Wadgave's
Dental & Cosmetic Home
Bidar

What is professional cleaning?

Brushing removes only about 60% of plaque from your teeth. The rest hardens into tartar — a stone-like deposit that only a dentist can remove. A cleaning visit (also called scaling) uses an ultrasonic device that gently vibrates the tartar off your teeth — completely painlessly.

Why every 6 months?

Tartar starts forming again within 24 hours of the last cleaning. By 6 months, enough has built up to cause gum inflammation, bad breath, and the early stages of cavities. Catching this early — before it turns into something bigger — is the entire point.

What happens during your visit?

1. Scaling (10–15 min): Ultrasonic and hand instruments remove tartar above and just below the gumline.
2. Polishing (5 min): Tooth surfaces are buffed smooth so plaque takes longer to stick again.
3. Examination: Every tooth is checked for early decay; every gum pocket is measured.
4. Fluoride application: Strengthens enamel and protects against decay for the next several months.

What you save by coming regularly

A cleaning costs a few hundred rupees. A root canal + crown can cost ₹15,000–25,000. An extraction followed by an implant runs ₹35,000–60,000. The math is simple — small, regular investments prevent expensive emergencies.

Who should come for cleaning?

Every adult, every 6 months. Diabetic patients, smokers, and pregnant women should come every 3–4 months — they're at higher risk for gum problems.

What is a cavity?

Bacteria in your mouth eat sugars from your food and produce acid. Over time, this acid dissolves the hard outer layer of your tooth (enamel), creating a small hole — that's a cavity. Left alone, the cavity grows deeper and wider.

Stages of decay — and the right treatment for each

Stage 1 (in enamel only): a simple filling is enough.
Stage 2 (reaches the dentin layer underneath): still just a filling, but slightly bigger.
Stage 3 (reaches the pulp/nerve inside): now a root canal is needed.
Stage 4 (tooth is mostly destroyed): extraction, then implant or bridge.

The earlier you come, the smaller the treatment.

Composite vs. old silver fillings

The old "silver" amalgam fillings contained mercury, were grey/black in colour, and required drilling out healthy tooth structure to hold them in place. Modern composite fillings are tooth-coloured, mercury-free, bonded directly to your tooth (so less healthy structure is removed), and last 7–10+ years with normal care.

What happens during the procedure?

1. The area is numbed with a small injection (takes about 5 minutes to fully work).
2. The decay is removed with a precision drill — usually 10 minutes.
3. The composite material is placed in layers, hardened with a blue curing light.
4. The filling is shaped, bite-checked, and polished smooth.
Total time: 30–45 minutes per tooth.

Will it hurt?

No. Local anaesthesia makes the area completely numb. Patients usually feel nothing more than mild pressure.

When to come

If you see any discolouration, dark spots, or feel sensitivity to cold or sweets — come quickly. The earlier we catch it, the smaller (and cheaper) the filling.

What is inside a tooth?

The hard outer layers (enamel + dentin) protect a soft inner core called the pulp. The pulp contains the nerves and blood vessels of the tooth, running down through tiny channels called root canals into your jaw.

When is RCT needed?

When decay or injury reaches the pulp, bacteria infect it. The pulp dies. This causes severe pain, swelling, and sometimes a dental abscess. Without root canal treatment, the tooth has to be extracted.

Symptoms that suggest you may need an RCT

Sharp pain when chewing. Lingering pain after eating something hot or cold. Sudden swelling of the gums near a tooth. Throbbing pain at night that wakes you up. One tooth turning darker than the others.

How does the procedure work?

1. The area is completely numbed.
2. A small opening is made at the top of the tooth.
3. Using precision rotary instruments, the infected pulp is cleaned out of the root canals. (This is the part old-fashioned RCTs did by hand, which is why they took longer and felt rougher.)
4. The canals are disinfected with antibacterial solution.
5. The canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha.
6. The opening is sealed with a filling.
7. A crown is placed within 2–3 weeks to protect the tooth.

Will it hurt?

No. With modern anaesthesia and rotary instruments, RCT is genuinely comfortable. Most patients are surprised at how easy it is — usually no worse than a regular filling.

Why you need a crown afterwards

A root-canalled tooth becomes more brittle without its blood supply. A crown protects it from cracking during chewing. Skipping the crown is the #1 reason root canals fail later.

How long does it last?

With a properly fitted crown, a successful RCT can last 20+ years. Many last a lifetime.

What is a crown?

A custom-made cap that fits over your entire tooth above the gumline. It restores the tooth's strength, shape, and appearance — and protects what's underneath.

When do you need a crown?

After a root canal treatment (to protect the now-brittle tooth). When a large filling has broken or keeps failing. When a tooth is cracked but still saveable. To improve the appearance of a badly stained or misshapen tooth.

Crown materials — what's right for you

PFM (Porcelain Fused to Metal): a metal base coated with white porcelain. Time-tested over decades, strong, more affordable. Good for back teeth where appearance matters less.

Zirconia: a completely metal-free, white ceramic. Translucent like real teeth, exceptionally strong, and looks identical to natural teeth. The premium choice today, especially for front teeth or anyone wanting the best aesthetics.

What is a bridge?

If you're missing a tooth, a bridge fills the gap. The two teeth on either side of the gap are shaped slightly to receive crowns. A "false tooth" (called a pontic) is fused between these crowns, sitting in the empty space. The whole 3-piece unit is cemented in place — fixed, not removable.

The intra-oral scanner advantage

At our clinic, we capture your impression with a small digital wand instead of the goopy putty trays you may remember from old visits. No gagging, no waiting for material to set, no discomfort. The scan is sent digitally to the lab. Result: better-fitting crowns and bridges, faster turnaround.

How long do they last?

10–15+ years is typical with proper care — regular brushing, careful flossing (especially under bridges), and 6-monthly cleanings.

What is a dental implant?

An implant has three parts:
1. Implant: a small titanium screw, surgically placed into your jawbone where the tooth root used to be.
2. Abutment: a connector piece that sits on top of the implant.
3. Crown: the visible tooth-shaped cap that attaches to the abutment.

Why implants are usually the best option for missing teeth

Compared to a bridge: doesn't require grinding down the healthy neighbouring teeth.
Compared to a denture: doesn't move around, doesn't come out, doesn't change how you eat or speak.
Prevents jawbone loss: when a tooth is missing, the jawbone in that area gradually shrinks. An implant maintains the bone the way a natural root does.

How long does the process take?

Phase 1 (Day 1 — Placement): The implant is placed surgically under local anaesthesia. Takes about 45–60 minutes per implant.
Phase 2 (3–4 months — Healing): The bone grows around and fuses with the titanium implant — this is called osseointegration. During this time, you may wear a temporary tooth.
Phase 3 (Crown placement): Once healed, the abutment and final crown are placed.
Total timeline: typically 3–4 months from start to finish.

Is it painful?

The surgical phase is done under local anaesthesia — you feel nothing during the procedure. Most patients report less post-operative discomfort than they expected — a paracetamol or two for a day or two is usually enough.

Cost vs. value

Implants are the most expensive single-tooth replacement upfront. But they last the longest (20+ years, often a lifetime), don't damage other teeth, and prevent bone loss. Over a lifetime, they're often the most cost-effective option.

Who is NOT a good candidate?

Heavy smokers (healing is poor). Uncontrolled diabetics. Patients with inadequate jawbone (though bone grafting can sometimes solve this). Patients on certain medications affecting bone healing. We evaluate every case individually before recommending implants.

Why straightening matters beyond appearance

Misaligned teeth create real problems beyond looks. Some teeth do more work than others, wearing down faster. Food traps in crowded spots, causing cavities and gum disease where you can't reach properly. And misalignment is a leading cause of TMJ (jaw joint) pain and headaches.

Metal braces

The classic option. Small metal brackets are bonded to each tooth, connected by a wire that we adjust every 4–6 weeks. Strongest force — can handle the most complex cases (severe crowding, big bite issues). Most affordable option. Treatment time: typically 1–2 years.

Ceramic braces

Same as metal braces but with tooth-coloured ceramic brackets — much less visible from a distance. Slightly more expensive than metal. Great middle-ground option for adults who want braces to be subtle but need stronger correction than aligners offer.

Clear aligners (Invisalign-style)

A series of clear plastic trays, each one slightly different, gradually moving your teeth into the right position. You wear each tray for 1–2 weeks before moving to the next.

Advantages: almost invisible, removable for eating and drinking, easy to brush and floss normally. Suitable for mild-to-moderate cases. Treatment time: 6 months to 2 years.

3D treatment planning

Before you start, we use a 3D scan plus planning software to show you exactly what your teeth will look like at the end. You see the expected outcome before you commit to treatment.

Adults can do this too

About 30% of orthodontic patients today are adults. Clear aligners especially have made adult treatment far less self-conscious. It's genuinely never too late.

What to expect during treatment

Mild soreness for 2–3 days after each adjustment (manageable with paracetamol). Some food restrictions with metal braces (avoid very hard or sticky foods). Regular visits every 4–6 weeks.

What are wisdom teeth?

The third and last set of molars, at the very back of your mouth. They usually appear between ages 17 and 25. Some people have all four; some have none; some have one or two.

Why they often cause problems

Modern human jaws are smaller than our ancestors' — but our wisdom teeth haven't got the memo. They often don't have enough room to come in properly. They may come in sideways, partially erupt (poke through the gum partially), or stay completely stuck (impacted) in the bone.

Signs you may need yours removed

Pain at the back of your jaw, especially behind your last molar. Swelling or redness of the gum near a wisdom tooth. Bad taste or smell coming from the back of your mouth. Difficulty opening your mouth fully. Pain that spreads to your ear or temple.

Not always necessary to remove

If your wisdom teeth have come in straight, fully erupted, are easy to clean, and aren't causing problems — they can stay. About 20–25% of people keep their wisdom teeth lifelong without trouble.

The procedure

Local anaesthesia makes the area completely numb. For simple wisdom teeth (fully erupted), removal takes 15–20 minutes. For impacted teeth (stuck in bone), we make a small incision in the gum, remove the tooth (sometimes in pieces, to spare the bone), and place 2–3 dissolvable stitches. Total time: 30–45 minutes.

Recovery

Some swelling and discomfort for 2–4 days. Soft diet for 5–7 days (khichdi, dal, curd rice, soups, smoothies). Avoid spicy food, hot drinks, and straws for the first week. Most people return to work the next day for simple cases, or in 2–3 days for surgical extractions.

Aftercare basics

Bite gently on the gauze pack for 30 minutes (controls bleeding). Apply ice externally for 24 hours to reduce swelling. Avoid rinsing your mouth for 24 hours. After that, gently rinse with warm salt water 3–4 times daily. Take prescribed antibiotics and pain medications exactly as directed.

Understanding gum disease in two stages

Stage 1 — Gingivitis: Gums become red, swollen, and bleed when brushing. This stage is fully reversible with professional cleaning + better home care.

Stage 2 — Periodontitis: Infection has spread below the gum, forming "pockets" between the tooth and gum where bacteria thrive. The bone supporting your teeth starts to dissolve. This stage is NOT reversible — but it can be stopped with proper treatment, including flap surgery in advanced cases.

Why advanced gum disease is dangerous

Once bone is lost, teeth start becoming loose. Without intervention, the teeth eventually need to be extracted. And the damage isn't limited to your mouth — gum disease is now linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, and pregnancy issues.

When is flap surgery needed?

When gum pockets are deeper than 5mm (measured during examination). When there's visible bone loss on x-rays. When less invasive treatments (regular scaling, deep cleaning, root planing) haven't fixed the problem.

The procedure step by step

1. Local anaesthesia numbs the area completely.
2. A small incision is made along the gumline.
3. The gum is gently lifted away from the tooth (this is the "flap").
4. The root surfaces and the underlying bone are thoroughly cleaned — this is the part that regular cleaning simply cannot reach.
5. Any infected tissue is removed.
6. If needed, bone-grafting material is placed to encourage regrowth.
7. The gum is sutured back in place.
Total time: 60–90 minutes for a typical multi-tooth area.

Recovery

Some swelling and mild discomfort for 3–5 days. Soft diet for 1 week. Stitches are removed (or dissolve) in 7–10 days. Most people resume normal activities the next day. The treated area heals fully over 2–3 months.

The crucial maintenance afterwards

Flap surgery stops further damage but doesn't cure gum disease forever. To keep the disease from coming back, you'll need professional cleanings every 3–4 months (not 6) and meticulous home care — brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and using a soft brush.

Why teeth get stained

Surface stains come from things you eat and drink — coffee, tea, red wine, soda, turmeric, dark berries. Tobacco (smoking, gutka, pan masala) is especially staining.

Deeper stains can come from age (enamel naturally thins over decades, exposing the more yellow dentin layer underneath), certain medications taken in childhood (especially tetracycline antibiotics), or trauma to a tooth that may darken it years later.

In-clinic professional whitening

A protective barrier is placed over your gums (so the whitening gel only touches your teeth). A medical-grade whitening gel is applied. A specialised light activates the gel for 15-minute cycles, repeated 2–3 times. Total visit: 45–60 minutes. Result: teeth visibly several shades whiter on the same day.

At-home whitening (alternative or supplement)

Custom-made trays are created from impressions of your teeth. You fill them with a milder whitening gel and wear them for 30–60 minutes daily for 1–2 weeks at home. Slower than in-clinic, but gentler. We sometimes combine in-clinic and at-home for maximum, longest-lasting effect.

Why over-the-counter strips often disappoint

They contain weaker gel (lower concentration). They don't fit your unique tooth shape — uneven contact means uneven whitening. No protection for your gums (often causes sensitivity). They're not recommended for tetracycline stains or for teeth with crowns/fillings (those won't change colour).

Is whitening safe?

Yes, when done professionally. The active ingredients (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) have been used safely in dentistry for decades. Some patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity for 24–48 hours after treatment — this passes.

How long does it last?

Typically 1–3 years. Coffee, tea, tobacco, and dark foods will slowly cause re-staining. A "touch-up" treatment every 1–2 years maintains the brightness.

Important: existing crowns and fillings won't change colour

If you have visible crowns or fillings on your front teeth, they'll stay the same shade while your natural teeth get whiter — which can look mismatched. We discuss this before treatment and can plan replacements if needed for a uniform result.

When you need full mouth rehabilitation

Multiple missing teeth (3 or more). Severe tooth wear from grinding (bruxism), acid erosion, or aging. Many old failed dental works (broken crowns, leaking fillings, failed root canals). A combination of decay, gum disease, and bite problems. Patients who want to completely restore both function and appearance of their smile after years of neglect or accumulated damage.

Why one-tooth-at-a-time doesn't work for complex cases

Every tooth in your mouth affects every other tooth. Restoring just one without considering the bite, the gums, the jaw joint, and the overall facial appearance produces compromised results that don't last. Full mouth planning treats the entire mouth as one connected system.

Why MDS-level expertise matters here

A full mouth rehabilitation requires advanced skills in implants, crowns and bridges, gum treatment, root canals, occlusion (bite analysis), and aesthetic planning. Dr. Umesh Wadgave's MDS background means complex cases are diagnosed and sequenced under one roof, by one experienced clinician, rather than getting fragmented care from multiple specialists.

The planning phase — the most important step

1. Comprehensive examination of every tooth, gum, and joint.
2. Full set of digital X-rays + 3D intra-oral scans.
3. Bite analysis and study models.
4. Photographs for aesthetic planning.
5. A written treatment plan with sequenced phases, time estimates, and complete transparent costs.
6. You see and approve the proposed outcome before we begin.

Typical treatment sequence

Phase 1 — Stabilisation: Active infections cleared, gum disease treated, hopeless teeth extracted.
Phase 2 — Foundation: Implants placed where teeth are missing (3–4 months of healing follows).
Phase 3 — Restoration: Crowns, bridges, and veneers placed across the mouth in a coordinated way.
Phase 4 — Refinement: Final adjustments to bite, polish, aesthetics.

Timeline

Most full mouth rehabilitations take 6–12 months from start to finish. The implants need healing time. The benefit: at the end, you have a complete, functional, beautiful smile that will last 15–20+ years with normal care.

Cost consideration

Full mouth rehab is a substantial investment — usually ₹2–8 lakhs depending on complexity. We provide complete, transparent pricing upfront. Treatment can sometimes be done in phases to spread the cost over time.