Patient Questions
Short answers to what patients ask most. Tap a question to open it.
GRINDING & JAW
Do I really grind my teeth?
Signs include a tired jaw on waking, flat or chipped teeth, and temple headaches. Take the 2-minute self-check.
Does a night guard stop grinding?
No. It protects teeth and dental work; the causes are managed separately.
Hard or soft night guard?
A hard, custom-made guard fits closely and keeps the bite balanced; soft pharmacy guards can encourage chewing.
What is a Michigan splint?
A hard acrylic splint with a flat surface and canine guidance that relaxes the chewing muscles.
My jaw clicks. Is it serious?
Painless clicking is common and often needs no treatment; pain or locking should be checked.
Why do I wake with headaches?
Night grinding or clenching is a common cause; sleep problems should also be checked.
Can stress cause jaw pain?
Yes, clenching during stress or concentration strains the jaw muscles.
What is lips together, teeth apart?
At rest, your teeth should not touch. Checking this reduces daytime clenching.
Is grinding linked to snoring?
Sometimes. Loud snoring or pauses in breathing need a medical sleep check.
CROWNS & WORN TEETH
Why are my teeth getting shorter?
Grinding, acid (reflux, drinks) or hard brushing. The cause decides the treatment.
Can worn teeth be rebuilt?
Yes, with bonding, onlays or crowns, after controlling the cause.
Zirconia or E.max?
Zirconia for strength (back teeth, grinders); E.max for natural translucency (front teeth).
How long does a crown last?
Often many years with good care and regular check-ups; grinding shortens its life, so a guard helps.
IMPLANTS
Implant or bridge for one missing tooth?
An implant avoids cutting the neighbouring teeth; a bridge is faster.
Am I too old for implants?
Age alone is rarely the issue; general health and bone matter more.
What is a full-arch bridge on a titanium bar?
Fixed teeth for a whole jaw on 4 to 6 implants joined by a milled bar.
Who places the implant?
Implant surgery is done by a consultant surgeon; Dr Basha provides the prosthetic part: the crowns, bridges and dentures on the implants.
How do I clean implant teeth?
Brush twice daily, clean between with floss or small brushes, and attend check-ups.
DENTURES & SMILE
Will dentures look natural?
Custom teeth and gum shades are chosen to suit your face.
My denture is loose. What can I do?
A reline or an implant-retained denture can help.
Can I sleep with my denture?
It is usually better to remove it at night so the gums can rest.
What is smile design?
Planning your new smile digitally and trying it in your mouth before treatment.
Do veneers damage teeth?
Modern veneers need minimal preparation; your case decides.
YOUR VISIT
What should I bring to my first visit?
The first-visit form, pain map, medicines list and any recent X-rays (see Patient Resources).
How long is the first visit?
Usually 30 to 45 minutes, including examination and discussion of options.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, insurance is accepted.
How do I book?
Through Al-Ahli Hospital online booking or 4489 8888 / 4489 8000 (see Contact).
Can I send photos for advice first?
Yes, see the Second Opinion page.
Do you see patients referred by other dentists?
Yes; your dentist stays informed.
Is there a book I can read?
The Bruxism Solution, coming soon on Amazon Kindle.