a. Drifting of the neighboring teeth

b. Over eruption of opposing teeth

c. Loss of tooth contacts

d. Trauma to supporting structures of tooth

e. Recession of gingiva

f. Caries
g. Pocketing

h. Premature contact

i. Change in bite.

What are the common means of replacing missing teeth?
Missing teeth may be replaced by a Fixed Partial Denture (FPD) or removable denture. A FPD is commonly called bridge. This is normally made with metal and ceramic (porcelain) which bond to one another. These are different types in bridges.

Usually, when placing a bridge, the teeth (abutments) on both sides of the space are covered with crowns (caps/ retainers) and an artificial tooth (pontic) is attached to the crowns.
A removable denture may be partial or complete. A removable partial denture (RPD) is given, when a bridge is not an ideal choice for the patient. It is made in acrylic (a type of plastic) or cast in a metal which is well accepted by the body.

A complete denture (CD) may be needed when no teeth are left in the mouth.
Sometimes a CD is made with support of two or more teeth left behind. The artificial teeth used in a CD are made of acrylic and are of varying types.

What is a crown?

When a tooth is fractured, has a large old filling, or is severely damaged by decay, your dentist may recomm the placement of a crown or cap. Crowns strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure and can improve the appearance of your smile.

Types of crown include the full porcelain crown, the porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, and the all-metal crown.

Why do gums bleed?
Commonly speaking bleeding gums may be due to unhealthy gums caused by the deposition of tartar around and under the gums. Bleeding gums can also be arise due to some improper contact of the opposing teeth and of deficiency of Vitamin C

Why do some teeth pain during intake of cold foods and hot foods?

Unattended decay, tends to eat away the "enamel" of teeth. The next layer of teeth is called dentine which is highly sensitive to extremes of temperature. This situation might give rise to sharp pain, when exposed to temperature whether hot or cold. Left unattended it may give rise to more serious problems.

What can be done about the gap present between two front upper teeth?

The gap can be closed absolutely well to give a natural look. Depending on the size of the gap it may be treated with composite (a tooth color material), or crowns (ceramic or metal + ceramic) or laminates (a thin covering using ceramic). The gap may also be closed using certain type of braces (Orthodontic Treatment)

Here is a simple questionnaire for you to assess your smile:

• Do your front teeth “stick out”?
• Do your front teeth overlap each other?
• In a broad smile, are any of your teeth of different color?
• Do you have stains on your teeth?
• Do you have spaces between your teeth?
• Are your two upper front teeth too long or wide?
• Are your lower front teeth crooked in appearance?
• Are any of your fillings of a different color?
• Do your crowns or laminates look artificial?
• Do you feel too much of your gums show?
• Do you feel awkward while getting your pictures clicked due to your smile because of any reason?

If the answer to any of the above is “yes”, don’t worry because we have a solution to all your smile needs.