Your dental questions, answered
Straightforward answers to the questions our patients ask most often, reviewed by Dr. Sandhya Goli. For advice about your own teeth, please book an examination.
Last reviewed: September 2026
Tooth pain & sensitivity
Why does my tooth hurt when I drink cold water?
Short, sharp pain with cold is usually caused by exposed dentine — from enamel wear, gum recession or a small cavity. Sensitivity toothpaste can help, but pain that lingers after the cold is removed may indicate deeper decay or nerve inflammation and should be checked by a dentist.
Why does my tooth hurt at night?
Night-time toothache often signals inflammation of the tooth's nerve (pulpitis) from deep decay or a crack; lying down increases blood flow to the head and can intensify pain. Clenching or grinding at night can also cause morning tooth and jaw pain. See a dentist promptly.
Can a cavity heal by itself?
Very early enamel demineralisation (a white spot) can sometimes be reversed with fluoride and better hygiene. Once a cavity has formed a hole, it cannot heal by itself and needs a filling to stop it progressing.
What should I do for severe tooth pain?
Rinse with warm salt water, take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed on the pack, and contact a dentist as soon as possible. Seek urgent hospital care if you have facial swelling spreading to the eye or neck, fever, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Root canal
Is root canal treatment painful?
With modern local anaesthesia, a root canal usually feels similar to having a filling. The pain people associate with root canals mostly comes from the infection itself, which the treatment relieves. Mild tenderness for a few days afterwards is normal.
How long does a root canal take?
Many root canals are completed in one or two appointments of about 60–90 minutes each. Molars with more canals, or teeth with severe infection, may need additional visits.
Is a root canal better than an extraction?
When a tooth can be predictably restored, saving it with a root canal is generally preferred because it keeps your natural tooth, bite and bone. Extraction may be advised if the tooth is badly broken or has a poor prognosis.
Dental implants
How long do dental implants last?
With good daily cleaning, regular check-ups and no smoking, dental implants can last for many years and often decades. The crown attached to the implant may need replacing over time due to normal wear.
Are dental implants painful?
Implant placement is performed under local anaesthesia, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain. Mild soreness and swelling for a few days afterwards is common and usually controlled with simple pain relief.
Who is suitable for dental implants?
Most healthy adults with missing teeth and enough jawbone — or who can have bone grafting — are suitable. Uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking and active gum disease can reduce success and may need to be addressed first.
Braces & aligners
Is Invisalign better than braces?
Neither is better for everyone. Clear aligners are discreet and removable, suiting many adults with mild to moderate problems. Fixed braces work continuously and are often more predictable for complex bite corrections.
How long does Invisalign take?
Most clear aligner treatments take between 6 and 18 months, depending on how far teeth need to move and how consistently aligners are worn — ideally 20–22 hours a day.
At what age should a child see an orthodontist?
An orthodontic check around age 7–8 helps identify bite and space problems early. Many problems are treated in the teenage years, and adults can have orthodontic treatment at any age.
Cosmetic dentistry
Are veneers permanent?
Porcelain veneers are usually considered a permanent, irreversible treatment when some enamel is removed. The veneers themselves typically last 10–15 years or more and may eventually need replacement.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Professional whitening results typically last from several months to a couple of years. Limiting tea, coffee, red wine and tobacco, and keeping up regular cleanings, helps results last longer.
Can I see my new smile before treatment?
Yes. Digital smile design and a trial mock-up allow you to preview the proposed shape and proportions of your new smile before any irreversible treatment begins.
Gums
Why do my gums bleed when I brush?
Bleeding gums are most often a sign of gingivitis — inflammation caused by plaque along the gumline. It is common but not normal. Professional cleaning and improved brushing and flossing usually reverse it within weeks.
What causes persistent bad breath?
Most persistent bad breath comes from bacteria on the tongue and in gum pockets. Gum disease, dry mouth, decay and some foods or medical conditions can contribute. A dental check-up helps identify the cause.
Children's teeth
When should my child first see a dentist?
By their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Early visits help prevent decay, guide parents on brushing and diet, and help children feel comfortable at the dentist.
Do baby teeth need to be treated if they will fall out?
Yes, usually. Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth and are needed for chewing and speech. Untreated decay can cause pain, infection and problems for the developing adult teeth.
Jaw & sleep
Can a dentist treat jaw pain?
Yes. Dentists commonly assess and manage TMJ-related jaw pain and teeth grinding using custom night guards, bite assessment and self-care strategies, and refer to other specialists when needed.
Can a dentist help with snoring?
Yes. A dentist can make a custom oral appliance that holds the lower jaw slightly forward to help keep the airway open. Because loud snoring can signal sleep apnea, a medical sleep assessment is recommended first.
Ready for a healthier smile?
Book a consultation at OGHA Dental, Gachibowli. Call, WhatsApp or send us your preferred time — we'll confirm your appointment.