The dentist will ask about your recent medical history, examine your mouth and decide whether or not you need x-rays. Depending on your treatment plan, the dentist may use a special dental instrument to check your gums for gum disease. Your dentist will also evaluate your overall dental health.

YES, you can if you come in between 9 am and 5:30pm on Mondays to Fridays and between 10 am and 3pm on Saturdays.

To remove hardened dirt in your teeth otherwise known as plaque and calculus which your toothbrush cannot remove. This dirt accumulates every day and after 6 months it can cause your gums to swell and even cause bad breath if not removed.

YES, you can.

YES, braces can correct all forms of malalignment or malocclusion of teeth. The duration though can vary depending on the severity.

From when you start having permanent teeth.

Buy toothbrushes with soft bristles. Medium and firm ones can damage teeth and gums. Use soft pressure, for 2 minutes, two times a day.

Mouthwashes for cavity protection, sensitivity, and fresh breath may help when you use them with regular brushing and flossing — but not instead of daily cleanings. Your dentist can recommend the best type for you.

Yes, food particles accumulate between teeth when you eat. Flossing helps to clean your teeth, which helps prevent gum disease, proximal caries, and mouth odour.

Visit the dental clinic. An X-ray and tests will be carried out to determine the cause of the sensitivity. Afterward, a treatment will be done, and an anti-sensitivity toothpaste may be prescribed.

A dental examination is needed to detect any dental issues so they can be remedied or treated immediately to avoid tooth loss.

Eating gummy candies and chocolates, not brushing your teeth, not flossing regularly, etc, bacteria is released which eats up the tooth material causing a hole that could lead to pain and loss of tooth.

No, scaling and polishing don’t hurt, though, for those with sensitive teeth, you might experience a sensitive sensation once or twice during the procedure.

Dental X-rays are conventionally safe, there are various kinds of dental X-rays with varying amounts of radiation but the radiation the patients are exposed to is usually low and the patients are also protected with lead aprons. X-rays are the clinician’s extra eyes during diagnosis, treatment planning, and treatment so they are highly needed.

The best way is to visit the dental clinic and your dentist will examine when you are eligible for whitening and advice on the best method(s) to whiten the teeth.

Mouthwashes should be used as prescribed by your dentist. Mouthwashes when not used as prescribed by your dentist affect the normal flora of the mouth.

Yes! 92% of cases resolve with proper diagnosis and treatment. Chronic medical conditions may require ongoing management.

Likely tongue bacteria or gum disease. Professional cleaning reveals hidden causes.

No, but some people naturally produce less saliva or have deeper tonsil crypts.

Using a Halimeter (parts per billion of sulfur) or organoleptic (sniff) test.

Composite bonding is the most affordable option. It costs ₦40,000–₦70,000 per tooth and can close gaps, fix chips, and reshape teeth in just one visit with no drilling in most cases.

• Budget makeover (whitening + bonding 6–8 teeth): ₦100,000 – ₦500,000
• Mid-range (Clear Align + whitening): ₦1.6 million – ₦3 million
• Premium Hollywood smile (8–10 porcelain veneers): ₦3.5 million – ₦5 million
• Implant Per tooth restoration: ₦1 million – ₦1.4 million+

Modern titanium or zirconia implants have a 98–99% success rate and can last a lifetime with good care. The crown on top may need replacement after 15–20 years.

The top risk factors are tobacco use (smoking and smokeless), heavy alcohol consumption, HPV infection (especially HPV-16), excessive sun exposure to the lips, poor diet low in fruits and vegetables, and chronic irritation from ill-fitting dentures or rough teeth.

Yes. HPV-16 is now one of the fastest-growing causes of oral and oropharyngeal cancer, especially in younger adults and non-smokers. It spreads primarily through oral sexual contact.

Quit all forms of tobacco, limit alcohol, get the HPV vaccine (up to age 45), eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, use SPF lip balm, practice safe oral sex, and visit your dentist every 6 months for oral cancer screening.

Persistent (longer than 2 weeks) sores or ulcers in the mouth, red or white patches, lumps or thickening in the cheek, difficulty swallowing or moving the tongue, unexplained numbness, chronic sore throat, hoarseness, or ear pain on one side.

Most dental insurance plans run on a calendar year (January 1 – December 31). Benefits reset on January 1, and any unused Nairas or visits disappear forever. Scheduling in December allows you to “use it before you lose it” and maximize your yearly benefits.

• Unused preventive care visits (most plans cover 2 cleanings/checkups per year at 100%)
• Remaining annual maximum (e.g., if your plan pays up to N100,000–N500,000 and you’ve only used N30,000, the rest vanishes)

Actually, the opposite! December is historically one of the slowest months for dental offices, as people are often busy with holidays, travel, and shopping. You’ll often get same-week or even same-day appointments and a much more relaxed office atmosphere.

Yes! Many plans allow one cleaning in the last quarter and one in the first quarter of the following year to count as two separate “benefit periods” (called the “tooth timer” rule). A cleaning in December + one in January can both be covered at 100%.

If you itemize medical expenses on your taxes, bundling bigger procedures (implants, veneers, orthodontics) in December can help you hit the threshold for deductions in a single tax year.

• You start over on your deductible
• You lose any remaining 2025 annual maximum
• You compete with the January rush when literally everyone is trying to book
• You forfeit leftover FSA money

Many Clinics run year-end specials in December to hit their own goals: discounted whitening, free exams for new patients, or flexible payment plans to help you use remaining benefits.

Your teeth may look attractive, but it’s still important to see a dentist regularly because problems can exist without you knowing.

NO, you won’t. But you can have some slight bleeding gums during the procedure if you are already experiencing bleeding gums when you brush your teeth.

NO, you won’t.

Depending on your budget, there are various replacement options ranging from removable ones like dentures to fixed ones like implants.

It means you need a check-up as you are suffering from what is called dentinal hypersensitivity.

We require a minimum of 48 hours notice in order to reschedule or cancel an appointment. Any notice that is less than 48 hours will be charged.

For toothaches, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between your teeth. Do not put aspirin on your aching tooth or gums; it may burn the gum tissue. If the pain persists, contact your dentist.

A filling is a synthetic material that your dentist uses to fill a cavity after all of the tooth decay has been removed. Fillings do not generally hurt because your dentist will numb your mouth with an anesthetic. Fillings are made from a variety of different materials, including composites, gold, or ceramic. If you need a filling, be sure to talk to your doctor about what type is best for you and your teeth.

Tooth extraction can be a painful procedure, and discomfort after the extraction is common. Here are some reasons why you might be experiencing pain:

Usually, extraction is done under local anesthesia.
By way of definition, Extraction is the painless removal of the tooth.
After the tooth is removed pain can arise due to the inflammatory processes of wound healing that take place.

Immediate Causes
1. trauma during extraction: The extraction process involves cutting and removing bone and tissue, leading to inflammation and pain.
2. Nerve injury: The nerves surrounding the extracted tooth can be irritated or damaged, causing pain.
3. Dry socket/ alveolar ostietis: A dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms over the extraction site is dislodged or dissolves, exposing the bone and nerve endings.

Underlying Factors
1. Infection: Bacterial infection can cause pain, swelling, and fever.
2. Gum disease: Pre-existing gum disease can increase the risk of complications and pain after extraction.
3. Tooth fracture during extraction: If the tooth was fractured or broken during extraction, it can cause additional pain.

What to Expect
1. pain: Pain usually peaks within the first 24-48 hours after extraction.
2. Duration: Pain can last anywhere from a few days to a week or more, depending on the complexity of the extraction.3. Everyone’s pain threshold and response to pain medication are different.

Managing Pain
1. Follow medication instructions: Take prescribed pain medication as directed.
2. Use ice packs: Apply ice packs to the affected area to reduce swelling and pain.
3. Rest: Avoid strenuous activities and rest as much as possible.
4. Soft food diet: Stick to a soft food diet to avoid discomfort or irritation.
5. Saltwater rinse: Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to promote healing and reduce pain.6. Avoid any strenuous activities

Contact your dentist or oral surgeon if you have concerns about your pain or symptoms after tooth extraction.

Note: knocking off your tooth is a dental emergency. If you’ve knocked out a tooth, follow these steps to increase the chances of saving it:

Immediate Action (within minutes)
1. Find the tooth: Locate the knocked-out tooth and pick it up by the crown (the visible part), avoiding the root.
2. Rinse with water: Gently rinse the tooth with cold water to remove dirt and debris. Avoid using soap, toothpaste, or harsh chemicals.
3. Reinsert the tooth (if possible): If the tooth is clean and you’re comfortable doing so, gently push it back into its socket. Make sure it’s facing the correct direction.
4. Bite down gently: If you’ve reinserted the tooth, bite down gently on a clean cloth or gauze to hold it in place.

Next Steps (within 30 minutes to 1 hour)
1. Visit a dentist or emergency room: Even if you’ve reinserted the tooth, it’s crucial to see a dentist or visit an emergency room as soon as possible.
2. Bring the tooth (if not reinserted): If you can’t reinsert the tooth, store it in a clean container filled with cold milk, water, or a specialized tooth preservation solution (e.g., Save-a-Tooth).
3. Apply a cold compress: To reduce swelling and ease pain, apply a cold compress to the affected area.

Additional Tips
1. Avoid touching the root: Handle the tooth by the crown
2. Don’t use glue or other adhesives: Avoid using glue or other adhesives to reattach the tooth.
3. Keep the tooth moist: If you can’t store the tooth in milk or a preservation solution, wrap it in a clean, damp cloth.

There are several reasons why the gums may bleed. Generally, they will bleed when it is pierced. However, unprovoked gum bleeding or bleeding on gentle touch can be a result of the following.

1. Gum disease: Poor oral hygiene practices can lead to a build-up of plaque around the teeth and the gums. When plaque is not removed, it hardens to form tartar (calculus). Accumulation of plaque and tartar around the teeth and gums leads to gum inflammation also known as gingivitis. When the gums are inflamed, they may become reddish, swollen, and easily bleed (e.g. while crushing). If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which is a more advanced form of gum disease that can cause loose teeth, bad breath, and gum recession.
2. Brushing aggressively: Brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with hard bristles can cause injury to the gums thereby leading to bleeding.
3. Nutritional deficiencies: Bleeding gums can also be associated with a deficiency in vitamins A, C, or K.
4. Medications: Some medications, such as blood thinners (e.g. aspirin), can cause bleeding gums.
5. Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause can cause bleeding gums.
6. Dental appliances: Ill-fitting dentures or other dental appliances can cause bleeding gums.
7. Other health conditions: Bleeding gums can be a symptom of other health conditions, such as leukemia, and bleeding disorders.

Dental implant is the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. The following are possible reasons why you may consider having a dental implant.

1. Missing tooth or teeth: In addition to affecting one’s appearance, ability to chew properly, and speech, missing teeth if not replaced can also cause bone loss, overgrowth of the opposing tooth/teeth, and shifting of the adjacent teeth.
2. Your dentures are becoming loose: Dentures that are not lost or not fitting properly can cause pain and make chewing difficult or quite uncomfortable.
3. You have a loose bridge; loose Bridges have similar effects as loose dentures, hence, it may be appropriate to replace them with dental implants.
4. When you have a badly decayed or broken tooth/teeth that must be removed
5. Sunken face: Missing tooth roots leads to bone shrinkage, resulting in a prematurely aged or sunken appearance on the face.

Dentures and dental bridges sometimes can cause structural bone changes in the jaw.

Dental implant posts act as tooth roots, stimulate the jaw bone, and stop bone loss. Although It will correct any damage already there, it can prevent further shrinkage.

 Yes, a dental implant can be placed on the same day the tooth is removed provided the surrounding bone and gums are healthy and free from any active infection. The dentist’s experience also can be a factor in determining the possibility of the immediate implant as it can be more challenging.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

Dental implants have many advantages when compared with other replacement options for missing teeth. Some of the advantages include

1. Appearance: Implant teeth are closer to the natural teeth than other dentures and bridges. In addition to improving smile and aesthetics, implants in the bone mimic the root of the tooth, thereby maintaining the integrity of the face and the jaw bones.
2. Dental implants do not require cutting of adjacent teeth or obtaining support from other standing teeth.
3. Durability: Dental implants are strong and durable. If well maintained they can last longer than other dental treatments.
4. Dental implants are fixed replacements, unlike removable dentures, which can slip around and make eating and talking. This makes implants more comfortable to use.
5. There are no dietary restrictions with dental implants.

🦷 Don’t Ignore a Broken Tooth! 🦷

A broken tooth can lead to severe pain and complications if left untreated. Recently, one of my patients experienced a fractured tooth, which required a root canal treatment (RCT) followed by the placement of a temporary crown.

🔍 Why You Shouldn’t Wait: Delaying treatment can result in infection, further tooth damage, and possibly even tooth loss. Addressing dental issues promptly is crucial for maintaining your oral health!

💡 Understanding Root Canal Treatment (RCT): RCT is a procedure designed to remove infected tissue within the tooth and save the natural tooth structure. It alleviates pain and restores functionality!

🔄 Temporary vs. Permanent Crowns:

• Temporary Crown:
  • Used right after RCT as a short-term solution
  • Protects the tooth while waiting for a custom-made crown
  • Not as durable; designed for short-term use
• Permanent Crown:
  • Tailored specifically for your tooth after the healing process
  • Made from stronger materials for long-lasting protection
  • Restores tooth function and appearance!

Remember: If you’re experiencing dental discomfort or have a broken tooth, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice!

Dental cleanings are essential to oral and general health. It is advised that you get your teeth cleaned twice every year or as advised by your dentist. Dental cleaning removes plaque and calculus buildup on the tooth surfaces, thereby preventing dental caries, gum disease, and other dental diseases.

How Can I Improve My Oral Health?

Oral health can be improved by individual(s) by;

• Brushing twice daily: morning and at night before going to bed with fluoridated toothpaste and ensure brushing of the tongue also
• flossing regularly
• Avoid bad oral habits: use of teeth as can bottle openers, bruxism, thumb sucking, etc.
• Eat healthy: balanced diet, avoid sugary and carbonated drinks, limit fruits containing acids.
• Visit your dentist regularly.

Tooth caries, commonly known as tooth decay or dental cavities, is a progressive infectious disease that damages the hard tissues of the tooth (enamel, dentin, and sometimes cementum). It is caused by acids produced when bacteria in dental plaque ferment sugars and carbohydrates from food and drinks. If left untreated, caries can lead to pain, infection, tooth loss, and abscesses.

Tooth caries is primarily caused by a combination of four main factors (the “Keyes Circles” or caries tetrad):

• Bacteria (especially Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus)
• Sugary or starchy foods (fermentable carbohydrates)
• Susceptible tooth surface (poor enamel, cracks, or grooves)
• Time (frequent and prolonged exposure to acids)

Other risk factors:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Dry mouth (xerostomia)
• Frequent snacking or sipping sugary drinks
• Acidic foods/drinks (soda, citrus, sports drinks)
• Genetics and enamel defects
• Not using fluoride

• Initial demineralization – White spot lesions (reversible with fluoride)
• Enamel caries – Decay limited to enamel
• Dentin caries – Decay reaches dentin (tooth becomes sensitive)
• Pulp involvement – Bacteria reach the pulp → severe pain, infection
• Abscess formation – Infection spreads to root tip and surrounding bone

• White or brown spots on teeth
• Tooth sensitivity to sweet, hot, or cold
• Pain when biting down
• Visible holes or pits in teeth
• Bad breath or bad taste
• Swelling or pus around the tooth (advanced stage)

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste (1,000–1,500 ppm fluoride)
• Floss or use interdental brushes daily
• Reduce frequency of sugary snacks and drinks
• Drink tap water (contains fluoride in many areas)
• Use a straw to minimize contact of sugary/acidic drinks with teeth
• Chew sugar-free gum with xylitol after meals
• Visit the dentist every 6 months for check-ups and professional cleaning
• Consider dental sealants for children and high-risk adults

• Early stage (reversible) → Fluoride varnish, high-fluoride toothpaste, remineralization pastes
• Enamel/Dentin decay → Dental filling (composite, amalgam, or glass ionomer)
• Deep decay reaching pulp → Root canal treatment
• Severe damage/abscess → Tooth extraction
• Prevention of new caries → Sealants, fluoride treatments

Every 6 months during your regular dental check-up. High-risk individuals (tobacco/alcohol users or HPV-positive) should request enhanced screening with tools like VELscope or Vizilite.

Yes — the 5-year survival rate is over 80–90% when detected in early stages (Stage I–II), but drops to around 40% if found in later stages.

Traditionally men over 50 who smoke and drink heavily, but cases are rising sharply among younger adults (30–50) due to HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers.

While long-term data is still emerging, many e-liquids contain carcinogens and irritants. Current evidence suggests vaping is significantly less risky than smoking but not completely risk-free.

Poor oral hygiene alone does not directly cause cancer, but chronic inflammation, infections, and irritation can contribute to higher risk over time.

Once a month, use a bright light and mirror to check lips, gums, cheeks, tongue (top, sides, and underneath), roof and floor of mouth for any unusual sores, lumps, white/red patches, or bleeding. Feel for lumps in your neck too.