mage of dental bleaching treatment, showing a process for whitening teeth.

Bleaching

Dental bleaching, also known as teeth whitening, is a cosmetic dental procedure aimed at  brightening and lightening the color of teeth that have become stained or discolored over  time. It’s a popular treatment to enhance the appearance of one’s smile.  

Steps Involved:

1. Consultation: The process begins with a consultation with a dentist. The dentist will  evaluate your oral health, discuss your expectations, and determine if you’re a  suitable candidate for teeth whitening. 

2. Choosing the Method: There are different methods of dental bleaching. The dentist  will recommend the most appropriate way for you, which could include in-office  treatment or take-home kits.

3. In-Office Treatment: Our Professional Approach  

  • Preparation: The dentist will record the current shade of your teeth using a  shade guide. They will also protect your gums and soft tissues with a barrier. 
  • Application: A professional-strength bleaching gel is applied to your teeth,  usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. 
  • Activation: Some in-office systems use a UV light or laser to activate the  bleaching gel and accelerate the whitening process. 
  • Multiple Sessions: The procedure may involve multiple sessions, each lasting  around 15-30 minutes. The dentist may reapply the gel during these sessions. 

4. Post-Treatment Care: You might experience increased tooth sensitivity after the  procedure, which usually subsides after a few days. The dentist may provide  desensitizing products to alleviate discomfort. 

5. Maintaining Results: To maintain the results, you should avoid consuming staining  substances like coffee, tea, tobacco, and red wine. Regular dental hygiene practices  and occasional touch-up treatments are also recommended.

A Patient undergoing a teeth whitening procedure.

How We Extend Our Support Through Treatment?

Diagram comparing healthy gums and teeth with gingivitis.

At Sujay’s Dental Care, our team of specialized dentists, including our experienced  periodontists, is here to provide you with personalized treatment options tailored to your  needs.

1. Professional Dental Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planning): 

For early-stage gum disease (gingivitis), professional dental cleaning is usually  sufficient.  This involves the removal of plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the teeth and  below the gumline. 

In more advanced cases (periodontitis), a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and  root planning may be necessary. This treatment involves cleaning the tooth roots and  smoothing the root surfaces to prevent bacterial buildup. 

2.Medications:

Antibiotics: Our dentists, may prescribe antibiotics, either as a pill or in the form of a mouthwash or gel, to control bacterial infections associated with gum disease. 

Antiseptic or antimicrobial mouthwash: Over-the-counter or prescription mouthwashes can help reduce bacteria and inflammation in the mouth.

3. Surgical Procedures:

Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery): In cases of advanced periodontitis, our team of dentists or periodontists may recommend flap surgery to remove tartar deposits in deep pockets and to reposition the gum tissue to better fit around the teeth.

Bone and Tissue Grafts: These procedures are used to regenerate bone and tissue that has been lost due to gum disease. They help stabilize teeth and improve their support. 

4. Laser Therapy 

Some dentists use laser technology to remove inflamed gum tissue and destroy  bacteria in the pockets of advanced gum disease.  

Laser therapy can be less invasive and result in shorter recovery times.

5. Ongoing Maintenance and Home Care 

Regular follow-up appointments with your dentist or periodontist are  essential to monitor your gum health and ensure that the disease does not  progress. 
Maintain a strict oral hygiene routine at home, including brushing, flossing,  and using any prescribed oral hygiene aids or medications. Attend dental cleanings and checkups as recommended by your dental  professional. 

6. Lifestyle Changes 

Smoking and tobacco use are major risk factors for gum disease. 

Quitting is critical for successful treatment. 

▪ Maintain a balanced diet and avoid sugary and acidic foods that can contribute to  gum problems. 

▪ Manage stress, as it can affect your immune system and gum health. 

Furthermore, we place a strong emphasis on patient education.  

Our dentist customizes detailed instructions on enhancing oral hygiene to meet each  patient’s unique needs. We introduce patients to a variety of oral hygiene aids and provide guidance on their  proper usage. Patient education is a vital component of our treatment approach, where we  educate and demonstrate effective brushing techniques and proper flossing methods.