Archive for the ‘Dr Caplan’s Answers’ Category

Do I need a chemistry qualification to apply for a dentistry course?

Friday, November 26th, 2010
Q.

I am 29 years old and considering a return to higher education. I was accepted to law school after High school and opted to change to optics after a couple of years.
Unfortunately, ill health did not allow me to complete my studies in either field but I would like to return to my studies.
I have 6 Scottish Higher qualifications, I attained 5 “A” grades and 1 “B”. The subjects are Maths, English, French, Modern Studies, Physics and Human Biology. My question is whether or not I will require a Chemistry qualification to gain entry.
If I wanted to get any first hand experience of working as a dentist is there anything you would recommend I do.
Look forward to hearing from you.

A.
You will need to contact the d… (Click here to read the rest of the answer)

Dr Julian Caplan – Director on the board of the BACD View My Profile Dr Caplan

Do you deal with NHS patients with dental phobia?

Friday, November 26th, 2010
Q.

i haven’t been to a dentist in over 10 years im terrified.i need to see one urgent can you help.i receive working tax credits.do you deal with nhs.thank you

A.
I am not an NHS dentist – try … (Click here to read the rest of the answer)

Dr Julian Caplan – Director on the board of the BACD View My Profile Dr Caplan

Can a tooth be completely numbed before a root canal treatment?

Friday, November 26th, 2010
Q.

My dentist says I need some root canal work on a tooth that aches when I eat. She had drilled out the decay, nearly down to the root, but it still hurts, hence the root canal work. I had 1 injection for the filling, but I still nearly had to ask her to stop, as the pain was so bad. (My last dentist used to give me 2 injections for a filling, & it still used to hurt). I really dislike the idea of root canal work, can the tooth really be numbed enough for this work to take place? Any help would be much appreciated.

A.
Yes it can but it can be diffi… (Click here to read the rest of the answer)

Dr Julian Caplan – Director on the board of the BACD View My Profile Dr Caplan

How can I get stains removed from my teeth once my braces are taken off?

Friday, November 26th, 2010
Q.

Hi i’ve had my braces for about 3 years now and i know that i’m going to have stains when i get them off i’m trippin cause i’m scared i don’t want to have to walk around with stain squares on my teeth so is there anyway i can totally remove the stains that doesn’t cost to much money and isn’t a long processes. Whats the quickest, easiest, cheapiest way to remove stains from braces i guess is what i’m asking and to remove them like quick in one session like few hrs or something just so the next day their gone too.

A.
Please contact your orthodonti… (Click here to read the rest of the answer)

Dr Julian Caplan – Director on the board of the BACD View My Profile Dr Caplan

Is it normal to have severe pain following having a crown fitted?

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010
Q.

Hi,
I had a crown fitted (the first one I have had done) at the back of my mouth last week and it has been really sore since it was done. My dentist said that it may be a bit sensitive for a while but this is really sore – it wakes me up at night! I have been taking lots of painkillers, which I don’t like to do but it is so sore I don’t really have an option. I’d just like to know if this is normal? – there is no swelling or anything and it really doesn’t look like there is anything wrong. Should I leave it a week or so to see if it settles down or is this not normal!?

A.
I would inform your dentist of… (Click here to read the rest of the answer)

Dr Julian Caplan – Director on the board of the BACD View My Profile Dr Caplan

Can I have a bridge fitted if I have receding gums and missing teeth?

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010
Q.

I have receding gums on my lower jaw
and 2 front teeth missing can i still have a bridge fitted and at what cost. I am an old age pensioner

A.
You would need an examination … (Click here to read the rest of the answer)

Dr Julian Caplan – Director on the board of the BACD View My Profile Dr Caplan

How long will it take for my receeding gums to recorrect themselves following having crowns fitted?

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010
Q.

Hi there!
I just had a lot of work done to my teeth about 2 and a half weeks ago, including 9 crowns in the front on the top. I went out of the country for all of my work and crammed the whole process into a 12 day span. The temps made my gums very irritated and inflamed, so irritated in fact that they had to re-do 2 of my crowns because my gums receded so bad. So now that I have my crowns in, I’m having problems with my gums, and worried they will recede again. Maybe I’m just paranoid… I’ve been taking extra care with brushing and even massaging them. How long will it take for my gums to come down over the crowns and what can I do to help the process? I think I just need some reassurance.

A.
Hopefully the gums will reboun… (Click here to read the rest of the answer)

Dr Julian Caplan – Director on the board of the BACD View My Profile Dr Caplan

Is it advisable to use hydrogen peroxide 3% mouthwash after brushing to remove stains?

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010
Q.

Hello

My teeth have become so yellow after using a mouthwash called ( Perio-Aid). i have used it for 2 months because my periodontist asked me to use it….. i stopped using it after 2 months when i saw some visible stains on my teeth but now with the passage of time all the teeth have become so yellow, i m very much worried now, i hardly smile because of this reason. i have heard about hydrogen peroxide 3% that it can make teeth look whiter. i just want to know, is it safe to use it as a mouthwash after brushing ????

Thank you.

A.
I would not advise this – rath… (Click here to read the rest of the answer)

Dr Julian Caplan – Director on the board of the BACD View My Profile Dr Caplan

How long does it take to adjust to a dental bridge?

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010
Q.

HOW LONG BEFORE YOU ADJUST TO A DENTAL BRIDGE?

I HAVE A NEW LOWER LEFT SIDE BRIDGE FOR APPROXIMATELY SIX WEEK.

IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT IT COULD TAKE UP TO SIX MONTHS.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

A.
If the bite feels wrong please… (Click here to read the rest of the answer)

Dr Julian Caplan – Director on the board of the BACD View My Profile Dr Caplan

Should I return to the dentist if antibiotics have relieved my tooth pain but I am unable to put pressure on my tooth?

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010
Q.

Hi, I went to the dentist this week as I had waves of intense pain, ear ache and jaw ache, and medication wasn’t touching it. The dentist did an xray and couldn’t see anything wrong. My fillings that side looked normal, there were no tooth cracks either. However my wisdom tooth can be felt above my teeth and is inflamed. I have now been reffered to the hospital to have this removed. I was also given antibiotics. My question is, I am now 2 and a half days into my antibiotics and the very bad pain has gone, however I cant bite down as there is pain on one tooth. It’s so bad I cant eat as I cant put any pressure on it. Will the antibiotics clear this or is it something my dentist has missed? Should I return to the dentist before my course of Antibiotics is finished?

A.
It is likely you have an infec… (Click here to read the rest of the answer)

Dr Julian Caplan – Director on the board of the BACD View My Profile Dr Caplan