It's normal for a certain amount of gum to show when smiling. However, excessive gum exposure is not aesthetically desirable. The amount of gum visible depends on the structure of your teeth and lips, and the mobility of your lips during smiling. Gingivectomy and gingivoplasty can address this issue by trimming and shaping your gums to a certain extent. This treatment has no harmful effects on your teeth or gums. Your dentist will determine the extent of gum reduction based on your aesthetic assessment and your dental and gum health.

The condition of healthy teeth being pulled out by shaking is a condition that is usually seen together with gum diseases, which we call periodontitis.

Consult your dentist immediately. Make sure to undergo the necessary treatments to address the causes of the bone loss without delay. It is very important to prevent further progression. In some cases, the affected areas can be treated with bone grafting.

Visit your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will identify and treat the factors causing bad breath. If there are no dental issues causing the odor, you may be referred to an ENT or gastroenterology specialist. Using a mouthwash can temporarily reduce bad breath, but for a lasting solution, the underlying cause must be treated.

Implant treatment is performed under local anesthesia (only the area to be treated is numbed with a needle). You will not feel any pain during the procedure. You may experience mild pain afterward, but this pain is sufficient to be relieved by a painkiller.

After implant treatment, all you need to do is to take care to clean your implants, just like all your teeth, and not to skip your regular check-ups.

Bridges or implants are used to replace missing teeth. An implant is the placement of an artificial tooth root within the jawbone. In other words, it replaces the lost tooth. The ideal treatment for a missing tooth is an implant. With a bridge, two adjacent teeth are cut and reduced in size, and a triple crown is placed that connects them. With an implant, the adjacent teeth are not affected. As long as your implant remains in place in your mouth, you can use it without any problems. However, with a bridge, if a problem occurs with any of the abutment teeth, you will be unable to use your bridge. While an implant may seem more difficult and expensive at first, it is a much healthier and more effective choice in the long run.

There is no harm in having an MRI or CT scan with dental implants. If a cross-section of the jaw is taken during an MRI or CT scan, scattering similar to that caused by metallic fillings or crowns will occur in the image of the implanted area. However, this scattering is not intense enough to interfere with any diagnosis in that area or prevent image reading. Otherwise, it has no negative effects or harm to the body when examining the brain, neck, head, or other areas.

No treatment can be guaranteed for life. Your implant fuses with the bone, and if you take good care of it, you can use it healthily for a lifetime. However, over time, bone loss due to aging, potential systemic diseases, neglect of oral care, or harmful habits can lead to implant failures. After getting an implant, you should visit your dentist for a check-up at least once a year.

If the tooth infection is acute, meaning there is swelling, redness, or pain, tooth extraction or other procedures are not recommended. Injections are less effective in inflamed teeth, making painless treatment difficult. In such cases, unless urgent intervention is essential, antibiotics should be used first to alleviate the inflammation and then perform any necessary procedures.

It's more appropriate to have the infection removed after antibiotics. However, not every inflammatory condition requires antibiotics. It's important to consult your doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment option for your situation.

Tooth decay should be treated as soon as it's noticed. Tooth decay doesn't cause symptoms until it reaches a certain size. Sensitivity and pain can occur as the decay approaches the nerve tissue within the tooth. Once a tooth has begun to decay, it won't heal on its own or improve over time. On the contrary, it will grow. When decay reaches the nerve tissue, a filling alone won't be enough; root canal treatment will also be necessary. Waiting until pain occurs will further damage healthy tooth tissue, increase the number of procedures required, and increase the length of treatment and cost of treatment. Therefore, even if you don't experience any pain, don't neglect to have your decay treated as soon as you notice it.

Nowadays, aesthetics are as important as health. Therefore, black (amalgam) fillings are being abandoned. Tooth-colored white fillings are preferred due to their compatibility with dental tissue and their aesthetic appeal. Although their use has decreased, the claim that black fillings are harmful is incorrect. While it's been claimed that black fillings cause damage to the kidneys and brain due to mercury release, there is no scientific evidence to support this. Due to these widespread concerns about black fillings, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has declared them safe for use in adults and children over the age of 6. Regarding the potential harmful effects of mercury vapor on the baby of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has stated that black fillings are safe, and that the amount of mercury vapor produced is well below the level considered harmful.

The most obvious difference between a black (amalgam) filling and a white filling is the difference in color. Furthermore, the way they attach to the tooth is different. Black fillings are mechanically compressed into the tooth cavity. A black filling, compressed into the cavity, expands slightly during hardening and adheres to the cavity. White fillings, on the other hand, are chemically bonded to the tooth. Before the white filling is placed, the tooth is chemically prepared for the filling to adhere.

Our teeth are composed of three layers: the outermost layer is enamel, the inner layer is dentin, and the root surface is cementum. Beneath these layers lies the dental nerve. Every tooth has a nerve layer that extends from the jawbone into the root. When tooth decay progresses and penetrates the enamel and dentin layers, it reaches the nerve tissue, causing inflammation. This is a very painful process. When tooth decay progresses to the outer layers of the tooth, the enamel and dentin are treated with a filling. The decayed layer is cleaned and filled with a plastic-like, tooth-colored filling material (composite). When the decay reaches the nerve tissue, the nerves along the root are removed and cleaned, and the spaces where the nerves were removed are filled. This procedure is called root canal treatment. Following root canal treatment, the remaining space in the hard surfaces of the tooth is filled with a composite filling. In other words, the filling is the treatment applied to the part of the tooth that is visible above the gum. Root canal treatment is the removal of the tooth's nerves and the subsequent placement of the root. Each tooth that has received root canal treatment also receives a filling.

In cases of large cavities, when old large fillings need to be replaced, or when a small fracture occurs in the crown part of the tooth, the remaining tooth structure becomes weak. Regular dental filling material is not sufficient to strengthen and protect the remaining tooth walls. Regular fillings are suitable for small to medium cavities, filling the space created by decay and preserving the tooth’s integrity. However, when there is significant tissue loss, the remaining tooth walls become weak and may break under chewing pressure. To prevent this, a porcelain filling is the best option.

It's normal to experience bleeding in the form of leaks for a day after a tooth extraction. The doctor usually doesn't end the session until the bleeding is under control. After the extraction, you'll be asked to bite on a sterile tampon for 20 minutes. On the day of the extraction, you should avoid moving your mouth frequently and avoid hot, cold, and hard foods. A sharp blow to the extraction site or hot foods and drinks can cause bleeding. If this happens, roll a clean piece of cotton in your hand, place it on the extraction site, and bite on it for 20 minutes. This will stop the bleeding by applying gentle pressure to the bleeding area. Apply ice externally to the extraction area. Wrap the ice pack in a cloth and press it against your cheek for 10 minutes, then rest for 10 minutes. If you have a habit of sleeping on your side, sleep on the opposite side rather than the side facing the extraction site. Use a high pillow when sleeping.

We will have different recommendations depending on the type and severity of your pain: If you are experiencing hot and cold sensitivity, avoid foods and drinks that trigger pain, i.e., contact with very hot and cold temperatures. Avoid acidic foods (cola, lemon, vinegar, etc.). Brush your teeth with a toothpaste high in fluoride, which is good for sensitivity, and see your doctor as soon as possible. If you have mild pain, avoid chewing hard foods on your teeth to exacerbate the pain. See your doctor as soon as possible, as this mild pain can be a sign of a very difficult night; don't ignore it. If you have severe pain, the pain usually worsens when your teeth touch. Maintain a fluid diet. Avoid cold foods and drinks. Heat is somewhat soothing in these situations; gargle with warm water. If you have a pain reliever at home, you can take it. If there is inflammation at the root of your tooth, a pain reliever may not completely cure the pain, but it will provide some relief. See your doctor as soon as possible. If the infection has developed in a decayed tooth that has been neglected for a long time, your pain may not go away immediately, even with your doctor's intervention. Your pain may last for a few days. Ideally, you should seek treatment before this happens.

Panoramic X-rays, which show the entire jaw, expose you to the same amount of radiation as spending an afternoon in the sun or sitting in front of a computer for three to four hours. In other words, you're exposed to about one-third the amount of radiation as a chest X-ray. Periapical X-rays, which show a single tooth, expose you to slightly less than half the amount of radiation as a panoramic X-ray.

Vitamin C deficiency is particularly likely to cause gum problems. Therefore, consuming green vegetables, kiwi, and oranges, which are sources of vitamin C, is beneficial. Strawberries and pineapples, with their various acids, help keep teeth clean. Apples, with their vitamins, minerals, and fruit acids, are beneficial for dental health. Their hard texture helps cleanse the mouth and teeth mechanically when chewed. Consuming fish, a source of phosphorus, is also beneficial for dental health. Consuming foods high in calcium is highly beneficial for the overall skeletal system and dental health. Among dairy products, we particularly recommend consuming cheese and yogurt.

You should consult your dentist before making a decision. We generally recommend using a medium-hard bristle brush. The way and frequency of brushing are more important than the brush itself. You should brush two or three times a day, massaging your gums with circular motions and applying normal finger pressure. After brushing all surfaces of your teeth—inner, outer, and chewing surfaces—finish by brushing your tongue. If you feel the need to apply too much pressure, use a soft brush. Brushing too hard can cause abrasion on the tooth surfaces. Electric brushes, thanks to their small heads and automatic rotating motion, allow for effective brushing without tiring you.

If you experience nausea while brushing your teeth, choose brushes with small heads and breathe deeply through your nose while brushing. Don't force yourself to finish brushing all at once. Take short breaks of a few seconds. Choose the toothpaste that tastes best to you. Mint-flavored toothpastes may be more soothing to your stomach.

If your gums bleed while brushing, do not stop brushing. Continue with normal brushing. Don’t worry—brushing will not harm your gums or cause more bleeding. This bleeding is usually due to gum inflammation, and as you continue brushing, the swelling will decrease, which will actually help relieve the problem. Therefore, do not avoid brushing, and make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

Toothpaste acts as an interface between the brush and your teeth while brushing. It allows the brush to move more easily over the tooth surface without causing damage. Its ingredients help support the tooth structure, and its flavor provides fresh breath. However, the most important factor is brushing your teeth effectively. For teeth with sensitivity, we recommend using toothpaste with a higher fluoride content.

We do not recommend using tooth polishing powders sold in markets or pharmacies. These powders contain abrasive particles. While they may seem to remove stains and whiten teeth initially, they actually wear down the tooth surface, leading to faster and more intense staining over time and causing damage to your teeth.

Using dental floss is essential for a complete oral cleaning. Even if you brush regularly, the bristles cannot fully reach between your teeth due to their close contact. Most cavities start between the teeth. After brushing thoroughly, you’ll be surprised by the debris removed with floss. Ideally, floss once a day after brushing at night. If you’re accustomed to flossing, you can also use it after meals during the day.

Porcelain veneer treatment is the prosthetic option that requires the least amount of tooth reduction. Compared to crowns and bridges, it requires much less shaving. However, the amount of reduction needed depends on the current shape of your teeth and the desired outcome. If the goal is to slightly enlarge a small tooth or bring a recessed tooth forward, almost no reduction is needed. But if a protruding tooth needs to be slightly repositioned inward, some reduction will be necessary.

When you have porcelain laminates, you may experience some sensitivity because a minimal amount of enamel is removed during the sessions. Temporary restorations are used both to ensure that your social life is not disrupted and to prevent aesthetic concerns during treatment, as well as to cover the tooth surfaces and minimize sensitivity risk. However, very cold or very hot foods may still be uncomfortable during this period. Following the bonding of the laminates, you may experience mild, temporary sensitivity for 1–4 weeks depending on the procedure and the adhesive materials used.

This issue will gradually decrease and disappear over time. Although porcelain laminates are quite durable, since they rely on bonding to the front surface of the tooth, we do not recommend biting or tearing very hard foods. We also advise you to be careful against impacts on the treated teeth. As with your natural teeth, please do not neglect brushing and using dental floss on teeth with porcelain laminates.

In the treatment of dental caries, tooth-colored, plastic-based composite fillings are used. A porcelain inlay/onlay is the process of filling the cavity formed after cleaning the dental decay with porcelain. Due to the structural properties of composite filling materials, they shrink over time, their color stability is not ideal, and they gradually lose their color match. Porcelain fillings, however, do not undergo dimensional changes over time and have excellent color stability. Considering these two characteristics, porcelain fillings are significantly superior to composite fillings. Porcelain fillings also have another very important advantage.

In cases where a large portion of the tooth structure has been lost and the remaining natural tissue is thin, composite material does not adequately support the existing tooth structure. During a strong impact or when chewing hard foods, the thin remaining tooth structure can fracture. Since porcelain is a harder and more durable material, it supports and strengthens the remaining tooth structure. Therefore, in cases where most of the tooth has been lost to decay and the natural tissue is thin, using a porcelain filling or a porcelain crown is a much better approach. For porcelain fillings, after the decay is cleaned and the tooth is shaped, an impression is taken and the porcelain filling is prepared in a laboratory. After being tried on the tooth, it is bonded in place. This treatment typically takes two sessions. Because it is made of porcelain, it is more expensive than a regular filling.

Teeth whitening generally lasts up to 3 years, but this duration can vary depending on your habits. Frequent use of staining substances such as tobacco, coffee, tea, or wine, or insufficient oral care can reduce this period to 6 months to 1 year. Avoiding these products, especially during the first 2 weeks after whitening, helps increase the longevity of the results.

After teeth whitening, you may experience sensitivity, which varies in intensity from person to person. Mild to moderate sensitivity can occur during the first few days. We want to remind you that this issue typically decreases on its own within a few days and is not a permanent problem.

Unfortunately, you cannot choose the exact shade because the whitening process works on your natural teeth. Some teeth are resistant to whitening and may lighten only 1–2 shades, while others can lighten 4–5 shades. We cannot determine this in advance, but generally, teeth with grayer tones tend to be more resistant to whitening.

Unfortunately, if proper oral hygiene is not maintained during orthodontic treatment, you may encounter some problems with your teeth and gums. Poorly brushed teeth can develop permanent white or brown spots, and the gums may become red and swollen. During treatment, teeth should be brushed at least three times a day with a fluoride toothpaste. While brushing, the gums and the areas around the brackets should also be cleaned. To clean around the brackets effectively, an interdental brush should be used.

Mild pain may occur for 3–5 days after the brackets are bonded and following routine adjustment appointments. If the brackets rub against the inside of your cheeks or lips and cause sores, your orthodontist can provide products to prevent this.

Yes. If no retainer is used after the treatment, your teeth may shift again. Retainers are designed to keep your teeth in their correct positions. Therefore, it is very important to use the retainer as instructed by your orthodontist.

Unfortunately, no. Careful eating is necessary while you have braces. Brackets and wires are fragile, and consuming the wrong foods can cause brackets to break or loosen. Broken or loose brackets cannot properly move your teeth, which can extend the treatment time. During orthodontic treatment, it is very important to choose softer foods, cut food into small pieces instead of biting directly, and avoid acidic drinks.

Treatment with clear aligners is more aesthetic and comfortable, but for some misalignments, braces are more appropriate. Aligners won’t work if they are not used consistently. If you’re not disciplined in this regard, braces may be the better choice for you.

Preventing your child from being afraid of the dentist is in your hands. First, take your child to the dentist even when there’s no dental problem. This helps break the perception that the dentist is only visited when there’s pain or a problem. A check-up or a simple preventive treatment when there’s no pain helps your child see visiting the dentist as a comfortable experience and builds trust in the doctor. When going to the dentist, avoid saying things like “don’t be afraid, it won’t hurt.” Such words can have the opposite effect, making your child think the dentist might cause pain. Children immediately sense their parents’ anxiety; even if you say nothing, they may feel threatened as soon as they notice your worry. If you cannot control your own anxiety, it is recommended to leave your child with the dentist during the examination.

Baby teeth erupt first and are later replaced by permanent teeth. If a baby tooth is lost early, the eruption of the underlying permanent tooth can be disrupted, causing problems with its position, sequence, and alignment. To prevent this, it is important to keep baby teeth healthy for as long as they are needed in the mouth. In cases of early baby tooth loss, a space maintainer can be used to preserve the space for the incoming permanent tooth. If a decayed baby tooth is not treated, it can cause pain and infection, harming your child’s overall health. Therefore, the health and treatment of baby teeth are just as important as permanent teeth.